Each island is unique. Every beach is pristine. The Bahamas is more than the sum of its parts. Comprised of over 700 islands, cays, and islets, a cruise is the perfect way to deliver you to this sun-soaked paradise, where every new port offers a unique experience, every breeze is warm, and white and pink sands curve alongside turquoise waters. But beach chairs and tropical drinks are only the beginning of the Bahamian flavor. Imagine jet-ski adventures, dolphin encounters, snorkeling your way through massive coral reefs, and dune buggy jaunts amidst palm trees and iridescent sands. It's all there, waiting for you experience on your next Bahamas cruise adventure.

Here's one of the best features of the Bahamas: they're easily accessible to American cruise enthusiasts. In contrast with the deeper-seated Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are much closer to the mainland United States – in fact, these fantastic islands begin only 50 miles off of Florida's coast. What this means for cruisers, of course, is accessibility. Those boarding their cruise ship and departing from Florida ports, such as Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, can find themselves on a Bahamian island mere hours after their vessel leaves its mooring. This proximity also unlocks cruise departures from New York City, where modern cruise vessels can easily power down the East Coast and deliver passengers into a Bahamian paradise in just over a single day.

The best news of all: every major cruise line offers incredible escapes to the Bahamian Islands. These cruise lines include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Virgin Voyages

For those interested in indulging in a luxury cruise experience during their Bahamian travels, you're in luck: many cruise lines that specialize in luxury sailings offer Bahamas cruise itineraries.

Here's some good news: there's a great chance that a cruise to the Bahamas departs from a port near you. Choose from one of twelve departure ports in the United States that will get you straight to Bahamas action (and Bahamas relaxin'), fast. These include:

Of course, the most popular pastimes of the Bahamas include relaxing by sparkling ocean waters, sipping rum punch, and snorkeling through coral reefs. In truth, the Bahamas represents even more exciting adventures, fun, and history for those who long for such experiences. You'll most definitely want to check out the following locales.

• Port Lucaya Marketplace.

  If you're bound for Grand Bahamian Island, you won't want to miss this exciting (and always bustling) marketplace. Simply stated, this is the prime location for shopping, dining, and entertainment on Grand Bahama. You'll find over 120 unique handicrafts and straw vendors that sport a huge selection of bags, hats, baskets and more. The marketplace is also a fantastic venue for launching an exciting excursion – take a bike tour, jet-ski over turquoise waters, begin a historical hike through picturesque architecture and more!

• Pig Beach

  What's pink and black and cute all over? Island pigs, of course! Stop in at the Exumas and hop into the warm waters to swim alongside these peppy porcines. These creatures are friendly and love meeting people – and best of all, they're happy to dog paddle (pig-paddle?) alongside island visitors. Although nobody's certain where the pigs came from originally (there is talk that their animal ancestors were mistakenly left by sailors once upon a time), the fact is that these pigs are here, today, and ready to mingle.

• Versailles Gardens & The French Cloister.

  If you've an eye for nature, you owe it to yourself to visit Paradise Island. Past its beaches lie the Versailles Gardens (alongside the ornate and historic French Cloister) that exude the natural splendor of the Bahamian islands. View incredible and diverse species of flowers, spread out across a multi-terraced landscape set in a rectangular design.

• Off-Road Tours – 4WD, ATV & More.

  Imagine coasting down gorgeous beaches, kicking up white sands and feeling an inviting ocean breeze in your hair. Nassau, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and more locales all offer ATV tours of some of their respective island's most beautiful sights. Learn more about the history of these fascinating locales, wind your way through thick jungles, see waterfalls up close and personal, and let the adrenaline guide you to your next destination!

• Atlantis.

  Located on Paradise Island, and accessible from the port of Nassau, waits a thrilling experience for every member in your family (or party). Take a spin at the casino or spot porpoises and sea turtles from viewing aquariums located beneath the resort's pathways. A dolphin encounter experience will let you hug these intelligent sea creatures, and you won't want to miss the marketplaces contained within – ideal for sourcing the perfect souvenir for those back home.