One-Way Cruises From Florida to Bahamas

People have traveled to the Bahamas for decades. Its tropical climate, crystal blue waters and sugar white beaches continue to attract people of all ages, as do its outdoor adventures, eclectic duty-free shopping and casinos. If you are looking to save some money and have a little adventure the next time you travel from the United States to the Bahamas, consider a one-way cruise from Florida.

Many would argue that while longer, a cruise to the Bahamas offers much more fun than a plane trip. As of 2017, Discover Island Cruises is the only carrier that offers an all-inclusive, one-way experience that includes meals, drinks, recreational activities and even gambling. It takes about 3.5 hours to travel between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport, Bahamas. The one-way cruise, which features about 7 hours of leisure time on the island, gives you the opportunity to enjoy everything a longer cruise offers, all in one fun-filled day.

As of 2017, Discovery Island Cruises' fares start at less than $75 per person for the day. This is a fraction of the cost of a plane ticket. If you’re looking to save even more and don't mind missing the cruise experience, The MailBoat Company carries cargo and passengers from Florida to the Bahamas. Adults can travel one way for less than $65, with even greater discounts for seniors, children and infants.

Both Discover Island Cruises one-day cruises and The MailBoat Company depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Established as a deep-water harbor in 1927, the port today is teeming with cruise ships. The port is located near the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and easily accessible via Interstate 595.

Discovery Island Cruises’ one-day cruise from Florida travels to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Visitors to Freeport will find plenty of restaurants, casinos, and duty-free shopping that includes jewelry, crystal and clothing. Outdoor adventures here include all types of water sports and swimming with dolphins. In addition to Freeport, The MailBoat Company travels to Naussau on Paradise Island, a tropical island home to luxury resorts, casinos and shopping, along with golf courses and spas.

When traveling by sea, U.S. citizens need to present either a passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) -compliant document like a government-issued photo ID or driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate. Children under the age of 16 must show an original birth certificate and travelers from other countries must have a valid passport.