Tips and Updates from My Latest Bahamas Cruise


Hi Reader,

I just got back from my latest cruise a couple of weeks ago, and if you’re planning a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, this issue brings together a few helpful updates and the cabin essentials I never sail without. Whether your itinerary includes Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, or a departure from Port Canaveral, these tips can help you make the most of your trip.

A Quick Update From the Bahamas

On my latest cruise, we were scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral to Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove. Hurricane Melissa changed the plan and rerouted us to Nassau instead of Amber Cove. It was a good reminder that itineraries can shift during storm season, but you can still have a great day in port.

In Nassau, we took a land tour centered on the island’s history and local flavors. We visited a rum cake factory, a rum distillery, and a tea factory, each offering a look at how local products are made. We wrapped up the tour with lunch, which made the day relaxed and memorable.

4 Things I Always Pack for a Cruise

These four small items make every cruise cabin easier to manage.

Magnetic hooks
Cabin walls are metal, so magnetic hooks help keep hats, lanyards, day bags, and swimsuits organized.

A motion-sensored bathroom light
A small motion-activated light keeps the cabin dark at night and makes late-night bathroom trips easier.

An international plug adapter
Cruise cabins never have enough outlets. An international adapter makes it easier to keep everything charged. This one will work in a standard US plug or the European plug that is on most cruise ships.

A small suitcase-cleaning ball
My newest must-have. It traps the sand that often hides in snorkeling gear and beach bags, so it doesn’t settle into clothes.

Related Reads on Travel Must Do’s

If a Bahamas cruise is on your calendar, these guides can help you plan.

Celebration Key

Half Moon Cay

Nassau

Port Canaveral

My Cruise Day Essentials

I gathered all my favorite cruise accessories, cabin helpers, beach-day must-haves, and snorkeling gear in one place.
My Cruise Essentials List and Beach Day Essentials List

Until next time,
Melodie
Travel Must Do’s

P.S. Join the Come Travel with Melodie Facebook group to share tips for travel or get advice before your next trip.

P.P.S. Some links may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy something, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting the blog!

Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources

We recommend:
👉 Tour CompanyViator and GetYourGuide
🛳️ Cruise CompanyExpedia
👉 Book Accommodationsbooking.com or Vrbo
🚗 Rental CarRentalcars.com
👉 Travel InsuranceInsubuy
🛬 FlightsKayak.com and WayAway

📱 eSIM - GigSky (great for cruises and on land)

Travel Must Do's

Join Travel Must Do’s email list to get expert travel tips and unique destination ideas that'll make your next trip extraordinary. It’s the easiest way to access exclusive travel insights and inspiring stories that can’t be found anywhere else.

Read more from Travel Must Do's

Hi Reader, Fall is one of my favorite times to travel — cooler weather, changing leaves, smaller crowds, and great deals! Whether you’re chasing vibrant foliage, squeezing in a warm beach getaway before winter, or cheering at a stadium game, there are plenty of amazing destinations to explore this season. Here are a few Travel Must Do’s for your fall travel list. 🏔️ Best Fall Destinations to Visit 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina This is one of the best spots...

iPhone Calculator Currency Converter

Hi Reader, On almost every trip, there are a few mobile apps I can’t do without. From booking flights and hotels to finding the nearest restroom, these apps make travel easier and less stressful. Here are the ones I recommend keeping on your phone. Best Mobile Apps for Travel General AppsThese cover the basics: Airlines – download your airline’s app for mobile boarding passes, flight updates, and seat selection. Hotels – Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and other hotel apps let you book, check in,...

College Gameday last on with Lee Corso

Hi Reader, Stadium events aren’t just about the show—they’re an experience. The energy of the crowd, the traditions, and the memories made are part of what makes travel special. Recently, we’ve been lucky enough to attend two very different, but equally unforgettable games. If you’re planning to attend a stadium event while traveling—whether a game or a concert—here’s what I learned and what I recommend. First up was a preseason NFL matchup—Commanders vs. Bengals. It may not have been the...