The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise \rdestination for U.S. travelers, and is especially \rpopular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only \r75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make \rup the group can be reached within a matter of hours. \rThis makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of \rlocation for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, \rthree or four nights away from home.

Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the \rBahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. \rCruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman \rports - Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the \risland of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact \rcity that is easy to explore inside a day's shore \rexcursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - \rand of course its people. Late 18th century and early \r19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of \rBahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown \rNassau offers a unique perspective on the city's \rarchitecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose \rmarble statue of Queen Victoria.

But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant \rmodern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and \rgolden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm \rtransparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all \rthere to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, \rdiving and passenger submarine rides make for an \rexciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife \rin Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs \roffering the best of Bahamian life.

A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand \rBahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to \rhome. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, \rFreeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists \rwith open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the \rbiggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself \rfeatures a 10-acre international bazaar - a real \rshopping paradise in the tropics!

The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, \rnightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are \ramongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a \rgreat night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.

For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer \rduration than four nights, some cruise lines offer \rspecial extended cruises, several of which incorporate \ra port call at a private island owned by the cruise \rcompany.

Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. \rPort Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the \rbig three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if \ryou're looking to take a short romantic break, or just \rfancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get \ryourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. \rBahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee \ryou that the experience will be one that lives long in \rthe memory.

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 \rsource \rfor cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit \rhttp://www.azcruises.com \rnow to book your very own dream Bahamas Cruise vacation.