Recently I had the opportunity to go on a Disney cruise with my family (annual trips are the ultimate Christmas present since we are scattered across the country and don’t get to see each other much.) Our ship let port on Monday and Tuesday morning we woke up docked in a gorgeous Bahamian island, Nassau.
The sunrise on this first morning was stunning. Sunrises and sunsets photograph the best when there are clouds around to reflect the rays of the sun. So if you’re into morning or evening photography, look for the clouds!
When you first step off the boat, one of the most noticeable things about the island is the abundance of brightly colored buildings. I have been to Nassau before and generally observed the same thing, but as I was photographing various parts of the island and looking for interesting shots and angles, the buildings kept grabbing my attention. Situated against a bright, cloudless Caribbean blue sky, these buildings are the supermodels of the architecture world and so much fun to look at.
One of the places I was bound and determined to visit was a place called the Queen’s Staircase. It’s a little further inland than I had ventured before, but the jungle-like foliage and the interesting history of the place made it worth the adventure (although my brothers and sister-in-law may disagree.) The history of the island in general is fascinating and these stairs are no exception. Built in 1793-94 the 66 step staircase was carved completely out of limestone by slaves and provided a direct and escape route for the British soldiers who occupied Fort Fincastle located at the top of the stairs.
Besides its vibrant cultural emphasis and colorful history, Nassau is a close neighbor to Paradise Island, famously known for Atlantis (or as we like to call it ‘the giant pink hotel). A stunning resort just a taxi ride away from the cruise ship docks and bustling Bay Street, Atlantis provides its guests with amenities such as beautiful vistas of the Caribbean sea, private beaches, high-scale dining, sea animal adventures (you can actually swim in a pool with sharks below you), and a myriad of other fun and relaxing activities. It’s also just really pretty to look at from Deck 12 of the Disney Dream.
