Bahamas in March - Would you or wouldn't you?

[4merlurker]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and finally book - The only thing holding me back is the fear that it just wont be warm enough in the Bahamas to truly enjoy it. There are only 3 port stops, Florida, Nassau & Coco Cay. The timing in the ports is weird - We get to nassau at 1pm - Doesnt everything close by 6pm? Then we are docked till midnight. :confused: Is this the normal time frame for this cruise or is it based on the time of year. Cant decide if it's worth it or if I should look at Caribbean itinerary...which really jumps up in price. :(

 

If you've done this cruise this time of year please chime in....

[staceyeileen]

The average high in Nassau in March is 80. You'll be fine.

[reney313]

I haven't sailed from the NE to Bahamas before so I can't speak on that.

 

I have sailed to Coco Cay and Nassau many times though...I don't think it should be "cold" in March. I have sailed there in January, February and March before and all times it was hot and sunny. There is always risk of a cool day, but that has been against my experience.

 

Florida seems to be pickier...it can be cooler there, but my March it should still be warm enough if a cold front is over the area. Otherwise, it will be nice and sunny.

 

I guess I'll defer to those that live in FL on this board :) That has just been my experience from visiting.

[sharod]

Our last cruise was in March. I thought the weather was great! I wouldn't hesitate to book this month again. This includes Nassau.

 

Not sure what the water temperature was in the Bahama's, we didn't get in the water until we went to St Martin. There is was WONDERFUL!!!

[leaveitallbehind]

Was just there a couple of weeks ago (Explorer) and while it is still early in the winter season the weather was great. I would expect the weather there to be fine in March as well. The Nassau port times are a little funny (2 PM - midnight) but we didn't really want to do any excursions and saved the beach day for CocoCay. So we just hung out in Nassau and shopped, etc., during the afternoon, then after dinner took a cab to Atlantis for the night and wandered around there at the Aquarium and spent time in the casino. All a bit low key - and low cost - I admit, but we had a good time.

 

CocoCay was great and privided all the beach time we needed. Also had a port of call at Port Canaveral (1 PM - 11 PM) at which we spent the afternoon at Cape Canaveral and then back on the ship for a late dinner at Portofino's. Fit those times well also.

[cruiseguy1016]

We almost always cruise in March. We have been to the Bahamas several times in March and the weather has always been great. You don't have to worry about temps. You'll be fine.

[F27TW]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and finally book - The only thing holding me back is the fear that it just wont be warm enough in the Bahamas to truly enjoy it. There are only 3 port stops, Florida, Nassau & Coco Cay. The timing in the ports is weird - We get to nassau at 1pm - Doesnt everything close by 6pm? Then we are docked till midnight. :confused: Is this the normal time frame for this cruise or is it based on the time of year. Cant decide if it's worth it or if I should look at Caribbean itinerary...which really jumps up in price. :(

 

If you've done this cruise this time of year please chime in....

 

We did Monarch in March 2010 and 2011. Cruise was great, of course, tho the weather was Meh .. . The first year was colder than the following (they had a cold snap down there, of course) and we missed Coco Cay due to the seas being to rough to tender. I understand this does happen pretty regularly this time of year, if Coco Cay's an important stop for you.

The following year, it was much nicer, tho. Just Warm enough to swim and we did make it to Coco Cay that time, which was really great!

Bottom line, its a crap shoot as to whether ur weather will be nice and warm. Sorta like booking during hurricane season .. well maybe not THAT extreme! :D

Nassau was still hoppin (the bar area right across from the piers) even as we pulled out at midnight. That night sailing from NAS was really neat, i thought! And trust me even if those skanky crappy shops along there do close at 6pm -- you've seen it all by that point anyway and you;re ready to get back to your nice ship!

 

And since you are from the northeast .. FLY DOWN THE DAY BEFORE .... !!

Enjoy ur cruise -- even if its a little cool, its still a great time !

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Weather in the Bahamas in March *should* be fine, nice and warm. I would not go any earlier than that...January and Feb are too cold in the Bahamas, IMO. Anything can happen, but you should be fine.

[uksimonusa]

Looks like the OP may be cruising from the NE, down to the Bahamas, while the weather in the Bahamas will be around 80*f and probably about the same in Port Canaveral, unless we have a cold front, it's 75* here at the moment, the trip down the coast may be a bit chilly

[4merlurker]

Thanks everyone! My fears are put to rest! Bahamas in March it is!!!! :) No I just have to convince the rest of our party LOL!

[leaveitallbehind]

Thanks everyone! My fears are put to rest! Bahamas in March it is!!!! :) No I just have to convince the rest of our party LOL!

 

Enjoy!

[cb at sea]

December and January (and maybe, early Feb.) could have some chillier days....but in all, the weather is more like south Florida....so March should be quite nice!

[RCI Cruisers 004]

I would be more worried about an over abundance of school kids than the temps !

[4merlurker]

Thanks again everyone! We are officially cruising in March! Yay!!!!! :D

[Aquahound]

Thanks again everyone! We are officially cruising in March! Yay!!!!! :D

 

Good for you. :) Realize that March is college Spring Break time and the ship could be filled with SB revelers. Just something to be aware of. ;)

[cds2423]

We have booked the Explorer for Feb 10, i had the same concerns as you, BUT no matter how not hot it is in the Bahamas in Feb-March it is, it will be warmer than it is here in Montreal. The price was way too good to pass up and we figured if the weather isn't the greatest we will just enjoy the ship! Cheers :)

[emen822]

I am a bit concerned about it as well but I'm going anyway. :) The port times are odd and I'm not thrilled with the port stops (although I've never been to Coco Cay!) but the major plusses are I'm traveling with my sisters and their families and we don't have to fly. :D

[Pug Mom]

Was just there a couple of weeks ago (Explorer) and while it is still early in the winter season the weather was great. I would expect the weather there to be fine in March as well. The Nassau port times are a little funny (2 PM - midnight) but we didn't really want to do any excursions and saved the beach day for CocoCay. So we just hung out in Nassau and shopped, etc., during the afternoon, then after dinner took a cab to Atlantis for the night and wandered around there at the Aquarium and spent time in the casino. All a bit low key - and low cost - I admit, but we had a good time.

 

CocoCay was great and privided all the beach time we needed. Also had a port of call at Port Canaveral (1 PM - 11 PM) at which we spent the afternoon at Cape Canaveral and then back on the ship for a late dinner at Portofino's. Fit those times well also.

 

We will be sailing on Explorer Easter week to the Bahamas. Had planned on hanging out on the ship in Nassau but that could change. Was the ride to Altantis worth while to see the Aquarium? It would be the only interesting point at the resort for us.

[Bocadude85]

Its been 80-85 here everyday since christmas. Its suppose to cool down into the 70's by this weekend. By March its usally in the low to mid 80's here in South Florida.. you can expect similar weather in the Bahamas.

[Toddcan]

No idea if our experience was typical, but we went on a Bahamas cruise in March a few years ago, and it was quite hot on the beaches. The water was beautiful.

[FishOn55]

Its been 80-85 here everyday since christmas. Its suppose to cool down into the 70's by this weekend. By March its usally in the low to mid 80's here in South Florida.. you can expect similar weather in the Bahamas.

 

I also live in Florida and have been to the Bahamas many times in March (wedding anniversary on the 18th). Although the outside air temp may be the 80's, most likely the water temp will be alot cooler. I remember not being able to go in the ocean many times in March due to the cold temperature.

 

Other than swimming, all of the other outdoor activites should be wonderful. Don't forget to take a wrap or sweater for the cooler evening temps.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[Mark_K]

My biggest concern about a short Bahamas cruise in March would not be the weather, it would be the spring breakers.

[middvillmom]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and finally book - The only thing holding me back is the fear that it just wont be warm enough in the Bahamas to truly enjoy it. There are only 3 port stops, Florida, Nassau & Coco Cay. The timing in the ports is weird - We get to nassau at 1pm - Doesnt everything close by 6pm? Then we are docked till midnight. :confused: Is this the normal time frame for this cruise or is it based on the time of year. Cant decide if it's worth it or if I should look at Caribbean itinerary...which really jumps up in price. :(

 

If you've done this cruise this time of year please chime in....

 

This will be our first time to Bahamas on cruise in March to Bahamas, so can't really answer. Definitely I feel it will be much much warmer then where we are in Jersey and well worth the visit. Can't wait to get on that cruise ship!! Port times are definitely a little weird, but I don't care, I'm on vacation!! :) Good luck in your decision

 

Nancy

[nbsjcruiser]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and finally book - The only thing holding me back is the fear that it just wont be warm enough in the Bahamas to truly enjoy it. There are only 3 port stops, Florida, Nassau & Coco Cay. The timing in the ports is weird - We get to nassau at 1pm - Doesnt everything close by 6pm? Then we are docked till midnight. :confused: Is this the normal time frame for this cruise or is it based on the time of year. Cant decide if it's worth it or if I should look at Caribbean itinerary...which really jumps up in price. :(

 

If you've done this cruise this time of year please chime in....

 

First time we went to Nassau was in March - I remember it as being almost too hot. You will be fine.

[Athankfulheart]

We did the Key West, Nassau, CC itinerary in March 09' and 10' for Valentines Day. Both times we enjoyed the water at Coco Cay. Im not one to swim much at home and only in warm water.