Trip Report: Bimini, Bahamas

Greetings from the Bimini Islands, the westernmost islands in the Bahamas. Because of their position in the Atlantic Ocean, they are the islands most-closest to the United States and just 50 miles east of Miami.

We're sailing on Carnival Glory which departed yesterday from Port Canaveral. We were going to be the last ship to depart so we got to view the "Parade of Ships" departing before us. This is the second largest cruise ship in the world, the brand new Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas.

Sister ship Carnival Freedom sailing out. Other than different names for the venues on board, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory are otherwise identical ships.

Disney Wish. Disney gets top dollar for their sailings and if you have kids it's probably a must. But otherwise, you can sail for one-third the price on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC.

Cruise ships generally go to New Providence Island (Nassau) in the Bahamas and to their private islands. Fewer ships go to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport/Lucaya) and even fewer to Bimini. But with the construction of this new pier, Bimini is becoming more popular. North Bimini Island is only about 7 miles long and only 700 yards wide.

The casino provides free tram transportation between the dock and their property or their beach. It's also possible to hire a taxi to tour the island. Our solution was to rent a golf cart which cost $100 for the day. Just remember to drive on the left! There really isn't all that much to see on Bimini but it is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

The Bimini Bay Resort, now known as Resorts World Bimini, is the most modern destination in the Bimini Islands. It is one of only 3 casinos in the Bahamas, the other two being in the Nassau area.

Resorts World Bimini is anchored by the casino and this Hilton hotel complex.

Beautiful white sand beaches line the western shore of North Bimini.

And looking south towards Radio Beach.

Where we had lunch at famous CJ's Deli. Many beachfront shacks here where they'll slice-off the top of a coconut for you and fill it with whatever liquor you desire!

It was all too soon time to sail on. That's MSC Seashore off in the distance, sailing from MSC's private island Ocean Cay which is also part of the Bimini Islands. We'll see her again up close tomorrow in Nassau.