So, are you looking for some shopping therapy? That is just one of the things that you will find in Nassau, the Bahamas.  Whether you luxuriate in the intriguing boutiques and curio shops that line Nassau’s streets or head over to Paradise Island, you’ll be in retail heaven.

With a savings of up to 50% on everything from knickknacks to wine, whisky, cigarettes and fine jewelry, Nassau is definitely the place to scratch that shopping itch.  Of course the idea of being able to shop in the mornings and bask on a beach in the afternoons is no small draw for the area either.

One of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, Nassau is a charming tropical town with shady, tree-lined streets, colonial architecture in soft whites and pastel shades and policemen in sharp white jackets and colorful helmets who direct traffic with aplomb.

You could wander these streets for hours just soaking up the atmosphere for there is everything you could possibly want out of a Caribbean town here.  There are charming sidewalk cafes where you can sip cold drinks and look out over the ocean.  There are sandy white beaches that are just begging to be relaxed on.  There is even a wide range of night life for those who are not exhausted from a long day of relaxation.  But perhaps one of the best parts of Nassau is the markets.

As mentioned, shopping here is duty free which means that you can truly indulge in purchases that you would otherwise not be able to afford.  But where, exactly, are the best places to shop?

If you are coming to Nassau from the docks where your cruise line has pulled in, you’ll want to start with the marina Village Shops that are within a quick walk of the ship berths.  These low-lying white buildings house dozens of stores and shops where you can find just about anything that you could possibly want.  But don’t feel as if you have to stop there!  Head on into Nassau proper and discover dozens more shops tucked into the charming colonial buildings that give this town such a quaint appearance.

If you are truly daring you might want to head for the Straw Market.  A little bit further of a walk than the Marina shops, the Straw Market is where you can find an incredible array of products – many of them hand made – for prices that will have your eyes popping and will send you back to your ship laden down with dozens of packages.

Even if you don’t buy anything, the Straw Market is truly an adventure with dozens of stalls crammed into a low-lying white tent where you could reach out your arms and sweep everything off of the shelves on either side of you if you had a mind to.  In some stalls you’ll find craftsmen plying their trade; in others you’ll find stall owners who give Tarot readings or palm readings in addition to their sale for-sale goods.

Keep in mind that if you spend over $500 you will have to fill out a tax form on the ship for re-entry to the US, but if you keep it under $500 you are truly tax free!