Bimini () is the westernmost district of the Bahamas and comprises a chain of islands located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) due east of Miami. Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to the mainland United States and approximately 210 km (130 mi) west-northwest of Nassau.
▸Getting ashore in Bimini
Day 3
About the MS Empress
Rated 4.2 out of 5. Sample score from the demo catalog, not a guest rating — reviews written on Sail Away are listed, counted and credited separately.★★★★★★★★★★4.2· sample score
MS Empress is a cruise ship operated by Cordelia Cruises, 48,563 GT, carrying up to 1,602 guests. Specifications sourced from Wikidata (CC0).
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Freeport is a city, district and free trade zone on the island of Grand Bahama in the northwest part of The Bahamas. In 1955, Wallace Groves, a Virginian financier with lumber interests in Grand Bahama, was granted 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) of pineyard with substantial areas of swamp and scrubland by the Bahamian government with a mandate to economically develop the area.
▸Getting ashore in Freeport
Day 4Key West· United States
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Key West (Spanish: Cayo Hueso [kaʝo ˈweso]) is a coral cay island in the Straits of Florida, at the southernmost end of the U.S. state of Florida and its outlying Florida Keys archipelago. Together with all or parts of the separate islands of Dredgers Key, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and the northern part of Stock Island, it constitutes the City of Key West.
What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.
Save the balcony money
5 port days and no sea day — you are ashore in daylight and asleep the rest. An interior cabin costs about $250 less per person, which is most of a shore excursion budget.
5 port days back to back
Early tenders and late returns, several days running, with no sea day to recover in. Pick the two ports you actually care about and let one of the others be a lie-in — the itinerary is not a checklist.
Day one and the last day are half-days
A 5-night cruise is really 4 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.
Money on board · Cordelia Cruises
Already in the fare
Accommodation in your chosen cabin category.Meals in the main dining rooms and buffet restaurants.Access to most on-board entertainment, such as live music, shows, and some activities.Use of the swimming pool and fitness center.Access to the casino and nightclub, though any gambling or purchases within are extra.
The drinks package
Cordelia Cruises may offer various drinks packages; please confirm current pricing directly with the line when booking.
Break-even: To make a typical drinks package worthwhile, you would usually need to consume around 4-6 alcoholic beverages or premium non-alcoholic drinks daily, such as specialty coffees or fresh juices. This can vary based on the package and drink prices.
A drinks package generally suits guests who plan to enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks or premium non-alcoholic beverages daily. Those who prefer basic drinks like water, coffee, and juice at meals, or only occasional alcoholic drinks, may find it more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually.
Gratuities
An automatic service charge, typically around 750-1000 Indian Rupees (INR) per person, per day, is added to your onboard account. This amount can vary by cabin category. You can usually prepay these charges before your cruise or adjust them at guest services onboard.
Wifi
Wi-Fi access on Cordelia Cruises is typically available for purchase in tiered packages. The cheapest options usually allow for basic browsing and messaging applications, but may not support streaming or video calls. Check current package prices and speeds onboard.
Costs that surprise people
◆Specialty Dining. Restaurants beyond the main dining rooms and buffets, such as fine-dining venues or themed eateries, usually incur an additional cover charge per person or à la carte pricing.
◆Shore Excursions. While you can explore ports independently, organized shore excursions booked through the cruise line come with an additional cost, which varies by tour.
◆Spa and Salon Services. Treatments like massages, facials, hair styling, and access to thermal suites are not included in the base fare and are charged separately.
◆Casino and Arcade. Any gambling in the casino or games played in the arcade will be charged to your onboard account.
◆Photography Services. Professional photos taken by the ship's photographers throughout your cruise are available for purchase, either individually or as a package.
◆Room Service. While some room service items might be complimentary during specific hours, certain selections or late-night orders may incur a delivery fee or an item charge.
Ways to spend less
◆Book Packages Before Sailing. If you plan to purchase a drinks package or specialty dining, booking it online before your cruise often results in a slightly lower price than buying onboard.
◆Utilize Included Dining Options.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
Take advantage of the complimentary main dining rooms and buffet restaurants for all your meals to avoid extra charges from specialty venues.
◆Bring Allowed Beverages. Confirm the cruise line's policy, but some lines permit guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard in their carry-on luggage.
◆Go Ashore Independently. Research ports of call in advance and explore on your own rather than booking cruise line excursions, which can save money on tours and transportation.
◆Enjoy Complimentary Drinks. Water, basic coffee, tea, and some juices are typically available for free in the buffet and main dining rooms. Make use of these to reduce your beverage costs.
◆Decline Photos. If you do not wish to purchase professional photos, simply avoid having them taken or opt not to view them in the gallery to resist impulse buys.
