Rand Nature Center

Discovery Cruise Line offers a full array of activities and excursions to enjoy during your stay on Grand Bahama Island. The Rand Nature Center was named for James H. Rand, a renowned philanthropist of Freeport, who died in 1968. The 100-acre sanctuary was the first education nature center to be established in The Islands of The Bahamas and its goal is to preserve the natural Grand Bahamian habitat as a heritage for future generations. The Rand Nature Center is located only minutes from downtown Freeport, and is by far Grand Bahama's most accessible national park. Along the nature trail that winds through the park, at least 130 Bahamian plants have been identified, which are just as fascinating as the birds. The Whiskbroom Fern, for instance, is believed to have been the first plant in the world to stand upright. Many other species became very useful in the daily lives of early Grand Bahamians: Uniola, a springy grass, was used to stuff mattresses; the sharp-pointed Agave leaves served as needles and threads; and the Love Vine is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The Rand Nature Center is open Monday thru Friday and guided tours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Columbus Day

Today is Columbus Day, known as Discovery Day in the Bahamas. I have been invited to a beach party on Grand Bahama this afternoon and I am really looking forward to it. I will get to catch up with some of my Bahamian friends that I haven’t seen for quite some time and enjoy some great Bahamian food. Discovery Sun sailed early this morning, so I will get to enjoy an extra 45 minutes at the party. The party is being held at Pirates of the Bahamas on Taino beach. Pirates of the Bahamas have a miniature golf course and a restaurant with a nautical theme. The restaurant looks like a ship from the outside and is given it’s beachfront location, is a popular place for beach parties including the ever popular Bonfire Beach Party.

Holiday Weekend

Today was another fun day with lost of passengers taking advantage of the special price for the One Day Cruise to Grand Bahama. It has been a great holiday weekend and the weather has been fantastic. With record-breaking temperatures and the water temperature around 85 degrees, snorkeling has been very popular. The waters of the Bahamas are some of the clearest in the World. Visibility is up to 200 ft. Shallow waters like those found at Rainbow Reef off Grand Bahama are 2’ - 14’ feet deep. This allows visitors to get close look at the coral reef and an abundance of small colorful fish. Whether you’re enjoying a one day cruise or a cruise and stay package to Grand Bahama, snorkeling is a must during your stay.

Wonderful Day

I have had a wonderful day today and it looks like it is going to be a good holiday weekend. We have some great passengers onboard Discovery Sun today, participating in all of the activities and really enjoying themselves. I am really looking forward to show time, they are going to be a great audience for our entertainers. Most of today’s guests are One Day Cruise passengers, taking advantage of the special price being offered by Discovery Cruise Line right now. It looks like Grand Bahama is a popular destination this weekend.

Great Deals

Discovery Sun is now back in service after being in wet dock for three weeks. It was a nice break for most of the crew and it is good to be back. Discovery Cruise Line has some great deals for one day cruises to Grand Bahama as well as cruise and stay packages. One day cruises start as low as $19.99 for Florida residents, which includes a buffet breakfast and dinner. There is so much to see and do on Grand Bahama I recommend you look into one of the cruise and stay packages. The packages start as low as $39.99 & don’t forget kids 12 & under sail and stay FREE!!!