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• FLL Beach (Courtyard)
• FLL Beach (Hilton)
• Miami Airport
• Port Canaveral
• Paradise Island
• FL Monkey Cam
• NJ Wildlife
• Morgan Hill CA
• Cats-n-Kittens
• Bahamas Tourism
• TripAdvisor Paradise Island
• PTZtv PREMIUM
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• googlefc.showRevocationMessage()});">Change consent to use personal data (EEA & UK)

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The cruise terminal and piers in Nassau Port Review (2023)

Everything cruise passengers must know about the cruise terminal in the port of Nassau: what's at the pier and the Festival Place terminal, how to get to town, map, all essential services, and amenities.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 26, 2023

The harbor of Nassau is quite impressive and sailing in an interesting spectacle. Located on the north shore of the island of New Providence, right by the capital, its piers extend north and ships will be docked very close to Paradise Island.

Ships Docked in Nassau

Photo © IQCruising.com

The Piers and The Terminal

There are three long piers parallel to the shore with docking spots for up to 8 cruise ships (depending on the size). As shown on the map below, even the farthest docking spot is very close to downtown Nassau. However, if the cruise ship passenger has any sort of walking difficulties, the port provides shuttles that will take you to the Terminal Building - aka Festival Place.

Nassau City / Harbor Map

The distance between the docking spots at the piers and the terminal varies between 50 and 300 meters. Besides the shuttle buses, you will not find any other services at the any of the piers. You will see a number of phone booths along the way but all of these have been out of service for some time - at least since September 2015. However, you will find most services and amenities at the Terminal or just outside. Be Aware: the cruise ship passenger is required to have both the ship card and one photo ID to re-enter the pier.

The Cruise Ship Terminal

Officially named 'Prince George Wharf', the cruise ship terminal in Nassau is really known as Festival Place and has been under constant renovation works for some time.

Many services can be found just outside the building although some are still inside the terminal. In or just outside the Festival Place the cruise ship passenger will find a tourist information desk with good maps and guides, and very courteous staff willing to provide all the necessary information about taxis, ferry boats or walking tours.

The cruise traveler will also find a desk where scooters and cars can be rented and sightseeing tours can be booked. On the left-hand corner, there is a post office and pay phones.

Festival Place Terminal - Nassau

Most of the gift shops are in the building under renovation. Cruise travelers have been waiting for these endless renovation works to be finished and, hopefully, souvenir stores and also a food court will return to where these once were. In the meantime, you will find most of these just outside the terminal. As you approach the terminal from the piers, and also as you walk outside the building, be prepared to be overwhelmed with offers of taxi rides and tour guides leaping at you from locals standing next to the entrance/exit doors.

The good news is that once outside the gated area of the terminal no one else will be pestering you any longer. Still inside the gated area, right in front of the terminal building cruise passengers will find the parking area for taxis. There are two exit gates from here - one on the right-hand side (West) and another one of the left side (East).

Walking to Downtown Nassau

Downtown Nassau is just outside the gated area of the Terminal and regardless of the exit gate the cruise ship passenger will come into a busy street - Woodes Rodgers Walk - which many a first time cruise may think is the main street of Nassau. However, the main street is, in fact, parallel to this nice and attractive 'walk' along the harbor where you will find the Ferry Boats to Paradise Island, a few shops, bars, restaurants, and grills.

The eastern gate (on the left) is the Editor's favorite. This gate has fewer people, the area outside is quieter and leads straight into Rawson Square (and Parliament Square), with Via Café on a corner to enjoy a proper Italian espresso or cappuccino. The main street - Bay Street - will be the first you will come across on your right, no more than 50 yards from the Terminal gate. Be Aware: the continuation of Bay Street to the left (East) of Parliament Square has a couple of shops (Gucci and Bacardi) but not much more - don't be mislead in thinking that this is the heart of Nassau when, in fact, most attractions will be found on the West side of Nassau.

Nassau Port Basics

Taxi fares from terminal.

Fares are per person, sharing a large taxi.

Explore Nassau

Most Popular Shorex Tours and Shore Excursions

Discover the Top Shore Excursions for cruise passengers to the Port of Nassau. Reviews with the highlights of the excursions, Cruise Line Price Comparison, Duration, Videos, Location Map, and more ...

Overview Nassau

Where and What Basic Info | Map Local Time | Weather | FAQ

Highlights Nassau

Atlantis | Junkanoo Beach Blue Lagoon | Arawak Cay Balcony House | Fort Fincastle

Activities Nassau

Adastra Gardens British Colonial | Fat Tuesday Graycliff | Segway

Landmarks Nassau

Garden of Remembrance Government House | Public Library Parliament Square | Straw Market

Day Passes Resorts and Hotels

Atlantis | Bob Marley Resort Breezes | British Colonial Clifton Park | Graycliff

Shopping Nassau

Breitling | Cartier | Effy | Gucci | John Bull | TAG | Rolex | Sophia Fiori

Restaurants Nassau

Athena Café |Fat Tuesday Hard Rock Señor Frog's Sharkeez |Via Caffe

Facts Nassau

History | Time Line | Trivia Population | Religion | Area | Economy

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10 Best Things To Do In Nassau Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to Nassau cruise port!

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is conveniently located on the northern coast of the tiny island of New Providence. Due to its proximity to the coast of Florida and a wide variety of attractions and things to offer, Nassau is one of the most visited and popular cruise ports in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. The Port of Nassau has been breaking records in passenger visits, averaging around 12,000 visitors daily in 2023. In this article, read about:

• Nassau cruise port (Nassau cruise terminal info, getting around, helpful tips)
• 10 best things to do in Nassau port and best shore excursions

Visit also our cruise guides to Freeport , Grand Cayman , Perfect Day at CocoCay , St Maarten , St Thomas

Nassau Cruise Port

Nassau cruise ship terminal is located in Nassau downtown, within easy walking distance from its main historic landmarks, shops, restaurants, and bars.

Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf cruise terminal , which consists of three long piers with berthing spaces built to accommodate up to six cruise ships. Despite a large number of docks, the distance between them is short and you don’t need more than 5-10 minutes to exit the terminal, regardless of where your cruise ship docks.

Nassau has invested over $300 million into upgrading the old terminal into one of the greatest waterfronts in the Caribbean. The brand-new Arrival’s Terminal Building features an innovative design and is still under construction.

The whole terminal area is designed to cater to cruise passengers’ needs, with facilities such as a welcome center, a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, an Amphitheater, tour booths, shops and cafes.

Make sure to grab a fresh pineapple before exploring the city, check out the Hair Braider Pavillion, or browse unique souvenirs at the Marketplace.

Nassau offers so many things to do, from the downtown area located just outside the terminal to exotic islands and resorts such as the world-famous Atlantis. If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, make sure to carefully follow the instructions on your ticket.

You will find zones in front of your cruise ship, which represent meeting places for tours. You will either be meeting your group at one of the zones or onboard, so be sure to double-check your tour ticket for details.

Inside the cruise terminal, you will find independent tour operators offering water taxi transfers to Paradise Island and the iconic Atlantis, and other tours and services.

Getting Around Port of Nassau

• The port area is flat and suitable for wheelchair users/people with walking difficulties.
• Outside the terminal, you’ll find an array of shops, souvenir stores, eateries, and internationally recognized brands such as Harley Davidson (opposite the Festival Place), Starbucks, Burger King, Hard Rock café, Senor Frogs, and many others. Get ready to be harassed as well, as you’ll come across countless local vendors offering car/scooter/off-road vehicle rentals, excursions, walking tours, day passes to famous local attractions, and ferry, boat, or taxi rides.
• Taxis are available outside of the terminal.
• Upon coming back to the terminal, you may be required to show a physical photo ID , so make sure you bring it.
• Junkanoo Beach is the nearest beach to Nassau cruise port (a 15-minute walk).
• The currency in the Bahamas is the  Bahamian Dollar (BSD) . 1 USD equals 1 BSD. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in town.
• The high season in Nassau lasts from mid-December to mid-April, with warm, dry weather and pleasant temperatures. Nassau lies within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes and heavy rains may occur from June to November.
• Lynden Pindling International Airport is the main international Nassau Airport and is located 16 km/10 miles southwest of Nassau cruise port.
• Major cruise lines sailing to Nassau Include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises. 
• Explore Nassau tours and activities
• Search the best Caribbean cruise deals

Watch my YouTube video about Nassau cruise port and the best things to do in Nassau!

10 Best Things to Do in Nassau Cruise Port

1. nassau downtown and beaches.

If you decide to skip an excursion and stay in Nassau’s vibrant capital, there are numerous things you can do and see. Here is the list of the top-rated attractions:

1.1. Woodes Rodgers Walk

This is the street parallel to the harbor, and you’ll spot it upon exiting the terminal. It is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and numerous local vendors. On the waterfront boardwalk, you’ll come across the ferry terminal where you can catch a ferry to Paradise Island.

1.2. Bay Street

This is the main street in Nassau where you will find the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions. It is located parallel to the Woodes Rodgers Walk, a 5-minute walk from the pier. The street is home to several historic landmarks, including Pompey Museum, Rawson Square, and Parliament Square.

1.3. Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

Carved out of limestone by hundreds of slaves in 1793 as an escape route from Fort Fincastle, Queen’s Staircase represents one of the major landmarks in Nassau. The staircase was constructed as a shortcut to Fort Fincastle, a defense fort built in the 18 th century to protect Nassau from pirates.

Both landmarks are located within a 15-minute walk from the Nassau cruise terminal and are well worth visiting if you want to soak up some local history. A staircase consists of 65 steps that will lead you to the fort from where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and city.

1.4. Pompey Museum

Located only a 10-minute walk from the port, on Bay Street, Pompey Museum is a museum of slavery built on the site of the 18th-century slave auctions. Housed in an old, brightly colored pink building, it is a simple and small museum with an impressive story where you can learn about this dark period of Bahamian history.

1.5. Pirates of Nassau

At a stone’s throw from Pompey Museum, the fascinating Pirates Museum reveals the 18th-century history of the city when Nassau served as a pirate base. You’ll see fantastic artifacts, a replica of a pirate ship, and exhibits that will throw you back to the era of pirates.

1.6. Nassau Straw Market

Situated alongside Woodes Rodgers Walk, the Straw Market is a bustling market where you can buy traditional Bahamian handicrafts, authentic gifts and souvenirs, clothes, wooden toys, and much more. Bring cash and don’t forget to bargain, as you can get some amazing deals and quality stuff here.

1.7. Christ Church Anglican Cathedral

Right between the Pirates of Nassau and Pompey Museum, in King Street, the impressive Anglican church dates from the 19 th century and was built in an exceptional Gothic style. It is the oldest and largest church in Nassau with astonishing stained-glass windows and wonderful acoustics.

1.8. Government House

Only a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock, you’ll come across a 19th-century residence of the British Governor-General housed in a well-preserved pink and white colonial mansion. It sits on a hill overlooking the harbor and boasts beautiful gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll.

1.9. Junkanoo Beach

When it comes to the Nassau beaches, the nearest one to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach, located within a 20-minute walking distance from the port. It is a nice beach to spend your day at if you want to keep a low budget and still have a fun day.

Of course, you’ll find the best beaches on the private islands and Paradise Island, but Junkanoo Beach is a great alternative as it’s free and offers a variety of facilities to enjoy your day. It is a sandy beach with clear water and great swimming opportunities.

Right next to it is Western Esplanade Beach , where you can find bar restaurants and sometimes there are live performances. These are the public beaches and expect a lot of crowds and noise.

1.10. Saunders Beach

You can reach this beautiful beach within less than a 10-minute drive from the port of Nassau. It is a quiet stretch of white sand with crystal clear water where you can snorkel right off the beach. It’s not crowded and you can spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you get hungry or thirsty, you’ll find several food chains and shops across the street. Restrooms and changing rooms are available too.

1.11. Cable Beach

This beach is located near Saunders Beach, a 15-minute drive from Nassau cruise port. It is a small piece of heaven lined with hotel resorts, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters and white sands where you can swim, snorkel or simply sunbathe under the palm trees. Bars, restaurants and watersports are available. It is considered one of the best beaches in Nassau.

1.12. Paradise Island

Within and outside the cruise terminal, you will find vendors selling ferry tickets to Paradise Island where the famous Atlantis resort is located. The Paradise Island ferry terminal is located under the two bridges connecting Nassau and Paradise Island, and from there you can walk to Atlantis Resort.

Keep in mind that it can be very crowded on the way back (as most of the cruise ship passengers go to the island by ferry), so always save at least 1 hour for the transfer back to the ship. An alternative option is to take a taxi to Paradise Island.

Besides the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island has stunning beaches, such as Paradise Beach, Cabbage Beach, Cove Beach, Smugglers Beach, Arawak Beach, and others. The beaches are public, so you can freely come and enjoy the Caribbean vibes on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Explore Nassau sightseeing tours and activities

2. Pearl Island

This gorgeous tiny island is definitely my favorite when it comes to the Bahamas. It is nestled around 8 miles off the coast of New Providence and a 15-minute boat ride from Nassau. If you seek peace, sugar-white beaches, snorkeling, and delicious Bahamian cuisine far from the bustling city and tourist resorts, you are in the right spot!

The island is private and therefore it’s not crowded. You can take a dip in the crystal clear blue waters, enjoy frozen cocktails at the bar, relax in the loungers or climb the white lighthouse (the symbol of Pearl Island) for spectacular 360-degree views of the island. Island personnel is friendly and helpful, and will do their best to make your stay pleasant and enjoyable!

Explore Pearl Island tours

3. Blue Lagoon Island

I’ve been to Blue Lagoon island twice and both times I had a fantastic time. Blue Lagoon is located a 20-minute scenic boat ride from Nassau and is larger than Pearl Island. You’ll recognize it by the concrete tower that guards the entrance to the hidden lagoon and the incredible turquoise water surrounding the island.

On the island, you can meet dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat, join eco-walking tours and segway rides around the island, indulge in grilled Bahamian specialties, kayak, snorkel, or swim in a secluded sugar-white beach known as Salt Cay. VIP packages are also offered.

Insider tip : Guests often don’t know the difference between Pearl Island and Blue Lagoon, and are wondering which island is more suitable for them. Pearl Island is very small and is a better choice for those who look for peace. Snorkeling and kayaking are the only activities offered. Blue Lagoon is larger and more crowded. It’s more suitable for families with kids because of the animal programs, an aqua park, and more family-friendly activities.

Explore Blue Lagoon excursions

4. Balmoral Island

Another gorgeous island awaits you just off the northern coast of Nassau. Besides powdery sands and aquamarine water, Balmoral Island offers animal interaction programs (dolphin and stingray encounters), great snorkeling, delicious food, and a stunning beach where you can relax in the cabanas or sunbathe under the hot Caribbean sun.

Ferries run regularly between Nassau downtown and Balmoral Island, so you can come here on your own too.

5. Atlantis Resort

The world’s largest open-air marine habitat, breathtaking beaches, oceanfront golf course, Aquaventure water park, Atlantis casino, and hotel resort facilities await you on this incredible adventure to one of the most famous resorts in the world! The resort boasts numerous facilities and offers a wide range of activities and unique experiences such as:

5.1. Dolphin Cay

One of the largest marine-mammal habitats in the world where you can swim and snorkel in a deep-water lagoon alongside sleek bottlenose dolphins, play with sea lions, or kayak and paddleboard while adorable mammals swim alongside.

You can also sign up for one of the dolphin educational programs, or relax at the private beach while the dolphins cheerfully jump and play a few feet away.

5.2. Aquaventure Water Park

A unique, 141-acre water park, home to thrilling water slides (The Abyss, Leap of Faith, The Falls, Jungle Slide, The Surge….), a mile-long river with through tunnels, rapids, and waves, a magnificent water-play fort, eleven stunning swimming pools, and twenty swimming areas.

Set in a lush tropical environment, this water park is a spectacular attraction equally enjoyable for both kids and adults.

5.3. Marine Habitat

You can explore 14 lagoons with over 50,000 sea animals representing over 250 marine species.

Snorkeling, snuba, scuba diving, swimming with sharks, golf and tennis courts, a spa, the largest casino in the Bahamas and extraordinary shopping are only some of the things you can experience in Atlantis… the list is endless!

Atlantis also offers access to five miles of gorgeous white sandy beaches to top off your day: Cove Beach , Atlantis Beach , and Paradise Beach .

This place is incredible and should be on everyone’s Nassau bucket list! There are different day passes and packages, so based on your preferences and wishes, you can choose the one that suits you the best.

Cruise lines offer shore excursions to Atlantis, but you can also book on your own. Check the prices on Atlantis Resort’s official website

Explore Atlantis Resort tours and activities

6. Nassau Off-Road Adventure

If you want to explore Nassau in a thrilling and adrenaline-packed way, go for an off-road tour around the city and the island of New Providence.

You’ll stop at famous attractions and landmarks such as the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory (you’ll taste them and see the rum cakes-making process), Fort Fincastle and Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Clifton Heritage National Park, plantations, historical villages, rum distillery, and many more.

Get ready to get dusty and dirty as you drive through Nassau’s rugged terrain and explore the hidden gems of New Providence island. Make sure you bring a driver’s license if you are a driver (but before that, check the tour operator’s age requirements!)

• See the list of Nassau ATV tours
• Explore Nassau jeep/buggy tours

7. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

If you are a fan of underwater activities, you should know that the Bahamas offers some spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving sites. You can opt to snorkel from the beach on your own (Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach are great choices), and in that case, make sure you bring your gear.

However, if you want to explore the depths of Bahamian waters, you should book a boat trip to Nassau’s beautiful coral reefs hiding an abundance of incredible aquatic life. The tours will usually take you to the Rose Island Reef , located only three miles east of Paradise Island, an exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving location.

Besides beautiful marine life, you’ll also find two shipwrecks that make this place even more attractive to snorkelers and divers.

Goulding Cay Reef is another fascinating reef located at the western end of New Providence that is said to be one of the best shallow-water snorkeling sites in the world. It attracts both experienced snorkelers and beginners and is suitable for people of all ages.

However, if you prefer to stay dry and would like to observe the aquatic wildlife from a safe distance, you can go for a glass-bottom boat trip , Seaworld Explorer (semi-submersible), or simply stay on board a luxury catamaran while the rest of the group snorkels.

Check out Nassau snorkeling and boat tours

8. Swimming Pigs

Swimming Pigs is one of the major attractions in the Bahamas! It’s a fun and unique experience where you get to meet these friendly guys living the Bahamian dream!

There are several locations where you can swim and play with pigs, the two most popular ones being Rose Island (Sandy Toes) and Exumas Island (Pig Beach) , both located up to 1-hour boat ride from Nassau cruise port.

Not only will you have the chance to swim and interact with sociable pigs, but you will also get the opportunity to enjoy the sapphire-blue waters, secluded beaches, deserted cays, snorkeling with sharks, and an array of fun activities.

Explore Swimming with Pigs tours and activities

9. Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Experiences

Besides awe-inspiring beaches and fancy resorts, Nassau boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that you can explore on one of the historic or cultural tours and experiences.

While there, make sure to taste the Bahamas’ handcrafted rum cocktails, delicious seafood, traditional mac ’n’ cheese, and a variety of authentic specialties, which are an important part of Bahamian culture.

You can book one of the food and cultural tours, or explore on your own. Some of the must-see places are the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, Graycliff Chocolate Factory and John Watling’s Distillery.

Explore Nassau food and cultural tours and activities

10. Book a Private Charter

As Nassau has so many attractions and activities to offer, sometimes it’s difficult to decide on how to spend a day in the Nassau cruise port. Booking a private charter in Nassau allows you to design your itinerary and enjoy an exclusive sailing experience along the vibrant coast of New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Away from crowded touristy places, you can spend your day deep-sea or near-shore fishing, snorkeling, relaxing at a secluded beach, or sunbathing on your private yacht! Enjoy a fully private tour and let your captain show you the best of Nassau on a customized half-day or full-day yacht trip along the mesmerizing Bahamian islands.

Book a private charter in Nassau

Visit also our cruise port guides to Aruba , Bonaire , Curacao ,  Falmouth Cozumel , Costa Maya , Perfect Day at CocoCay , St Maarten , St Thomas , San Juan , Tortola , St Lucia , Puerto Plata , Punta Cana , Barbados , Antigua , Grand Turk

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

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A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region . It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music.

When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industry's leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruising's number one port of call. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Indeed, the modern cruise industry's first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami .

The archipelago's spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites.

Paradise Island, positioned immediately to Nassau's north, has large hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer day packages for cruise visitors, providing access to premium golf (at the Baha Mar resort ), casino gaming (at Atlantis) as well as restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all sail here, as does luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium cruise operators Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises and budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

3 things TPG loves about Nassau

• "Sun and fun" activities
• Historic and cultural attractions
• Distinctive cuisine

What we could do without

Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Many products are necessarily imported and that means prices, including meals at restaurants, can be high. Nassau can also feel a bit "touristy" at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area.

Related: Which cruise brand is best for you?

Nassau basics

Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination that's closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. As a plus, while technically not located in the Caribbean, Nassau and the Bahamas offers the same splendid sunny skies, brilliant blue waters and amazing culture and traditions.

On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders.

Nassau's nearby Paradise Island district offers beaches, restaurants and shops as well as the Atlantis megaresort, which is among several properties offering day packages for cruisers in search of a daylong all-inclusive experience. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

Arrival details

Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group.

Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time.

Language: English is the official language.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. If you want to exchange money, you can do so aboard your ship, although you can usually obtain a better rate at a local bank or ATM. Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

How to get around

On foot: Many of Nassau's historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and it's also possible to rent a car or motor scooter.

By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle.

By bus: Nassau's public buses are known as jitneys and offer a thrifty and convenient alternative to car rentals or taxis. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below).

Related: Disney Cruise Line review — Sailing Disney Wonder

Top sights and shore excursions

Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they don't also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points.

Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau.

Historic sites

Nassau's history is closely tied to the Caribbean pirate era of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town served as a pirate sanctuary until 1718 when British Governor Woodes Rogers expelled the buccaneers. Today's downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier.

As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. Or, book a cruise ship excursion highlighting historic forts, Bahamian cuisine, "land and sea" programs, private island experiences and even Junkanoo-style music and dancing.

Historic sites near Prince George Wharf include Parliament Square, which houses the Bahamas' House of Assembly, the Senate Building and Supreme Court in pink pastel colonial buildings. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site.

The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock.

Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. Other Black people traveled to the Bahamas directly from Africa, Bermuda and Haiti, some enslaved by ex-British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina, and others as ex-soldiers who won their freedom fighting for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Nassau's Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Sun and fun: Water sports

Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelago's beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs ).

Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas.

While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassau's Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the property's premium facilities and amenities, including a private beach and beach club, motorized and nonmotorized watersports, a series of pools with shaded lounge chairs, cabanas and waterfall features. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar . Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Both cards offer hefty welcome bonuses, 130,000 and 150,000 points, respectively, after you meet the required spend of $2,000 within the first three months of account opening for the Surpass and $4,000 in the first three months of account opening for the Aspire. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also look for a resort offering day passes .

ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. You can also book day passes at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $325 for a beach cabana accommodating up to four people.

Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

At Blue Lagoon, cruisers can swim in a calm lagoon, enjoy kayaking, water-biking or snorkeling tours, play with water toys like floats and inner tubes, or simply relax in a beach hammock under coconut palms. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities.

Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau.

Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuart's Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Best beaches in Nassau

There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance.

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella.

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. While beautiful. the beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Atlantis on a budget

Cable Beach

Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince George's Wharf and is accessible via taxi. A cheaper alternative is the No. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassau's best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Cable Beach is home to several top Nassau resorts and offers a full array of watersports activities.

Other top Nassau beaches

Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking.

Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views.

The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach.

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Where to eat and drink

True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas' indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor.

Local favorites

Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territory's undisputed favorite dish. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables.

Peas and rice: Referred to locally as "peas n' rice," this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring.

Johnny cake: Made of flour, milk, butter, sugar and baking powder, this breakfast food is more bread than cake, with a texture that combines dense bread with a slightly sweet cake. As with other staple dishes, Johnny cakes are found around the Caribbean, with the Bahamas version traditionally baked in a large round pan until lightly browned then sliced and served in wedges.

There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. They include:

Potter's Cay conch shacks

The Potter's Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways.

Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potter's Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the day's catch and argue over a game of dominoes.

Check first with a local or with a frequent Bahamas visitor (like a travel advisor) to determine which stall is the best for the day. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridge's west end.

Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant

About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the world's largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops.

The highlight, however, may be the hotel's five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliff's origins as a private home.

In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual."

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Where to shop

When you're shopping in the Bahamas, look for souvenirs like:

• Original paintings, carvings and craftwork
• Handmade garments in bright tropical colors
• Wood carvings

Nassau's Bay Street retail district is steps of the cruise ship dock, but there are a few hidden shopping spots just a short taxi ride away.

Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port.

Once an open-air affair, Nassau's long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances.

It's also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassau's best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods:

Bahama Hand Prints

Established in 1966 by artists Helen Astarita and Berta Sands, Bahama Hand Prints (near the corner of Ernest Street and Okra Hill) offers "bold and brilliant" designs across a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs.

Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Berta's signature style and the shop's collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shop's talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work.

Craft Cottage Bahamas

Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home décor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques.

The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products.

Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features

Bottom line

While Nassau sometimes gets a bad rap as a "touristy" port of call and is often inundated by cruise travelers, the Bahamas' capital city is actually a diverse port with an impressive array of historic attractions, a variety of beach experiences, distinctive cuisine and extensive shopping opportunities. Nassau's Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries.

Take a Look at This 3D LED Display Welcoming Guests to a Bahamas Port

Two new LED video displays at Nassau’s international cruise gateway Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) are wowing visitors.

Visitors are stopping in their tracks to get a glimpse of the two new LED video displays at Nassau’s international cruise gateway Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) in the Bahamas. Both of the new large-format LED displays were built with SNA Displays’ EMPIRE Exterior line of video display technology and give visitors plenty at which to look. 

It's part of a four-year revitalization project to upgrade and expand the port which sees a daily capacity of 30,000 visitors. The installation was completed with Eastern Sign Tech.

[Post Malone Surprises Times Square Guests with a Free Concert in a... Billboard?]

The screen at the Nassau Port arrivals gate is 22x45 feet (1,008 x 2,064 pixels). Directed at cruise ship passengers to welcome guests as one of their first touchpoints on the island, the arrivals display features a curve with a nine-foot radius to follow the building’s façade.

An additional video display measuring 22.10x29.5 feet (1,044 x 1,344 pixels) was installed on the façade of Nassau’s newly built Educulture Junkanoo Museum in the port city’s downtown area. Video content on the screen largely reflects the museum’s emphasis on honoring Nassau’s culture and heritage.

[Welcome to New York—Through This Illuminating “Gateway to Times Square”]

Go ahead, see for yourself. 

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Nassau: How to Make the Most of 8 Hours in Port on a Cruise

If you’re taking a cruise from anywhere to The Bahamas, there is a good chance that it will make a stop in Nassau. The capital of the country, Nassau has long been known as a destination for sun-seeking tourists, a historical hotspot, and a prominent player in many James Bond movies.

These days, it’s among the busiest cruise destinations on the planet with literally millions of passengers visiting each year. So if you have an upcoming stop in Nassau, then know you aren’t alone.

To help you make the most of your time in port, we’ve put together tons of information on what to expect, the lay of the land, and more to ensure you have a great stay in this tropical stop.

Getting to Know Nassau

Sitting just 180 miles from Miami, Nassau is a city sitting on the eastern half of a larger island called New Providence. This island is roughly 18 miles wide by 7 miles, and home to about 300,000 residents. That figure can grow by 20,000 or more people when ships call on the island.

Across a narrow channel from New Providence sits Paradise Island, which is easily recognizable by the large Atlantis resort. This spot is also where the well-heeled have houses, including a number of famous celebrities.

Cruise ships dock in downtown Nassau. When in port — especially when multiple ships are docked — it’s a busy and bustling area with a lot of activity. So while The Bahamas is known for its laid-back vibe and atmosphere, don’t be surprised if it seems anything but that when you arrive.

In this part of the world, it stays pleasantly warm year-round, even compared to spots like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which can get cooler in the winter. Winter highs average around 80 degrees while summer temperatures regularly reach the low 90s. As you might guess, humidity gets heavy, especially in the summers when it can rain considerably with passing afternoon showers. Winter is noticeably drier.

As you might guess with so many visitors, Nassau has built a major industry around tourism with everything from small shops selling souvenirs to large mega-resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar that cater to the well-to-do.

Port Area for Passengers

Recently Nassau completely renovated the port area to the tune of several hundreds of millions of dollars. Not only are the piers and walkways completely renovated, but there was also a large welcome area constructed.

Now, anything a cruise passenger might want to start their day is here. There are small shops selling everything from souvenirs to snacks to shore excursions. There is also a museum of Bahamian culture, a taxi stand, restrooms, and an amphitheater.

Outside the port gates are a number of spots that cater to cruisers, all within a short walk from the ships. Cross Woodes Rodgers Walk (the street running alongside the port) and you’ll find souvenirs, restaurants, all sorts of shops selling everything from jewelry to cigars to restaurants, and much more. This includes the famous Straw Market, a spot with lots of vendors selling anything you can imagine with “Bahamas” written on it.

To be sure, the port area is definitely touristy. If shops and bars interest you, then by all means take it all in. If not, then head away from the ships on your own or on an excursion and you’ll see things calm down quickly.

Getting Around Nassau From the Port

What’s the best way to get around Nassau? If you have an excursion booked, then you don’t have to worry about transportation — it will be taken care of with the tour.

If not, then you have a few options. First, Nassau is walkable assuming you are in decent shape . It definitely does not have the even surfaces and accessible sidewalks you might be used to back home. If you have mobility issues, it’s better to take a taxi. Still, if you want to simply take a walking tour, there are a number things to see and do around the city within walking distance.

Taxis are also readily available . In fact, you’ll find a taxi stand in the port area that can get you set up. Cabs can take you anywhere you want to go, including the popular Paradise Island. If you decide to travel to a place that’s a bit out of the way, keep in mind that it might be harder to find a taxi back.

Want a real adventure? If you’re headed across the channel to Paradise Island or Atlantis, then there is a ferry you can ride for $7 each way . It’s rustic and open-air, with a guide that will point out some sights along the way. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes but will also give you some great views of the ship.

Finally, one option is to rent a vehicle . Leave the port and you’ll find a number of vendors offering scooters or golf carts for rent. To be honest, we can’t share many details about this option as riding through an unfamiliar place in traffic never appealed to us. If you do rent, be sure to remember that they drive on the left side of the street in The Bahamas.

How to Make the Most of a Port Stop

When you only have a limited amount of time in a port like Nassau during your cruise, the big question is how do you make the most of it. Having visited several times, our advice is to do one of the following during your day:

Book a Shore Excursion: We think Nassau is one of the best ports to book a shore excursion during your visit. The port can be a bit hectic and frankly, there isn’t a lot to do right at the port unless you like souvenir shopping and touristy shops/bars.

With excursions you can get out of the city a little bit, and it’s much easier than planning yourself. Much of what you can do revolves around hitting the beaches in the area, usually with a boat ride over to the spot and lunch. There are beach days, snorkeling tours, swimming with pigs, and more.

You can also opt for more or less adventure if you want. Cruise lines offer excursions on jet boats and scuba diving, along with cooking classes and walking tours.

Check with your cruise line for the specific excursions available. But with limited time in port and the fact that many of the more “beachy” sites are some distance from the port, these tours make a lot of sense.

Explore Downtown: Don’t want to spend the money for an excursion? There are still things to do and see on your own. Since the cruise port is at the foot of downtown, you can walk off the ship and reach some neat spots to explore all within walking distance.

We have a full list of free or inexpensive things to see here and almost all of them are within a short walk from the ship. A few of the highlights include:

Junkanoo Beach: The closest beach to the cruise port is Junkanoo Beach , sitting just west of where the ships dock. One half is fairly busy with beach bars and loungers while the other half is more relaxed with just a few shady trees. You also have a great view of the ships from here.

Queen’s Staircase: A famous landmark in Nassau, this staircase was carved out of rock in the 1700s by slave labor. Today, it’s a popular (and free) tourist spot to visit. The carve-out created essentially a canyon in the middle of Nassau with a canopy of trees growing over the top.

National Art Gallery of The Bahamas: Open Tuesday through Sunday, the National Art Gallery is a spot that many tourists don’t know about but is worth a stop. Housed in an 1860s restored home, the manicured grounds feature outside sculptures with galleries indoors. Every turn in this spot uncovers something neat to see.

Paradise Island: One of the most visited areas has to be Paradise Island. This is the small island across the channel from Nassau and home to the Atlantis mega resort. You can get there by taxi or a ferry ride. ( For details on where to catch the ferry, see our article here .)

Once on the island, you can head to Atlantis. It’s a resort/hotel with a waterpark, casino, restaurants, shops, and more. Consider it like a Las Vegas hotel in the middle of The Bahamas. Many people visit just to see the sights or play a little in the casino. Just know that some areas are for guests only. As well, if you want to visit the waterpark, it comes with a hefty price tag (tickets can be booked directly before you arrive or often through your cruise line’s shore excursion desk).

On Paradise Island you can also head to Cabbage Beach, which is arguably the best beach in the area (and one of the busiest). We have directions on visiting Cabbage Beach here .

Looking for something else to do during your port stop? We have a list of 30 things to do in Nassau here .

Tips/Things to Know About Visiting on a Cruise

We’ve mentioned a number of these tips and things you should know but to make them clear, here are a few things to keep in mind during your day in Nassau.

The Closest Beach is Junkanoo Beach If you want a beach (and don’t want to book an excursion) then the closest one is Junkanoo Beach, just about a half-mile away. To get there, just hang a right outside the cruise port and keep walking around a couple of mega hotels. It sits on the other side of the Margaritaville resort.

Excursions Are Ideal in Nassau Yes, you can definitely head out on your own and have fun, but Nassau is one spot where we’d recommend an excursion. The reason is that many of the most attractive things to do involve getting out of the port area and often to more hidden away spots that otherwise aren’t easily accessible for tourists. An excursion makes it simple to leave the ship, have fun you couldn’t do otherwise, and then get back to the ship.

The Nicest Beach Is Cabbage Beach If you’re headed out on an excursion to a beach, you can rest assured you’ll visit somewhere nice. If you’re trying to plan a beach day on your own, then we’d suggest Cabbage Beach. It’s a wide spot that stretches for more than a mile, has golden sand and crystal clear water. It can get crowded with lots of tourists and vendors, but if you want fewer people, then just walk down the beach some to find your own spot.

Be Careful With Shady Jet Ski Rentals If you hit Cabbage Beach, you might be asked about jet ski rentals from young men walking up and down the sand. We’d suggest being careful and avoiding these as they aren’t always regulated. We’ve personally been on the beach when a woman who rented a ride accused the vendor of sexual assault. If you want to ride a jet ski, then look for a tour through the cruise line shore excursion desk. These companies have been vetted.

You Can Walk, But Be Prepared for a Harder Time Want to take a walking tour of Nassau? Absolutely you can, and there are a number of things to see close by. Just be prepared that it won’t be like back home. Sidewalks aren’t always smooth (if they exist at all), nor are walk signals at most intersections. As well, keep in mind that cars drive on the left here, so it will come from the opposite side when you cross streets.

Take the Ferry to Paradise Island If you want fast, then take a cab to Paradise Island. There is a taxi stand in the port area where you can get one. But it’s more fun (and rustic) to pay the $7 per person and grab a spot on the open-air ferry that takes you from the cruise dock. It’s a 10-15 minute ride over on the water. It will drop you off a ways from Cabbage Beach and Atlantis, so there will be a walk versus being dropped off at your destination with a cab.

You Won’t Be Alone in Port We’ve mentioned that Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. There can be up to six ships a day docking, meaning literally tens of thousands of cruise passengers in port. In other words, no matter when you visit, you should expect to have other ships visiting with you and decent crowds in the port area.

More on Visiting Nassau on a Cruise:

30 Fun Things for Cruise Passengers to Do in Nassau

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The Nassau Cruise Port: Travel Tips and Things To Do

T he Bahamas is an extremely popular travel destination in the West Atlantic Ocean. The relatively small tropical paradise borders Haiti, Cuba, the United States and Turks and Caicos. The capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau is located on New Providence Island and is a tourism hub. Nassau has established itself as a thriving cultural center and well known cruise ship stop. The destination is popular for its gorgeous white sand beaches and overall naturally beautiful landscape, which is perfect for water sports and waterside relaxation. The pristine coral reef and the possibility of exciting close encounters with marine life are some of the reasons Nassau is a great place to visit. 

Due to Nassau’s highly frequented dock, visitors may be under a time limit if they travel by boat or have to deal with crowds during port days. While many tourists only get to enjoy Nassau’s unique offerings during short periods of time, there are ways to best utilize time in the capital city. So, we have compiled some insightful information about the destination and how travelers can make the most of their trip, whether they are cruisers or looking to have a long term stay near the Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) . 

Is the Nassau Cruise Port Popular?

Nassau’s cruise port is one of the most popular ports in the world. Each year it attracts nearly 4 million cruise passengers . The port even recently (the first phase opened to the public in 2023) underwent a redevelopment, which has contributed to its popularity and overall appeal. These improvements include the construction of many new buildings which have been strategically planned and placed to improve the flow of traffic.

The taxi dispatch center and optimized shopping strip are just some of the upgrades that lead into downtown Nassau. Ports with the latest accommodations and high quality attractions certainly reap the benefits of modernization, since more tourists consider the site to be much more welcoming and safe. 

What Cruise Lines Dock at Nassau’s Cruise Port?

The cruise port has the capacity to accommodate six cruise ships a day. This includes three oasis class or icon class vessels. The larger icon class ships hold more passengers (and are usually taller and longer) while oasis class ships are typically wider with more features. The increased tourist capacity is due to the ports’ expanded waterfront, which was completed through a $300 million dollar project.

Travelers have plenty of options since there is an array of cruise lines that dock at this Nassau port. The Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, MSC, Holland America, Azamara and Fred Olsen cruise lines stop in Nassau. 

Things To Do in Nassau, Bahamas

There are plenty of things to do near the popular Nassau Cruise Port. Some of the most popular tours include rum tasting experiences, sunset cruises and jet skiing. Both sunset cruises and jet skiing offer visitors of the Bahamas stellar views of the crystal clear waters. Rum tasting is a popular tour in Nassau due to the historical and cultural information that travelers can learn by sampling authentic Bahamian rum and learning from locals.

Other travelers that prefer self-led exploration may enjoy the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre or National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. These sites highlight the environmental, cultural and historical significance of Nassau and are top attractions of the area. 

There are a few outdoor attractions that are considered top experiences in Nassau. Travelers can swim with island pigs, which has become a very adorable and picturesque experience. The crystal clear waters of the Bahamas adds to the tranquil and playful nature of the cute pigs that roam the island. Jaw’s Beach is one of the highest rated waterside sites for snorkeling and soaking in the sun. This beach is less crowded and visitors may even be lucky enough to witness marine life like the sea turtle and manta ray. 

Transportation 

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is only a few miles away from the port. Even travelers that are unfamiliar with the island should not have trouble flying in and getting a ride to their accomodation. Taxis are the most common mode of transportation for the tourist friendly city.

Since many visitors come from cruises that are docked there, many visiting travelers use taxis to get around the port. There is high traffic near the port, so there are many taxis available in the area. The taxi rates are set, so although travelers may notice prices vary by their particular destination they are unlikely to run into drivers that overcharge. For cruise passengers, it may be more affordable to secure transportation with the company that any tours are booked with. This ensures that they will not have to deal with additional stress and can simply sit back and relax.

There are also buses that are locally known as jitneys and are a popular form of public transportation. But riding the bus to and from excursions means that travelers will have to depend on the bus stop schedule and routes. For some, this lack of autonomy may be less than appealing so travelers should be sure that their itinerary can handle standardized traveling times and differing rates depending on the destination. 

LIRR veteran Robert Free of Port Jefferson Station named new president

Robert Free, speaking to the Long Island Association in November, had served as acting LIRR president since October. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

Robert Free, who started as a  Long Island Rail Road station cleaner , was named the railroad's 42nd president, MTA officials said Thursday.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman and CEO Janno Lieber announced his decision to appoint Free, 54, to the position of permanent president, after serving in the role of acting president since October .

In a statement, Free, of Port Jefferson Station, said when he joined the railroad at the age of 22 he “never imagined that one day I would be running this incredible organization.”

“It’s been an amazing journey so far and I am excited to continue to build on our successes and make the riding experience even better for Long Islanders,” Free said.

Free joined the LIRR in 1992 and climbed through the ranks until achieving the position of senior vice president of operations. He was instrumental in carrying out the railroad's Third Track project in Nassau County and the opening of Grand Central Madison in February of last year, MTA officials said.

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The MTA did not immediately provide a salary figure for Free.

After former interim LIRR president Catherine Rinaldi stepped down  to focus on her other job as Metro-North president, Lieber tapped Free to head up the LIRR temporarily, while the MTA conducted a search for a permanent leader. Lieber signaled at the time that Free was in the running for the role.

“Rob Free was the natural choice for the job — a native Long Islander who’s committed his working life to the LIRR, rising through the ranks from cleaner to running operations to now leading North America’s busiest commuter railroad,” Lieber said in a statement Thursday. “Rob intrinsically understands the level of service customers expect, and I know he will continue to deliver in this now permanent role.”

Lieber said that MTA Police has increased its presence on the LIRR, and that the railroad saw its best February on-time performance in a dozen years, at 96.3%.

Free has also dealt with some frustrations among commuters, including those still unsatisfied with service levels following the launch of Grand Central Madison. Some riders and union officials have also rankled at a pilot program launched by Free to address fare evasion that requires train tickets to be checked before riders board some trains at Penn Station.

Still, Free is “the perfect choice to be the permanent president” of the railroad, said LIRR Commuter Council chairman Gerard Bringmann, who called the father of four a “solid railroad man.”

“He literally worked his way from the bottom up in the organization and knows the ins and outs … better than anybody,” Bringmann said.

Anthony Simon, who heads the LIRR's largest union, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, called Free's institutional experience at the LIRR “a breath of fresh air.”

“There will always be differences, because of the positions we're both in, but we both know what it takes to get the job done,” said Simon, who once worked as a station cleaner alongside Free. “He takes the trains. He rides with the commuters. He has their ear.”

Marc Herbst, the newly appointed Suffolk County representative on the MTA Board and executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association, said Free has “demonstrated outstanding leadership” and that his appointment is “truly well deserved.”

Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.

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One dead, 11 others injured after shuttle bus plows into group near Honolulu cruise port

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - One person is dead and 11 others were injured Friday when a shuttle bus driver dropping off passengers near a Honolulu cruise ship terminal hit the gas instead of the brake, pinning several people against concrete barriers, first responders said.

Honolulu EMS said a 68-year-old woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition, and police traffic investigators confirmed she later died. There were four others who were seriously injured: A 67-year-old man, a 67-year-old woman, a 55-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii said the woman who died and the four others who were seriously injured are from Illinois, and that they are being offered assistance.

Additionally, a man in his 70s was taken to the hospital in stable condition while six other adults, ranging in age from their 40s to their 70s, suffered minor injures and declined transport.

Multiple EMS units with paramedics and EMTs responded to the scene at Pier 2 about 10:20 a.m.

Honolulu police said the incident happened in a private parking lot when a 57-year-old driver dropping people off and picking others up was notified that his vehicle was moving forward. He jumped into the driver’s seat to stop it, but pressed the gas pedal instead of the brakes.

Florida ER nurse Janet Lightfoot, on a cruise with her mom, jumped into action to help.

The two had just disembarked Friday morning and were waiting for a shuttle to go shopping when they saw a bus with a Hilo Hatties logo heading toward a crowd of people.

“Somebody screamed, and then I looked over and the bus hit into the crowd,” she said.

“It just kept going until it hit the wall there. Big cement block was pushed out and the bus hit into the wall. I ran over and kind of started triaging people and trying to help.”

Lightfoot said she’s accustomed to seeing traumatic injuries, but “this is just different.”

“We’re on vacation. The husband of one of the family members was there and just sad.”

Bystanders said the chaotic scene unfolded in seconds.

“It was shocking,” said witness Mike Frost.

Added Linda Reck, also visiting from Florida, “It just kept going and and my daughter yells out, ‘There’s nobody driving the bus.’ And then poof, it hits the wall.”

Honolulu police said it’s unknown if drugs or alcohol are factors in the crash.

Carnival Miracle issued the following statement about the incident:

Nine Carnival Miracle guests were hit by a shuttle bus in the transportation area outside the Honolulu cruise terminal on Friday morning, April 12. Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover. Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones. Carnival Miracle is on a 15-day Carnival Journeys sailing that departed Long Beach, Calif. on April 6.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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