Nassau Cruise Port, recently given a $300 million facelift, serves as the gateway to the Bahamas. Welcoming over 3.5 million passengers per year, the cruise port sits in the heart of Nassau, the capital city. It’s also just minutes away from beaches and attractions, making it the ideal starting point for your adventure!
Nassau Cruise Port Location and Address
Nassau Cruise Port is situated along the north shore of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Like the city that gives the port its name, Nassau Cruise Port is on the island of New Providence, one of the 30 inhabited islands that make up the archipelago nation.
Given the island’s proximity to Florida, it is an extremely popular place for tourists, including those setting off on full Caribbean cruises. In fact, the Bahamas is actually the fourth most visited cruise destination in the world, just a few spots behind the world’s busiest cruise port – Miami, Florida’s PortMiami.
The prime location also places the port within easy reach of downtown Nassau, which makes it easy for visiting cruise passengers to explore the city’s rich culture and history.
As we will cover in greater detail later, arriving at the port also makes it easy to visit the many pristine beaches that are so integral to the lifestyle of the local population.
Another advantage of the port’s strategic location is that it is sheltered by Paradise Island, which runs parallel to the city of Nassau. This unique island provides a natural barrier, protecting the port and docked cruise ships from waves and winds that would otherwise blow in from the Atlantic.
The port’s exact address is:
Nassau Cruise Port, #1 Prince George Wharf, Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau Cruise Port Piers
Nassau Cruise Port is impressively large for such a small island. The port features a unique pier design that allows it to accommodate up to six full-sized cruise ships at the same time, along with several smaller vessels. This was actually part of a major redevelopment and rejuvenation project that greatly expanded the port.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas
Essentially, the design consists of one large pier extending perpendicular to the city, which has three piers branching from it. You can almost imagine it like a backwards capital ‘E’, with an additional pier extending backwards from the top of the ‘E’.
Since the three long piers run parallel to the shore, all departing and embarking passengers must walk along the same pier to get to the new terminal building, the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, located along the shore.
Nassau Cruise Port $300 Million Renovation
Nassau Cruise Port recently underwent a major rejuvenation effort. Fully reopening to the public on May 26, 2023, the project took roughly four years and cost over $300 million.
The renovations involved fully refurbishing and repairing all of the existing piers, as well as adding an additional berth for a full-size cruise ship. The repairs and refurbishment of the cruise berths also resulted in the port being able to accommodate larger cruise ships, including a total of three Icon or Oasis-class cruise ships at the same time.
The renovation project was funded as part of a joint operation between the national government of the Bahamas and Global Ports Holding PLC, the world’s largest cruise port operator.
In addition to expanding cruise ship facilities, the port renovations also enhanced the visiting passenger experience by adding additional entertainment areas and a fully modernized arrivals plaza. There is an art gallery, the Junkanoo Museum, a large theatre, and plenty of green space along with new food and drink options.
The final result of the renovations has been turning the Nassau Cruise Port from a dated cruise port to one of the most impressive in the Caribbean. Since the renovations, it is also capable of taking in over 3.7 million cruise passengers per year!
Cruise Terminal Amenities and Facilities
Since the major renovation project also involved making significant improvements to the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, passengers can enjoy a pleasant and comfortable experience during their visit.
The entire terminal and surrounding facilities were also designed to be fully accessible, with ramps and automated doors ensuring all passengers can enjoy their visit.
Key amenities and services include the following:
Free Wi-Fi
The entire terminal building and on-shore entertainment areas feature complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. This upgrade was completed in February 2024, and there are plans to expand the coverage beyond the cruise port as part of the city of Nassau’s “Smart City Pilot,” which aims to transform Nassau into the center of innovation for all of the Caribbean.
Restrooms
Visitors will find clean and well-maintained public restrooms throughout the cruise terminal and the entertainment areas. There are also restroom facilities that are wheelchair-friendly.
Information Booths
Several information desks are scattered throughout the terminal and even on the piers themselves. Here, you will find friendly staff that can provide you with guidance and answer any questions you may have.
Shopping and Dining
The cruise port features a market to the side of the terminal building called the Port Marketplace. Here, visitors can shop for handmade local souvenirs and trinkets. The construction of this outdoor shopping area was part of the effort to help the cruise port reflect the unique culture and history of the Bahamas.
You can also visit several international clothing and jewelry stores, including Vida Cayo and Haus of Assembly, which carry beach clothing and accessories.
There’s also a small grocery store and pharmacy, which is really useful if you need any supplies to take with you when you board. The Gallery & Wine Bar is another highlight of the port. View exhibitions from local and international artists, then enjoy a delicious glass of wine in the bar area.
If you’re looking for something to eat, several restaurants just outside the terminal feature authentic Bahamian dishes. You’ll also find Isola Gelato, the Bearded Clam Sports Bar, and Linda’s Place, which serves small plates of local cuisine and basic lunch favorites.
Cruise Lines that Visit Nassau Cruise Port
As one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it is no surprise that Nassau Cruise Port is a regular stop for some of the most well-known cruise lines in the world. Just a few of the major cruise lines that visit the port include the following:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Virgin Voyages
Princess Cruises
Traveling to the Port from Nearby Airports
Since Nassau is only about 180 miles from the coast of Florida, many cruise passengers will fly to the island to board cruise ships that list the Nassau Cruise Port as their initial departure point.
Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA)
If you are one of the many taking one of these cruises, there is a good chance that you will fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), as this major airport functions as the main gateway for air travelers to Nassau and its cruise port.
LPIA is the largest airport in the Bahamas, just 9 miles west of Nassau Cruise Port. It serves thousands of cruise passengers every day. With the airport servicing numerous international flights and domestic flights from other islands in the Bahamas, it is where most travelers will arrive.
Directions and Distance to the Port
The most common and convenient way to travel between the airport and the cruise port is to take a taxi or cruise line-provided shuttle bus. While traffic can be an issue, most taxi and shuttle rides take about 20 to 30 minutes.
Metered rates are set by law for taxis, meaning you cannot get ripped off if you take a registered cab. Fortunately, there is a mandatory flat rate of $21 to get to the port from the airport, so you don’t have to haggle.
If you have decided to rent a vehicle from one of the rental offices at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, you can take the following directions:
Exit the airport and head east on John F. Kennedy Drive
Continue on John F. Kennedy Drive for 9.6 miles until you reach a roundabout, then take the second exit onto Tonique Williams-Darling Highway
At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto West Bay Street
Continue for 1.1 miles until you see signs for Nassau Cruise Port and park at Prince George Wharf
Keep in mind that United Kingdom driving rules apply in the Bahamas, so you will need to drive on the left side of the road.
While the port has drop-off points and short-term parking, you will need to park just outside the port if you need overnight or long-term parking. The Bahamas Financial Centre on nearby Parliament Street is only 0.3 miles away from the port and they have overnight parking for a rate of $10 per day.
Other Airports
If you are not flying into Nassau and have decided to book a flight at one of the 20 other international airports scattered throughout the islands of the Bahamas, like Grand Bahama Freeport Airport or Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, you will most likely need to book a short flight from your arrival airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport. Luckily, these inter-island flights run throughout the day and tend to be very affordable.
How to Get to Nassau Cruise Port
One of the many reasons why Nassau is such a popular vacation destination is how easy it is to visit all the attractions the island has to offer. Here are the most popular ways to get around:
Taxis
As mentioned, the easiest way to get to the cruise port from the airport is to take a taxi. They are readily available at LPIA and the city of Nassau as a whole. Since taxi fares and flat rates are regulated, passengers can enjoy fair pricing and simplified transactions.
Keep in mind that taxis are allowed to charge additional surcharges for additional passengers and oversized luggage, but these fees are usually just an extra couple of dollars. The drivers also need to communicate this with you before you depart.
Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft do not yet operate in the Bahamas.
Private Shuttle Service
Numerous shuttle services operate throughout Nassau. From shuttle buses to private limo transfers, it is easy to pre-book transportation between the airport and cruise port, as well as other areas of the island.
Airport Transfer Bahamas offers a range of services and vehicles. From group-friendly van and mini-bus rides to more luxurious stretch limousines, you can prearrange travel to meet your needs and budget.
Simon’s Transports offers more budget-friendly shared airport shuttles if you have a large group and want to avoid waiting for a taxi.
You can also check with your cruise line ahead of time to see if they provide a complimentary shuttle service. Some larger ships will do so for itineraries that begin at the Nassau Cruise Port.
Public Transportation
The city’s public buses, known locally as “jitneys,” have routes throughout Nassau, including a stop a short distance outside of the cruise port.
One-way adult fares are $3, so they offer a budget-friendly mode of transportation between the port and various points throughout the city, but you should remember that they are far less convenient and reliable than taxis.
Walking
If you are staying in a nearby hotel or want to explore Nassau without paying for a taxi or shuttle, it’s easy to walk to downtown Nassau from the cruise port. Walking is obviously free and offers visitors a great way to explore the city and take in the atmosphere.
Is Nassau Safe to Visit?
While there are areas of the Bahamas that can be a little bit dangerous to outsiders, particularly Freeport on Grand Bahama, the island of New Providence, where Nassau is located, is considered relatively safe for visiting tourists.
With that said, both the US Department of State and the Government of Canada advise visitors to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting any region within the Bahamas. In fact, the entire country has a Level 2 Travel Advisory, according to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.
While the main tourist areas of Nassau are generally safe for tourists, you should still practice precautions. The following are some tips recommended by the US Government, as well as several other governments, like those of Canada and the United Kingdom:
Be Vigilant About Spiked Drinks
You should not leave food or drinks unattended and be wary of accepting snacks, drinks, and even cigarettes from those you don’t know.
Be Cautious About Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud are sadly relatively common in Nassau. Avoid situations where others handle your credit card, only use ATMs in well-lit areas, and check your statements for unauthorized transactions. We recommend using cash with smaller vendors and restaurants.
If you are planning on enjoying an excursion experience, book through your cruise line rather than doing so in the city. This eliminates your chances of being scammed, and it is safer to go with an excursion provider that has been vetted by your cruise line.
Only Enter Registered Taxis
Avoid any unmarked taxis, and do not take taxis with strangers if they offer to split a fare.
Avoid Dangerous Neighborhoods
In Nassau, you should avoid the “Over the Hill” area of the city, south of Shirley Street. This dangerous area is where gang violence is common. You should always avoid traveling alone in any part of the city, especially at night. If you spend the night in the city, stick to the major hotels and resorts, as they have on-site security. Small, short-term rental properties are less safe, even if they are in seemingly nice neighborhoods.
Beaches Near Nassau Cruise Port
Like most of the islands that make up the Bahamas, Nassau is home to some truly stunning beaches. Many of these are easily accessible from the cruise port, including the following:
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is just 0.6 miles west of the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, so you can easily walk along the waterfront to get there. The fact it’s just over a 10-minute walk from the cruise port makes it one of the most popular options for visiting cruise passengers.
Not only is it nearby, but the beach has a lively atmosphere, picturesque soft white sand, and turquoise waters that are so closely associated with the Bahamas.
If you grow tired of relaxing on the sand, the beach is just a few minutes walk to a wide range of beach bars, restaurants, local vendors, and even the famed Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Bahamas.
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach is across the water on the north side of Paradise Island. It also happens to be one of the most famous beaches in the Bahamas. Although the beach is technically about 2 miles from the port, getting there is tricky. Most people take a taxi across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, extending the journey to about 3 miles.
You can also opt for a water taxi or one of the ferries that operate out of Port Nassau, but this can make for a more complicated journey than just taking a cab.
Once you arrive, you’ll discover one of the most pristine stretches of beach anywhere in the Caribbean. There are also plenty of water activities to enjoy, like jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Saunders Beach
Saunders is another beach that usually requires a cab ride, but it is a nice alternative to the busier options if you want a more relaxed atmosphere.
Located roughly 3.7 miles west of the cruise port, you’ll enjoy a relatively peaceful beach with a family-friendly playground and plenty of picnic areas.
Love Beach
If you have more time in Nassau, you can take a drive out to Love Beach, which is 11.8 miles west of the port along John F Kennedy Drive.
Known to be a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, it has a really tranquil environment that provides the perfect way to relax before boarding a crowded cruise ship. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot dolphins splashing in the waters or sea lions basking in the sun.
Dining Options Near Nassau Cruise Port
As the capital city of an island nation known for its delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that Nassau is home to a range of exciting dining options. Since the city also has a booming tourism industry, there are a variety of dining options near the cruise port that will appeal to all tastes and budgets.
Here are just a few of our top suggestions:
Visit Arawak Cay
Also known as the “Fish Fry,” this small island is just over a mile west of the port. It’s a huge favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find numerous seafood stalls and restaurants that specialize in serving freshly caught seafood fried and seasoned Bahamian-style. Try the conch salad, as most establishments have this fan favorite on their menus!
Twin Brothers is a good option if you’re looking for a more formal sit-down meal, while Sumptin’ Good 242 is great for cocktails and takeaway dishes.
Señor Frog’s
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without stopping in a Señor Frog’s. Luckily, there’s one within walking distance from the cruise port near Junkanoo Beach. This lively restaurant and bar has an iconic atmosphere, tropical cocktails, and Mexican dishes that you have to experience for yourself!
With a mix of local markets, high-end designer boutiques, duty-free shops, and international chain stores, Nassau is a shopping enthusiast’s dream destination. If you want to do some shopping during your visit, check out the following:
Straw Market
Located less than a mile from the port, the Straw Market is a wonderful marketplace where you can find a range of handmade souvenirs, like jewelry, wood carvings, and hot sauces.
Make sure you bring cash, as most vendors won’t accept cards. With the Bahamian Dollar on par with the US Dollar, you can just bring US currency, preferably in small denominations.
Bay Street
For more upscale shopping, visit Bay Street, one of the main shopping areas in the city. Located less than a mile from the terminal, the street runs parallel with the waterfront.
Here, you’ll find duty-free shopping and high-end luxury shops. You’ll also find a few restaurants where you can sample some authentic local cuisine.
Festival Place
Right within the cruise port itself, Festival Place offers convenient shopping for those with limited time on the island. Shop everything from local souvenirs to bathing suits and last-minute gifts.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nassau?
Although Nassau is a year-round destination, thanks to its tropical climate, most people prefer to visit between December and February. Temperatures hover around a pleasant 75°F, while rainfall is relatively limited.
Avoid going during the summer months if you want to avoid the rainy season, as well as the increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Read Also: Grand Turk Cruise Port – Pier, Facilities and What’s Nearby
You’ll also find that humidity is limited during the winter and early spring, which makes exploring the city and the island’s beaches far more pleasant than during the summer and fall.
Peak season runs from November to April. With many cruise lines shifting their itineraries from Europe to the Caribbean, Nassau has become a very popular destination.
There are also some fun annual festivals during these months, including Junkanoo Festival, which is held on December 26th. The festival is marked by parades, live music, and costumes, providing visitors with a great opportunity to experience Bahamian culture first-hand.
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Publish date : 2024-09-05 13:35:00
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