157,000+ passengers have visited the Bahamas since the start of 2023, with a record 26410 cruise tourists arriving in a single day last week.
Stakeholders are indicating the figures were a “strong rebound in the cruise industry”.
In a statement, the NCP-Nassau Cruise Port said the previous 1-day total was 25393 and the port had welcomed 1592 cruise ship calls since the restart of the industry in 2021, with several of those days being 6-ship days.
According to NCP chief executive officer, Mike Maura Jr., the high number of cruise passengers that early in the year was a great sign for Bahamians given the dependency on the tourism sector.
“This is indicative of a strong rebound in the cruise industry, with climbing occupancy rates. These passenger volumes have a positive impact on the tourism industry in The Bahamas. Geographically, The Bahamas is blessed, not only with sun, sand, and sea; but also, with proximity to the major home ports in the US, and Nassau is the busiest transit port in the world."
Maura said that Nassau often catered to repeat cruise travel clientele, and in 2023 would "showcase more exciting offerings downtown with the completion of the cruise port."
According to the NCP, the country welcomed 3.2+ million cruise passengers in 2022 and was hoping to increase the number to 4+ million before the end of 2023.
The NCP revealed it had hoped to mark the opening of the cruise port on May 6th, but that coincided with the coronation day for King Charles III, and Prime Minister Phillip Davis would not be there.
The NCP said the project included a Junkanoo museum, a 3500-person capacity amphitheater, authentic Bahamian retail/food/beverage spaces, along with new entertainment and event spaces.
“The addition of the sixth berth allows Nassau Cruise Port to hold the largest ships in the world and allows tens of thousands of passengers to experience The Bahamas each and every day.”