Nassau (Bahamas, New Providence Island)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Rating:
Nassau cruise port

Region
Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time
2024-03-19 05:53

min: 71 °F (21 °C) / max: 79 °F (27 °C) 78°F
25.4°C
Wind: 273°/ 6.4 m/s  Gust: 8.8 m/sWind: 273°/ 6.4 m/s  Gust: 8.8 m/sMod. breeze
6.4 m/s
Min / Max Temperature79 °F / 27 °C
71 °F / 22 °C
  Port Map

Port Nassau cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Nassau, Bahamas, New Providence Island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
1 March, 2024
Friday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Dream08:0016:00
1 March, 2024
Friday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore10:0019:00
2 March, 2024
Saturday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Divina08:0018:00
2 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
2 March, 2024
Saturday
Holland America Cruises cruise linems Nieuw Statendam08:0017:00
2 March, 2024
Saturday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
2 March, 2024
Saturday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
3 March, 2024
Sunday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Summit07:0017:00
3 March, 2024
Sunday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seascape07:0016:00
3 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas07:0015:00
3 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0017:00
4 March, 2024
Monday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Ascent07:0017:00
4 March, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineOasis Of The Seas08:0017:00
5 March, 2024
Tuesday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Summit07:0016:00
5 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunshine08:0017:00
5 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas09:0017:00
5 March, 2024
Tuesday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
5 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Liberty10:0018:00
6 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineIndependence Of The Seas08:0018:00
6 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Legend08:0017:00
6 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
6 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
6 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAnthem of the Seas12:0020:00
7 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica07:0018:00
7 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Glory07:0016:00
7 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
7 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0016:00
7 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Meraviglia11:0019:00
8 March, 2024
Friday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineSymphony Of The Seas08:0017:00
8 March, 2024
Friday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Freedom10:0018:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas08:0017:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunshine08:0016:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica09:0018:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas09:0017:00
9 March, 2024
Saturday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
10 March, 2024
Sunday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Summit07:0016:00
10 March, 2024
Sunday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Silhouette07:0017:00
10 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
10 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0017:00
10 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAdventure Of The Seas08:0017:00
11 March, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Mardi Gras07:0016:00
11 March, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineOasis Of The Seas08:0017:00
11 March, 2024
Monday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun09:0019:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineVision Of The Seas08:0017:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineIndependence Of The Seas08:0017:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Paradise08:0016:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
12 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Liberty10:0018:00
13 March, 2024
Wednesday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore08:0015:00
13 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
13 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunrise08:0017:00
13 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunshine08:0017:00
13 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Legend08:0017:00
14 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Dream07:0016:00
14 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica07:0018:00
14 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas07:0015:00
14 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAnthem of the Seas08:0017:00
14 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Meraviglia11:0019:00
15 March, 2024
Friday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun08:0019:00
15 March, 2024
Friday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Dream08:0016:00
15 March, 2024
Friday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore10:0019:00
15 March, 2024
Friday
Holland America Cruises cruise linems Eurodam11:0019:00
16 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
16 March, 2024
Saturday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
16 March, 2024
Saturday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
17 March, 2024
Sunday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seascape07:0016:00
17 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
17 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunrise08:0016:00
17 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0017:00
18 March, 2024
Monday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Ascent07:0017:00
18 March, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineOasis Of The Seas08:0017:00
18 March, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunshine08:0017:00
18 March, 2024
Monday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Dream08:0016:00
19 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineGrandeur Of The Seas08:0017:00
19 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas09:0017:00
19 March, 2024
Tuesday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
19 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Liberty10:0018:00
20 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
20 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineVision Of The Seas08:0017:00
20 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
20 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAnthem of the Seas12:0020:00
20 March, 2024
Wednesday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Meraviglia13:0021:00
21 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica07:0018:00
21 March, 2024
Thursday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun08:0018:00
21 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
21 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Spirit08:0016:00
21 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0016:00
22 March, 2024
Friday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineSymphony Of The Seas08:0017:00
22 March, 2024
Friday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Magic08:0016:00
22 March, 2024
Friday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Divina09:0018:00
22 March, 2024
Friday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Freedom10:0018:00
23 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas08:0017:00
23 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
23 March, 2024
Saturday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica09:0018:00
23 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas09:0017:00
23 March, 2024
Saturday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
24 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
24 March, 2024
Sunday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Pearl08:0016:00
24 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0017:00
24 March, 2024
Sunday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Silhouette11:0018:00
25 March, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Mardi Gras07:0016:00
25 March, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineOasis Of The Seas08:0017:00
25 March, 2024
Monday
Holland America Cruises cruise linems Nieuw Statendam08:0017:00
25 March, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun08:0018:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineIndependence Of The Seas08:0017:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica09:0018:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Liberty10:0018:00
26 March, 2024
Tuesday
Oceania Cruises Cruises cruise lineOceania Vista12:0018:00
27 March, 2024
Wednesday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore07:0015:00
27 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunrise07:0017:00
27 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
27 March, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Sunshine08:0017:00
27 March, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas08:0017:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Dream07:0016:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Pearl08:0016:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Legend08:0017:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAnthem of the Seas08:0017:00
28 March, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Meraviglia11:0019:00
29 March, 2024
Friday
Virgin Voyages Cruises cruise lineValiant Lady08:0017:00
29 March, 2024
Friday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise lineCelebrity Summit08:0017:00
29 March, 2024
Friday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Dream08:0016:00
29 March, 2024
Friday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore10:0019:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineLiberty Of The Seas08:0017:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Elation08:0016:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Cruises cruise lineSeven Seas Splendor09:0018:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineDisney Wish09:0017:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Liberty10:0019:00
30 March, 2024
Saturday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Divina12:0018:00
31 March, 2024
Sunday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seascape07:0015:00
31 March, 2024
Sunday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Sun07:0017:00
31 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineAllure Of The Seas07:0015:00
31 March, 2024
Sunday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineFreedom Of The Seas08:0017:00
31 March, 2024
Sunday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Conquest08:0017:00

Nassau is The Bahamas' main/principal and largest seaport as well as the country's capital city - located approx 310 mi / 500 km east of Florida USA. Port Nassau (locode BSNAS) is on New Providence Island's northeastern coast. The city has population around 275,000 and total area approx 80 mi2 (207 km2).

By berthing capacity and annual cruise shipping volumes, Nassau is currently ranked the world's 5th-largest cruise port - following Florida's PortMiami, Port Canaveral/Orlando, and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, and Cozumel Mexico.

In Nassau are registered most of the cruise vessels (both large and smaller-sized) as The Bahamas is the preferable flag-state for major cruise shipping companies.

Just offshore (opposite Port Nassau) is the world-famous Atlantis Paradise Island (privately-owned resort and residential property). Approx 40 mi (65 km) to the northwest of Nassau is Berry Islands' largest island - Great Harbour Cay, and the nearby-located cruise line private islands Coco Cay (RCI-Royal Caribbean, originally named Little Stirrup Cay) and Great Stirrup Cay (NCL-Norwegian). Approx 5 mi (8 km) to the east is Rose Island.

The cruise port handles 4+ million cruise tourists annually. Before the COVID crisis, Nassau Cruise Port's annual passenger record was 3,859183 million (2019). This number was surpassed in 2023 when the Port handled ~4,5 million cruisers.

The Bahamas is the Americas' 3rd-richest country by GDP (USD 9,792 billion / USD 26000 per capita in 2018) and its main industry is tourism. The Bahamas is a Commonwealth (UK crown dependency) in which HM Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning monarch and head of state. Nassau City was named after William III of England (aka William of Orange, 1650-1702), from the House of Orange-Nassau (European aristocratic dynasty).

Following the 2-year pause in cruise shipping due to the Coronavirus/global health crisis, in 2022 Nassau had scheduled 1100+ ship calls and handled a total of 3,212603 million tourists. In 2023, the Port had booked a total of 1260 cruise ship berthings (eventually received 1210 calls), with expected ~4,2 million tourists (the year ended with handled 4,490802 million, or +14% over the pre-COVID 2019).

Nassau Cruise Port's day record was February 27, 2023, when were handled a total of  28554 tourists from 6 vessels berthed simultaneously - Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Reflection, MSC Meraviglia, Harmony OTS, and Wonder OTS. On March 12, 2024, the Port received 7 ships (20,009 tourists).

The port city is a unique mixture of modern resorts and British colonialism heritage, with numerous historical sites and amazing beaches, the most popular of which are Junkanoo Beach, Cabbage Beach, and Cable Beach. In close proximity to the cruise port are also Saunders Beach, Love Beach, and Jaws Beach.

Boat tours from Nassau to Pearl Island (~8 mi / 13 km), Blue Lagoon Island (7 mi / 11 km) and Balmoral Island (6 mi / 10 km) are day excursion packages (US$80-110 pp) inclusive of roundtrip transportation, lunch, segway/walking tour, watersport activities (30-min guided snorkeling tour, seakayaks, paddleboards, trampolines, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, water mats, showers, restrooms).

Close to the cruise terminal are several hotels and resorts (with day pass access), the largest of which are Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark (2 swimming pools, lazy river), Warwick Paradise Island Nassau (pools, tennis courts, bicycles, all food and drinks), Breezes Resort & Spa (on Cable Beach, 3 pools), RIU Palace Paradise Island (adults-only, on Cabbage Beach, 2x pools, buffet food, poolside BBQ), Baha Mar Resort & Waterpark (24 waterslides, lazy river, infinity pool, 3x pools, outdoor casino).

The largest festival is Junkanoo - a colorful street parade of people in bright costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, whistles and cowbells. The celebration is held on January 1, July 10 and December 26, beginning in the early morning hours (1 AM) and ending at ~10 AM.

Passenger ferries provide regularly scheduled shipping service from Nassau to the surrounding islands, and mainly to Paradise Island. Nassau's main seaport is Prince George Wharf, which also serves cruise liners. Shipping and transportation around the Family Islands is primarily by mailboats homeported at Potters Cay. Arawak Port Department serves cargo shipping. High-speed ferries to Exuma, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are available daily.

Downtown Nassau is just within 10 min walking distance. The city's main shopping street (Bay Street) is a block from the cruise terminal. To reach it, you have to pass Festival Place Welcome Center. The building offers a lot of services for tourists like information and brochures. There a lot of possibilities for shore excursions, offered by the cruise ship companies or organized by your own.

In late-February 2019, a 3-party consortium won the bidding for redevelopment and management of Prince George Wharf and the cruise port's related areas. By this project (budgeted USD 250M), the number of docking berths will be increased (from the current 6 to 8), also will be constructed a new passenger terminal (building) with an adjacent leisure complex (entertainment area/amphitheater, retail shopping, bars and restaurants). The new cruise terminal will be also integrated into Bay Street and downtown.

In this newly-formed consortium, Global Ports Holding PLC (subsidiary of Global Ports Holding BV / wholly-owned subsidiary of GIH-Global Investment Holdings) owns 49%, Bahamian Investment Fund owns 49%, and 2% are owned by Yes Foundation (Youth Entrepreneurial Service). In August, the consortium (Nassau Cruise Port Ltd) signed a 25-year concession deal for the Port's Prince George Wharf. Operations officially started on October 9, 2019. The Consortium invested ~USD 300 million (EUR 271M / GBP 240M) in expanding the cruise port's capacity and enhancing the passenger terminal and downtown touring experience. The project was announced in March 2020, approved in April 2021 and completed in 2023 (opened on May 27th). Construction works started in July 2021. The expected annual revenues are in the range USD 35-40 million.

In the period May 4-15, 2020, Nassau Cruise Port raised USD 130+ million through private bonds offered to private investors and stakeholders. The money was for the cruise port's redevelopment project planned in 3 phases:

  • Phase 1 - demolition of the old buildings and structures
  • Phase 2 - completion of marine works - including berth expansion, infrastructure upgrades
  • Phase 3 - completion of landside works and construction of the new buildings - passenger Terminal, Plaza, Junkanoo Museum, Amphitheater, Market Place (retail shopping complex), food-beverage-entertainment venues

The 2020-raised funds are to be used in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Funds raised in 2021-Q2 (through an initial public offering via Bahamas Investment Fund) will be used for Phase 3.

In June-August 2021, for the first time, RCI-Royal Caribbean homeported here a ship (Adventure OTS) for 7-night roundtrips from Nassau to Cozumel Mexico, Freeport (Grand Bahama) and CocoCay.

Royal Beach Club Bahamas (Royal Caribbean) on Paradise Island

In mid-March 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd announced plans to build a second (after St Johns Antigua) Royal Beach Club (private resort property) at Paradise Island's western end. The complex will be exclusive (for RCI cruise tourists only) and visited as a "beach day" shore excursion option (via private tours) from Nassau.

Royal Beach Club Bahamas will be developed with premium beaches and RCI's signature beachside resort amenities and service. In February 2020, RCG purchased land from private landowners ("multiple real estate parcels"/13,5-acres/5,5-hectares) on Paradise Island's western coast, at the cost of ~USD 50 million (~EUR 42 million). Additional 7 acres/2,8 hectares were leased by The Bahamas government.

Construction works are currently scheduled to start in October 2021 and be completed by May 2023.

Royal Beach Club will have max capacity 3500 (cruisers plus staff) and will include two dining pavilions (sized 35000 ft2/3252 m2 each/ with max guest capacity 1500 each), a resort-style swimming pool (sized 26000 ft2 / 2415 m2), splash pad for children (sized 4000 ft2 / 371 m2), beach facilities (14 bars, restrooms, cabanas for rent). The facilities will be supported by a reverse osmosis plant (for water desalination), wastewater plant and waste management facility, fuel storage, storage building.

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

  1. Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde (San Juan Puerto Rico) with ~9,5 million pax
  2. Punta Cana Airport (Punta Cana Dominicana) with ~7,2 million pax
  3. Jose Marti Airport (Havana Cuba) with 5,7+ million pax
  4. Sangster Airport (Montego Bay Jamaica) with ~4,8 million pax
  5. Lynden Pindling Airport (Nassau Bahamas) with ~4,1 million pax
  6. Las Americas Airport (Santo Domingo Dominicana) with ~4 million pax
  7. Piarco Airport (Port-of-Spain Trinidad) with 2,8+ million pax
  8. Queen Beatrix Airport (Oranjestad Aruba) with 2,5+ million pax
  9. Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe) with ~2,5 million pax
  10. Grantley Adams Airport (Bridgetown Barbados) with ~2,3 million pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

Nassau cruise terminal

Nassau Cruise Port terminal serves major passenger shipping companies as a port of call.

Most of the liners are operated by CCL-Carnival, RCI-Royal Caribbean, DCL-Disney, NCL-Norwegian, Costa, MSC.

The 2019-opened Nassau Cruise Port currently has six berths and capacity to handle the world's largest passenger ships) plus a yacht berth (for docking of superyachts with max LOA length 700 ft/213 m), a new marina, and a new passenger terminal for water excursions and ferries.

Nassau Cruise Terminal's upgrades include a new terminal for arriving passengers, a Ground Transportation Area (for taxis and tour operators' vehicles), a hairstyling pavilion, an event space, as well as police outposts (for the Police Force and the Defence Force officers).

The Nassau Waterfront was also upgraded (USD 300 million project) and now has 60+ retail shops and venues for food and beverages, a wine bar, an art gallery, an amphitheater (capacity 3000 seats). Also new is the Educulture Junkanoo Museum And Resource Centre (managed by Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre Ltd).

Nassau cruise terminal is at Prince George Wharf, located on the island's northern coast.

The port has capacity to handle up to 6x cruise vessels simultaneously, including 3x of the world's largest (RCI's Oasis/Icon classes) and max daily capacity 30,000 tourists.

In December 2018, to The Bahamas government received bids for cruise terminal concession. Bids were submitted on December 7th and opened on December 11th. The three bidding entities were Providence Advisors (representing Nassau port partners), Cruise Ports International Ltd (representing Carnival Corporation, DCL-Disney, NCLH-Norwegian and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group) and Global Ports Holding (the world's largest cruiseport operator).

Nassau Cruise Port upgrades under Global Ports Holding

The cruise port concession bid won a consortium part of which is Global Ports Holding PLC (subsidiary of Global Ports Holding BV / wholly-owned subsidiary of GIH-Global Investment Holdings).

Currently, Nassau Cruise Port Ltd is owned 49% by Global Ports Holding, 49% by the Bahamian Investment Fund and the remaining 2% are owned by the Yes Foundation (Youth Entrepreneurial Service).

In August 2019, Nassau Cruise Port Ltd signed a 25-year concession deal for the Prince George Wharf, starting on October 9, 2019.

By the concession deal, the Consortium invested ~USD 300 million (EUR 271M / GBP 240M) in expanding the cruise port's capacity and enhancing the passenger terminal as well as the downtown touring experience.

The development project was announced in March 2020, approved in April 2021 and was completed in 2023. The facility was officially opened on May 27th.

Construction works started in July 2021.

The project's Phase I included the extension of the docking pier, building two new marinas (yacht berthing facilities) and also upgrading the existing structures.

The project's Phase II included constructing new venues - a museum, a passenger terminal, a 3500-seat amphitheater, a living coral exhibit, as well as several venues for dining, retail shopping (including locally-made merchandise) and live entertainment.

Nassau Cruise Port's expected annual revenues are in the range USD 35-40 million.

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In July 2021 was officially opened Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. Day passes cost US$115 (adults), US$45 (kids 3-12), US$0 (kids under 3). Day passes are inclusive of Water Park fee, US$25 credit (food and beverages), Wi-Fi (unlimited), beach access (chairs).

Festival Place: only a minute walk from Nassau cruise port terminal. You can buy ”truly authentic” Bahamian goods.

Educulture Museum: 10 minutes away from the terminal by taxi (it will cost you around six dollars). It is dedicated to the Junkanoo parade (Mardi Gras resembling). There is an admission, address: 31 West St.

Fort Fincastle: 5 minutes away from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi (estimated cost is four dollars). The fort dates from the 18th century. It is tiny, hilltop located and served for pirate invasions watch. There is an admission.

Potter’s Cay: 8 minutes from the terminal by taxi (around five dollars), under the Paradise Island Bridge you have to try the seafood shacks.

Crazy Johnny’s: 8 minutes from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi. It is a popular old rock and roll night club with karaoke and live performances of local bands. A beer will cost you five dollars.

Doongalik Studios Art Gallery: 10 minutes from the terminal by taxi. Great exhibitions housed in a gorgeous old residence located in a beautiful garden.

Sandy Toes: you will have to take a taxi (eight minutes) to reach the ferry terminal and then you will need forty more minutes by a boat. The private Rose Island’s beach offers possibilities for snorkeling and kayaking.

John Watling’s Rum Distillery in Nassau was established over 200 years ago. It takes 20-25 min taxi ride (USD 10) and includes climbing a large hill. Upon arrival guests are greeted with a pina colada sample. Follows a 10-15 min grounds tour which ends up in the gift shop. The tour of the property is free of charge. There is a good bar where guests can sample 3 types of rum or order the sampled in the begining pina colada.

Graycliff Hotel is not very large and offer day passes (around USD 100 per person). The hotel has several dining rooms where guests can order the hotel's famous pizzas (around USD 20). Near is the Grayliff Chocolate factory offering free samples in its gift shop.

Queen's Staircase was carved by slaves in the end of the 18th century and has a total of 66 steps. The area is shaded, and free of charge.

Baha Mar Resort was inaugurated in 2017 and is located on Cable Beach. At the resoty guests can enjoy gambling, premium shopping, visit bars and explore the property.

Junkanno Beach is public and at short walking distance from the cruise port. There are cheap drinks and clean restrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours in Nassau, with USD prices per adult:

  • Ardastra Gardens and Zoo ($50)
  • Atlantis Resort ($120)
  • catamaran and snorkeling ($60)
  • kayaking ($60)
  • jeep tour ($60)
  • parasailing ($90)
  • historical tours ($45)
  • scuba diving tour ($130)

Royal Caribbean offers day excursions to Pearl Island (5 hours each) themed as "Beach Escape", "Beach Escape & Snorkel" and "VIP Cabana for 2". Prices (US$90-110 pp for the beach tours) are inclusive of 30-minute guided snorkeling tour. The VIP Cabana costs US$480 (for two persons).

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Nassau tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

In July 2021 was officially opened Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. Day passes cost US$115 (adults), US$45 (kids 3-12), US$0 (kids under 3). Day passes are inclusive of Water Park fee, US$25 credit (food and beverages), Wi-Fi (unlimited), beach access (chairs).

Festival Place: only a minute walk from Nassau cruise port terminal. You can buy ”truly authentic” Bahamian goods.

Educulture Museum: 10 minutes away from the terminal by taxi (it will cost you around six dollars). It is dedicated to the Junkanoo parade (Mardi Gras resembling). There is an admission, address: 31 West St.

Fort Fincastle: 5 minutes away from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi (estimated cost is four dollars). The fort dates from the 18th century. It is tiny, hilltop located and served for pirate invasions watch. There is an admission.

Potter’s Cay: 8 minutes from the terminal by taxi (around five dollars), under the Paradise Island Bridge you have to try the seafood shacks.

Crazy Johnny’s: 8 minutes from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi. It is a popular old rock and roll night club with karaoke and live performances of local bands. A beer will cost you five dollars.

Doongalik Studios Art Gallery: 10 minutes from the terminal by taxi. Great exhibitions housed in a gorgeous old residence located in a beautiful garden.

Sandy Toes: you will have to take a taxi (eight minutes) to reach the ferry terminal and then you will need forty more minutes by a boat. The private Rose Island’s beach offers possibilities for snorkeling and kayaking.

John Watling’s Rum Distillery in Nassau was established over 200 years ago. It takes 20-25 min taxi ride (USD 10) and includes climbing a large hill. Upon arrival guests are greeted with a pina colada sample. Follows a 10-15 min grounds tour which ends up in the gift shop. The tour of the property is free of charge. There is a good bar where guests can sample 3 types of rum or order the sampled in the begining pina colada.

Graycliff Hotel is not very large and offer day passes (around USD 100 per person). The hotel has several dining rooms where guests can order the hotel's famous pizzas (around USD 20). Near is the Grayliff Chocolate factory offering free samples in its gift shop.

Queen's Staircase was carved by slaves in the end of the 18th century and has a total of 66 steps. The area is shaded, and free of charge.

Baha Mar Resort was inaugurated in 2017 and is located on Cable Beach. At the resoty guests can enjoy gambling, premium shopping, visit bars and explore the property.

Junkanno Beach is public and at short walking distance from the cruise port. There are cheap drinks and clean restrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours in Nassau, with USD prices per adult:

  • Ardastra Gardens and Zoo ($50)
  • Atlantis Resort ($120)
  • catamaran and snorkeling ($60)
  • kayaking ($60)
  • jeep tour ($60)
  • parasailing ($90)
  • historical tours ($45)
  • scuba diving tour ($130)

Royal Caribbean offers day excursions to Pearl Island (5 hours each) themed as "Beach Escape", "Beach Escape & Snorkel" and "VIP Cabana for 2". Prices (US$90-110 pp for the beach tours) are inclusive of 30-minute guided snorkeling tour. The VIP Cabana costs US$480 (for two persons).

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