Nassau (New Providence Island, Bahamas)

Nassau cruise port is the capital of the Bahamas. It is its largest city and commercial center, located east of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. Nassau cruise port is on the New Providence Island along the Paradise Island. The city covers a total area of approx 207 km2 (80 ml2) and has a population of around 274,400 people (2016 census).

• Nassau cruise port is the largest one in the Bahamas with nearly 3 million cruisers per year. The Bahamas in the third richest Americas’ country (GDP measured), the mainstay is the tourism.
• Nassau is home to the House of Assembly and a variety of judicial departments. It was considered historically to be a pirates' stronghold. The city was named to honour William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau.
• The port city is an unique mixture of modern resort with British colonialism heritage. It offers interesting sights and amazing tropical beaches, the most popular of which are Junkanoo Beach and Cabbage Beach.
• The chief festival in Nassau is Junkanoo, a colourful street parade of people in brightly costumes dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of drums, whistles and cowbells. The 'Junkanoo' is named after the festival's founder 'John Kanoo'. The celebration is held on Jan 1, Jul 10 and Dec 26, begins in the early morning hours (1:00 a.m.) and ends at around 10 a.m.
• Nassau is one of only 3 Caribbean cities to receive the honor to be recognized as part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network as city of Crafts and Folk Art.
• Ferries provide water transport from Nassau to the surrounding isles, namely Paradise Island. The main port in the city is Prince George Wharf. It serves cruise ships with call ports in Nassau. Shipping and transportation around Family Islands is primarily by mailboats that are based at Potters Cay. Arawak Port Department, Arawak Cay, serves international shipping. High speed trips to Exuma, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are available daily.

Nassau cruise terminal

Nassau tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• 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)