The Bahamas is a very popular travel destination in the Western Atlantic. The relatively small tropical paradise is bordered by Haiti, Cuba, the United States, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, is located on New Providence Island and is the tourism hub. Nassau has established itself as a vibrant cultural center and a popular cruise ship stop. The destination is popular for its stunning white sand beaches and overall natural beauty, perfect for water sports and relaxation by the water. Pristine coral reefs and the possibility of exciting close encounters with marine life are some of the reasons why Nassau is a great place to visit.
Nassau’s wharf is a busy place, so if you’re traveling by ship, you may have time restrictions or get caught up in crowds on days when the ship is docked in port. While many visitors only have a short time to enjoy Nassau’s unique charm, there are ways to make the most of your time in the capital city. So whether you’re a cruise passenger or a traveler looking to stay longer near Nassau Cruise Port (NCP), we’ve compiled some helpful information about the destination and how to make the most of your trip.
Is Nassau Cruise Port Popular?
Nassau’s cruise port is one of the most popular in the world, welcoming approximately 4 million cruise passengers each year. The port has recently undergone redevelopment (first phase due to open to the public in 2023), increasing its popularity and overall appeal. These improvements include the construction of many new buildings that have been strategically planned and placed to improve traffic flows.
A taxi dispatch center and an optimized shopping strip are just some of the upgrades leading into downtown Nassau. With modern accommodations and high-quality attractions, the port is sure to benefit from modernization as more tourists find the place more welcoming and safe.
What cruise lines dock at Nassau Cruise Port?
The cruise port has the capacity to accommodate six cruise ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon class ships. The larger Icon class ships carry more passengers (and are usually taller and longer) while the Oasis class ships are wider and more capable. The increased tourist capacity is due to the expansion of the port’s waterfront, a $300 million project completed.
Many cruise lines dock at the port of Nassau, giving travelers plenty of options. Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, MSC, Holland America, Azamara and Fred Olsen cruise lines dock 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 tourists in the Bahamas amazing views of the crystal clear waters. Rum tasting is a popular tour in Nassau because it allows travelers to learn historical and cultural information by tasting authentic Bahamian rum and learning from locals.
Travelers who prefer to explore on their own can visit places like the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Rescue Center, and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, which highlight the environmental, cultural, and historical importance of Nassau and are some of the region’s top attractions.
Nassau has some of the best outdoor attractions. Travelers can swim with the island’s pigs, which is a very adorable and picturesque experience. The crystal clear waters of the Bahamas enhance the gentle and playful nature of the cute pigs that roam the island. Jaws Beach is one of the most highly rated seaside spots for snorkeling and sunbathing. This beach is uncrowded and you may be lucky to spot marine life such as sea turtles and manta rays.
Transportation facilities
Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is just a few miles from the port, so visitors new to the island won’t have any trouble flying in and getting to their accommodations, and taxis are the most common form of transportation in this tourist-friendly city.
With many tourists from cruise ships docking at the port, many travelers choose to use taxis to get around the port. There is a lot of traffic near the port, so there are plenty of taxis in the area. Taxi fares are fixed, so travelers may find that the price varies depending on the destination, but they are unlikely to encounter a driver who will charge an exorbitant fee. For cruise passengers, it may be more affordable to secure transportation through the company they booked their tour with. This allows them to just sit back and relax without any extra stress.
Buses, known locally as jitneys, are a popular form of public transport. However, taking a bus to get to or from a trip means travellers must rely on bus stop schedules and routes. For some, this lack of autonomy may not be appealing. As a result, travellers must plan their itineraries to accommodate standardised travel times and prices that vary by destination.
