Nassau Cruise Port, lately given a $300 million facelift, serves because the gateway to the Bahamas. Welcoming over 3.5 million passengers per 12 months, the cruise port sits within the coronary heart of Nassau, the capital metropolis. It’s additionally simply minutes away from seashores and points of interest, making it the best place to begin in your journey!
Nassau Cruise Port Location and Tackle
Nassau Cruise Port is located alongside the north shore of Nassau, the capital metropolis of the Bahamas. Like town that offers the port its title, Nassau Cruise Port is on the island of New Windfall, one of many 30 inhabited islands that make up the archipelago nation.
Given the island’s proximity to Florida, it’s an especially widespread place for vacationers, together with these setting off on full Caribbean cruises. Actually, the Bahamas is definitely the fourth most visited cruise vacation spot on the planet, only a few spots behind the world’s busiest cruise port – Miami, Florida’s PortMiami.
The prime location additionally locations the port inside straightforward attain of downtown Nassau, which makes it straightforward for visiting cruise passengers to discover town’s wealthy tradition and historical past.
As we are going to cowl in better element later, arriving on the port additionally makes it straightforward to go to the various pristine seashores which might be so integral to the approach to life of the native inhabitants.
One other benefit of the port’s strategic location is that it’s sheltered by Paradise Island, which runs parallel to town of Nassau. This distinctive island gives a pure barrier, defending the port and docked cruise ships from waves and winds that might in any other case blow in from the Atlantic.
The port’s precise tackle is:
Nassau Cruise Port, #1 Prince George Wharf, Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau Cruise Port Piers
Nassau Cruise Port is impressively giant for such a small island. The port contains a distinctive pier design that enables it to accommodate as much as six full-sized cruise ships on the similar time, together with a number of smaller vessels. This was really a part of a serious redevelopment and rejuvenation challenge that significantly expanded the port.
Primarily, the design consists of 1 giant pier extending perpendicular to town, which has three piers branching from it. You possibly can nearly think about it like a backwards capital ‘E’, with a further pier extending backwards from the highest of the ‘E’.
Because the three lengthy piers run parallel to the shore, all departing and embarking passengers should stroll alongside the identical pier to get to the brand new terminal constructing, the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, situated alongside the shore.
Nassau Cruise Port $300 Million Renovation
Nassau Cruise Port lately underwent a serious rejuvenation effort. Absolutely reopening to the general public on Might 26, 2023, the challenge took roughly 4 years and price over $300 million.
The renovations concerned absolutely refurbishing and repairing the entire current piers, in addition to including a further berth for a full-size cruise ship. The repairs and refurbishment of the cruise berths additionally resulted within the port having the ability to accommodate bigger cruise ships, together with a complete of three Icon or Oasis-class cruise ships on the similar time.
The renovation challenge was funded as a part of a joint operation between the nationwide authorities of the Bahamas and International Ports Holding PLC, the world’s largest cruise port operator.
Along with increasing cruise ship services, the port renovations additionally enhanced the visiting passenger expertise by including further leisure areas and a totally modernized arrivals plaza. There’s an artwork gallery, the Junkanoo Museum, a big theatre, and loads of inexperienced area together with new food and drinks choices.
The ultimate results of the renovations has been turning the Nassau Cruise Port from a dated cruise port to one of the spectacular within the Caribbean. Because the renovations, additionally it is able to taking in over 3.7 million cruise passengers per 12 months!
Cruise Terminal Facilities and Amenities
Because the main renovation challenge additionally concerned making important enhancements to the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, passengers can take pleasure in a nice and comfy expertise throughout their go to.
Your entire terminal and surrounding services have been additionally designed to be absolutely accessible, with ramps and automatic doorways guaranteeing all passengers can take pleasure in their go to.
Key facilities and providers embody the next:
Free Wi-Fi
Your entire terminal constructing and on-shore leisure areas characteristic complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. This improve was accomplished in February 2024, and there are plans to broaden the protection past the cruise port as a part of town of Nassau’s “Good Metropolis Pilot,” which goals to remodel Nassau into the middle of innovation for the entire Caribbean.
Restrooms
Guests will discover clear and well-maintained public restrooms all through the cruise terminal and the leisure areas. There are additionally restroom services which might be wheelchair-friendly.
Data Cubicles
A number of info desks are scattered all through the terminal and even on the piers themselves. Right here, you will see that pleasant workers that may give you steering and reply any questions you might have.
Purchasing and Eating
The cruise port contains a market to the facet of the terminal constructing known as the Port Market. Right here, guests can store for handmade native souvenirs and trinkets. The development of this out of doors purchasing space was a part of the hassle to assist the cruise port replicate the distinctive tradition and historical past of the Bahamas.
It’s also possible to go to a number of worldwide clothes and jewellery shops, together with Vida Cayo and Haus of Meeting, which carry seashore clothes and niknaks.
There’s additionally a small grocery retailer and pharmacy, which is actually helpful in case you want any provides to take with you while you board. The Gallery & Wine Bar is one other spotlight of the port. View exhibitions from native and worldwide artists, then take pleasure in a scrumptious glass of wine within the bar space.
In the event you’re in search of one thing to eat, a number of eating places simply exterior the terminal characteristic genuine Bahamian dishes. You’ll additionally discover Isola Gelato, the Bearded Clam Sports activities Bar, and Linda’s Place, which serves small plates of native delicacies and fundamental lunch favorites.
Cruise Traces that Go to Nassau Cruise Port
As one of many busiest cruise ports on the planet, it’s no shock that Nassau Cruise Port is an everyday cease for a few of the most well-known cruise traces on the planet. Just some of the most important cruise traces that go to the port embody the next:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Virgin Voyages
- Princess Cruises
Touring to the Port from Close by Airports
Since Nassau is just about 180 miles from the coast of Florida, many cruise passengers will fly to the island to board cruise ships that listing the Nassau Cruise Port as their preliminary departure level.
Lynden Pindling Worldwide Airport (LPIA)
In case you are one of many many taking one in all these cruises, there’s a good probability that you’ll fly into Lynden Pindling Worldwide Airport (LPIA), as this main airport features as the primary gateway for air vacationers to Nassau and its cruise port.
LPIA is the most important airport within the Bahamas, simply 9 miles west of Nassau Cruise Port. It serves hundreds of cruise passengers day-after-day. With the airport servicing quite a few worldwide flights and home flights from different islands within the Bahamas, it’s the place most vacationers will arrive.
Instructions and Distance to the Port
The commonest and handy strategy to journey between the airport and the cruise port is to take a taxi or cruise line-provided shuttle bus. Whereas site visitors could be a difficulty, most taxi and shuttle rides take about 20 to half-hour.
Metered charges are set by legislation for taxis, which means you can’t get ripped off in case you take a registered cab. Luckily, there’s a obligatory flat price of $21 to get to the port from the airport, so that you don’t must haggle.
When you’ve got determined to hire a car from one of many rental workplaces on the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port your self, you possibly can take the next instructions:
- Exit the airport and head east on John F. Kennedy Drive
- Proceed on John F. Kennedy Drive for 9.6 miles till you attain a roundabout, then take the second exit onto Tonique Williams-Darling Freeway
- On the subsequent roundabout, take the third exit onto West Bay Avenue
- Proceed for 1.1 miles till you see indicators for Nassau Cruise Port and park at Prince George Wharf
Needless to say United Kingdom driving guidelines apply within the Bahamas, so you will have to drive on the left facet of the highway.
Whereas the port has drop-off factors and short-term parking, you will have to park simply exterior the port in case you want in a single day or long-term parking. The Bahamas Monetary Centre on close by Parliament Avenue is just 0.3 miles away from the port and so they have in a single day parking for a price of $10 per day.
Different Airports
In case you are not flying into Nassau and have determined to e-book a flight at one of many 20 different worldwide airports scattered all through the islands of the Bahamas, like Grand Bahama Freeport Airport or Leonard M. Thompson Worldwide Airport, you’ll most certainly have to e-book a brief flight out of your arrival airport to Lynden Pindling Worldwide Airport. Fortunately, these inter-island flights run all through the day and are typically very reasonably priced.
How one can Get to Nassau Cruise Port
One of many many the reason why Nassau is such a well-liked trip vacation spot is how straightforward it’s to go to all of the points of interest the island has to supply. Listed below are the preferred methods to get round:
Taxis
As talked about, the best strategy to get to the cruise port from the airport is to take a taxi. They’re available at LPIA and town of Nassau as a complete. Since taxi fares and flat charges are regulated, passengers can take pleasure in honest pricing and simplified transactions.
Needless to say taxis are allowed to cost further surcharges for extra passengers and outsized baggage, however these charges are often simply an additional couple of {dollars}. The drivers additionally want to speak this with you earlier than you depart.
Sadly, Uber and Lyft don’t but function within the Bahamas.
Non-public Shuttle Service
Quite a few shuttle providers function all through Nassau. From shuttle buses to non-public limo transfers, it’s straightforward to pre-book transportation between the airport and cruise port, in addition to different areas of the island.
Airport Switch Bahamas presents a spread of providers and autos. From group-friendly van and mini-bus rides to extra luxurious stretch limousines, you possibly can prearrange journey to fulfill your wants and price range.
Simon’s Transports presents extra budget-friendly shared airport shuttles when you’ve got a big group and need to keep away from ready for a taxi.
It’s also possible to verify along with your cruise line forward of time to see if they supply a complimentary shuttle service. Some bigger ships will accomplish that for itineraries that start on the Nassau Cruise Port.
Public Transportation
Town’s public buses, recognized domestically as “jitneys,” have routes all through Nassau, together with a cease a brief distance exterior of the cruise port.
One-way grownup fares are $3, so they provide a budget-friendly mode of transportation between the port and numerous factors all through town, however it is best to keep in mind that they’re far much less handy and dependable than taxis.
Strolling
In case you are staying in a close-by resort or need to discover Nassau with out paying for a taxi or shuttle, it’s straightforward to stroll to downtown Nassau from the cruise port. Strolling is clearly free and presents guests an effective way to discover town and take within the ambiance.
Is Nassau Secure to Go to?
Whereas there are areas of the Bahamas that may be a little bit bit harmful to outsiders, notably Freeport on Grand Bahama, the island of New Windfall, the place Nassau is situated, is taken into account comparatively protected for visiting vacationers.
With that stated, each the US Division of State and the Authorities of Canada advise guests to train a excessive diploma of warning when visiting any area inside the Bahamas. Actually, all the nation has a Stage 2 Journey Advisory, in keeping with the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Whereas the primary vacationer areas of Nassau are typically protected for vacationers, it is best to nonetheless apply precautions. The next are some ideas beneficial by the US Authorities, in addition to a number of different governments, like these of Canada and the UK:
Be Vigilant About Spiked Drinks
You shouldn’t go away meals or drinks unattended and be cautious of accepting snacks, drinks, and even cigarettes from these you don’t know.
Be Cautious About Fraud
Bank card and ATM fraud are sadly comparatively frequent in Nassau. Keep away from conditions the place others deal with your bank card, solely use ATMs in well-lit areas, and verify your statements for unauthorized transactions. We suggest utilizing money with smaller distributors and eating places.
In case you are planning on having fun with an tour expertise, e-book by your cruise line fairly than doing so within the metropolis. This eliminates your possibilities of being scammed, and it’s safer to go along with an tour supplier that has been vetted by your cruise line.
Solely Enter Registered Taxis
Keep away from any unmarked taxis, and don’t take taxis with strangers if they provide to separate a fare.
Keep away from Harmful Neighborhoods
In Nassau, it is best to keep away from the “Over the Hill” space of town, south of Shirley Avenue. This harmful space is the place gang violence is frequent. It’s best to at all times keep away from touring alone in any a part of town, particularly at evening. In the event you spend the evening within the metropolis, stick with the most important motels and resorts, as they’ve on-site safety. Small, short-term rental properties are much less protected, even when they’re in seemingly good neighborhoods.
Seashores Close to Nassau Cruise Port
Like a lot of the islands that make up the Bahamas, Nassau is house to some really beautiful seashores. Many of those are simply accessible from the cruise port, together with the next:
Junkanoo Seashore
Junkanoo Seashore is simply 0.6 miles west of the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, so you possibly can simply stroll alongside the waterfront to get there. The actual fact it’s simply over a 10-minute stroll from the cruise port makes it one of the widespread choices for visiting cruise passengers.
Not solely is it close by, however the seashore has a full of life ambiance, picturesque comfortable white sand, and turquoise waters which might be so carefully related to the Bahamas.
In the event you develop uninterested in enjoyable on the sand, the seashore is only a few minutes stroll to a variety of seashore bars, eating places, native distributors, and even the famed Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Bahamas.
Cabbage Seashore
Cabbage Seashore is throughout the water on the north facet of Paradise Island. It additionally occurs to be one of the well-known seashores within the Bahamas. Though the seashore is technically about 2 miles from the port, getting there may be tough. Most individuals take a taxi throughout the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, extending the journey to about 3 miles.
It’s also possible to go for a water taxi or one of many ferries that function out of Port Nassau, however this may make for a extra difficult journey than simply taking a cab.
When you arrive, you’ll uncover one of the pristine stretches of seashore wherever within the Caribbean. There are additionally loads of water actions to take pleasure in, like jet snowboarding, parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Saunders Seashore
Saunders is one other seashore that often requires a cab experience, however it’s a good different to the busier choices in order for you a extra relaxed ambiance.
Situated roughly 3.7 miles west of the cruise port, you’ll take pleasure in a comparatively peaceable seashore with a family-friendly playground and loads of picnic areas.
Love Seashore
When you’ve got extra time in Nassau, you possibly can take a drive out to Love Seashore, which is 11.8 miles west of the port alongside John F Kennedy Drive.
Identified to be a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of town, it has a very tranquil surroundings that gives the right strategy to loosen up earlier than boarding a crowded cruise ship. In the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly even be capable of spot dolphins splashing within the waters or sea lions basking within the solar.
Eating Choices Close to Nassau Cruise Port
Because the capital metropolis of an island nation recognized for its scrumptious delicacies, it’s no shock that Nassau is house to a spread of thrilling eating choices. Because the metropolis additionally has a booming tourism trade, there are a selection of eating choices close to the cruise port that can enchantment to all tastes and budgets.
Listed below are only a few of our high solutions:
Go to Arawak Cay
Also called the “Fish Fry,” this small island is simply over a mile west of the port. It’s an enormous favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike. Right here, you’ll discover quite a few seafood stalls and eating places specializing in serving freshly caught seafood fried and seasoned Bahamian-style. Strive the conch salad, as most institutions have this fan favourite on their menus!
Twin Brothers is an efficient possibility in case you’re in search of a extra formal sit-down meal, whereas Sumptin’ Good 242 is nice for cocktails and takeaway dishes.
Señor Frog’s
No journey to the Caribbean is full with out stopping in a Señor Frog’s. Fortunately, there’s one inside strolling distance from the cruise port close to Junkanoo Seashore. This full of life restaurant and bar has an iconic ambiance, tropical cocktails, and Mexican dishes that it’s a must to expertise for your self!
With a mixture of native markets, high-end designer boutiques, duty-free retailers, and worldwide chain shops, Nassau is a purchasing fanatic’s dream vacation spot. If you wish to do some purchasing throughout your go to, try the next:
Straw Market
Situated lower than a mile from the port, the Straw Market is an excellent market the place you’ll find a spread of handmade souvenirs, like jewellery, wooden carvings, and scorching sauces.
Be sure you convey money, as most distributors received’t settle for playing cards. With the Bahamian Greenback on par with the US Greenback, you possibly can simply convey US foreign money, ideally in small denominations.
Bay Avenue
For extra upscale purchasing, go to Bay Avenue, one of many fundamental purchasing areas within the metropolis. Situated lower than a mile from the terminal, the road runs parallel with the waterfront.
Right here, you’ll discover duty-free purchasing and high-end luxurious retailers. You’ll additionally discover just a few eating places the place you possibly can pattern some genuine native delicacies.
Pageant Place
Proper inside the cruise port itself, Pageant Place presents handy looking for these with restricted time on the island. Store the whole lot from native souvenirs to bathing fits and last-minute items.
When Is the Finest Time to Go to Nassau?
Though Nassau is a year-round vacation spot, because of its tropical local weather, most individuals desire to go to between December and February. Temperatures hover round a nice 75°F, whereas rainfall is comparatively restricted.
Keep away from going throughout the summer season months if you wish to keep away from the wet season, in addition to the elevated threat of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Learn Additionally: Grand Turk Cruise Port – Pier, Amenities and What’s Close by
You’ll additionally discover that humidity is restricted throughout the winter and early spring, which makes exploring town and the island’s seashores much more nice than throughout the summer season and fall.
Peak season runs from November to April. With many cruise traces shifting their itineraries from Europe to the Caribbean, Nassau has change into a very talked-about vacation spot.
There are additionally some enjoyable annual festivals throughout these months, together with Junkanoo Pageant, which is held on December twenty sixth. The pageant is marked by parades, dwell music, and costumes, offering guests with a terrific alternative to expertise Bahamian tradition first-hand.
