nassau cruise port schedule

Nassau cruise port

Bahamas - caribbean - bermuda.

• Coordinates 25.083, -77.339
• LOCODE BSNAS
• Local Time 2024-04-01 20:43

Nassau cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau Cruise Ship Schedule

FROM DATE TO DATE CRUISE LINE Choose All Search Cruise

• SHIP ARRIVAL

Nassau Cruise Port is the cruising gateway to the historic, vibrant city of Nassau, and the busiest transit port in the world. The port, which is the economic hub of the downtown core, has been revitalized into a visual masterpiece. With over $300 million invested in upgrades and innovation, it has been transformed into one of the great waterfronts of the world.

Plans for Phase Two of our project are underway. Click here to download the RFP for the NCP Pool Project.

The iconic Arrival's Terminal Building at Nassau Cruise Port stands as a captivating beacon of artistry and architectural innovation, welcoming travelers with its modern and awe-inspiring design. 

Nassau Cruise Port

#1 Prince George Wharf Nassau, Bahamas

[email protected]

+1 (242) 603-1870

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• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 02 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Sunshine 3.765 passengers 02 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Spirit 2.549 passengers 02 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 02 Apr 2024 - 09:30
• Carnival Liberty 3.574 passengers 02 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 03 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 03 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Allure Of The Seas 6.314 passengers 03 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 03 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 03 Apr 2024 - 12:00
• Liberty Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 04 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 04 Apr 2024 - 11:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 05 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 05 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 05 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• Oceania Marina 1.447 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Allure Of The Seas 6.314 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Liberty Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Sunshine 3.765 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 09:00
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 09:30
• Carnival Liberty 3.574 passengers 06 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• Celebrity Silhouette 3.463 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 07 Apr 2024 - 11:00
• Carnival Venezia 5.145 passengers 08 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 08 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Vision Of The Seas 2.443 passengers 08 Apr 2024 - 11:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 09 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 09 Apr 2024 - 09:00
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 09 Apr 2024 - 09:30
• Carnival Liberty 3.574 passengers 09 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Sunshine 3.765 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Allure Of The Seas 6.314 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Disney Dream 3.500 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 08:30
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 10 Apr 2024 - 13:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Liberty Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 12 Apr 2024 - 00:00
• Carnival Legend 2.549 passengers 12 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 12 Apr 2024 - 12:00
• Allure Of The Seas 6.314 passengers 13 Apr 2024 - 08:00

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Nassau (The Bahamas) Cruise Port Guide Review (2023)

Ultimate guide to Nassau cruise port: where ships dock and the cruise terminal, top things to do, beach-day passes, highlights, activities, landmarks, shore excursions, shopping, dining, and more.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 26, 2023

The Cruise Port in Nassau is not everyone's cup of tea and has been a preferred target of bad reviews, and many cruise visitors stay on the ship when calling at the most visited port in The Bahamas.

Review contents

• Where is Nassau
• Where cruise ships dock
• Things to do in Nassau
• Top highlights
• Beach-day pases
• Active pursuits

Major landmarks in Nassau

• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Shops and shopping
• Lunch and quick bites
• Safety and basics

If you browse the Internet or read many social-media commentators, you will find all sorts of scaremongering. Nassau can be a hassle. The cruise terminal has been under constant renovations for over a decade and is now being entirely rebuilt. The piers are crowded all day, and moving in and out of the terminal can be chaotic.

Festival Palace Terminal in Nassau

Photo © IQCruising.com

There are way too many locals offering taxi rides, tours, scooter rentals, jet-skiing, beach breaks, hair braiding ... you name it. Yes, it all can come across as nagging or harassment at worst. But the cruise port in Nassau is better than many paint it. And the new cruise terminal promises to become one the most appealing once the construction ends.

Nassau Cruise Port and Paradise Island

Photo: Public Domain

Where is Nassau and the cruise port

Nassau is the most visited port in The Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean itineraries. Located on the island of New Providence, off the coast of Florida, Nassau is 180 miles southeast of Miami, enjoying mild weather in the winter, which is ideal for water sports and activities.

Map of New Providence Island and Nassau

New Providence is a relatively small island - 80 square miles, a bit bigger than Washington D.C. (68 square miles). Although Nassau has a large population (close to 250.000 inhabitants) expanding south and east of the cruise port, the historical center is quite small and is where most landmarks and attractions are found. Right across Nassau, Paradise Island (home of themed Atlantis Resort) is one of the main attractions of The Bahamas - 2-miles from the cruise port.

Where cruise ships dock in Nassau

The piers and cruise terminal are right by Nassau's historic downtown. As mentioned, the terminal building is not the easiest to navigate and gets overcrowded, but the proximity to the capital city is priceless. The Festival Place cruise terminal, or Prince George Wharf as it is officially named, offers the following services and amenities:

• Shuttle Bus
• Tourist Info
• Post Office
• Car and Scooter Rental
• ATM and Bank
• Dutry-free shopping

Map of Nassau cruise port and city

► Explore: At The Pier and Terminal Find out all you need to know about the piers and terminal, where is the Tourist Office, Post Office, ATM, Hints on How to get to Town, Taxis and more Learn More ►

Best things to do in Nassau cruise port

Junkanoo Beach in Nassau

Regardless of all the bad mouthing and press, the cruise traveler will find that the Cruise Port of Nassau has a lot to offer both in quality and diversity. If you are cruising on a budget, there are many affordable (an even free) things to do. Both Junkanoo Beach (within walking distance from the cruise port) and Cabbage Beach ($10 USD taxi ride) are free.

In downtown Nassau (2-minutes walk away) there are very nice and interesting landmarks and museums to visit. For those that wish to enjoy more upscale beaches, there are excellent day-passes offering all-inclusive beach-breaks including the iconic Atlantis Resort.

Pearl Island in Nassau

The cruise traveler that prefers secluded sites will discover close to the port stunning private islands (like Pearl Island, Blue Lagoon or Balmoral Island) which can be enjoyed on shore-excursions. Scuba diving, snorkeling, Semi-submarines and Glass-bottom boats invite visitors to explore the spectacular underwater world of the Bahamas.

Bay Street - the main street in downtown Nassau - is known as a shopping paradise. Nassau boasts restaurants for all pockets and tastes. And if luxury is your thing, there are a few treats not be missed. The Graycliff Hotel, in particular, offers memorable experiences. With so much to choose from, if you decide to stay onboard, you have no idea what you may be missing.

Top attractions, highlights and sights

There are many highlights that the cruise traveler should consider visiting when calling for the day at the port of Nassau. The following are the Editor's favorites in alphabetic order:

• Adastra Gardens
• Arawak Cay - Fish Fry
• Atlantis Resort
• Balcony House
• Cabbage Beach
• John Watling's Distillery
• Junkanoo Beach
• Marina Village
• National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
• Paradise Island
• Pirates of Nassau Museum
• Pompey Museum
• Straw Market

The famous Atlantis Resort is a must see with lots to do but, in Paradise Island (where Atlantis is located), the public Cabbage Beach is another highlight to be explored. The private islands (already mentioned) are secluded sites which must absolutely be experienced.

Adastra Gardens in Nassau

The Straw Market as seen better days but the 4 museums of Nassau are all worth visiting: National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Balcony House, Pompey Museum and Pirates of Nassau Museum.

The Adastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre is a delight for cruisers traveling with young ones, the John Watling's Distillery is a major landmark where rum tasting is offered on a tour, and the Arawak Cay (aka Fish Fry) is the place to taste typical Bahamian flavors.

► Explore: Top Highlights in Nassau Must Do and See in Nassau - Atlantis Resort | Blue Lagoon Island | Cabbage Beach | Junkanoo Beach | Arawak Cay | ... Learn More ►

Beach-day passes

Altough Junkanoo Beach and Cabbage Beach are public beaches with easy access from the cruise terminal in Nassau, both tend to get crowded. For those that prefer a more upscale beach expoerience, there are hotels, resorts, and parks that offer a day-pass to cruise passengers. Here is an alphabetic list of the ones offering day-passes, which we reviewed:

• Bob Marley Resort
• Breezes Resort and Spa
• British Colonial Hilton
• Clifton National Park
• Graycliff Hotel
• Melia Hotel
• Riu Palace Hotel
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Warwick Hotel

► Explore: Beach Day-Pass Find out the Top 10 Hotels, Resorts and Parks offering beach break day-passes: Atlantis, Bob Marley Resort, British Colonial Hilton, Clifton National Park, Melia, Sandals ... Learn More ►

Active pursuits on your own

Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau

For those interested in more active pleasures, the Atlantis Resort offers great adventures and exciting fun in its Aquaventure Water Park. The cruise passenger will also find the delights of diving, snorkeling or dolphin encounters in the Blue Lagoon Island, the Balmoral Island or at Stuarts' Cove, and challenging golf at the Ocean Club Course. All of these can only be accessed on a shore excursion.

But there are also a few activities that can easily be enjoyed on your own. Sightseeing can be enjoyed on a Horse Drawn Carriage, a Segway tour, or on a self-driving boat ride. Here are top activities in Nassau to enjoy independently:

• British Colonial Hotel
• Fishing Trips
• Jyah Beach Bar
• Segway Sightseeing
• Self-Drive Boats
• Tiki Bikini Hut Beach Bar

► Explore: The best Activities in Nassau To do on your own in Nassau: British Colonial Hotel, Graycliff Hotel, Segway Sightseeing, Fat Tuesday Beach Club, Horse Drawn Tour, Tiki Bikini Hut Beach Bar ... Learn More ►

On Bay Street (or relatively close by) there are some interesting landmarks. Farther away cruisers will discover other interesting landmarks. In alphabetic order here are the top 10 churches, monuments, squares, buildings and streets in Nassau:

• Christ Church Cathedral
• Fort Charlotte
• Fort Fincastle
• Garden of Remembrance
• Government House
• Nassau Public Library and Museum
• Parliament Square
• Pompey Square
• Queen’s Staircase
• Woodes Rodgers Walk

Balcony House in Nassau

The Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase are two highlights amongst the major historical landmarks of Nassau. Although within walking distance, both require some guidance, as does a tour of the imposing Fort Charlotte. Within walking distance of the cruise terminal and Bay Street, there are a few streets and squares such as Charlotte Street, King Street or Rawson Square, to also keep in mind when exploring more than shopping or the beaches.

► Explore: Nassau Landmarks Read the reviews of the Top 10 Historical Landmarks of Nassau. Learn More ►

Shore excursions and tours

All cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Nassau. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer as many 38 shore excursions . Carnival lists 44 shore excursions . Oceania Cruises organizes 25 shore excursions , and Princess has 15 excursions available.

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Excursions Group
• Venture Ashore
• Shore Trips
• Tours by Locals

► Explore: Top 11 Shore Excursions (Shorex) Tour descriptions, must-know and prices (cruise line comparison) for the top shore excursions in Nassau including Atlantis, Private Islands, Scuba, Seaworld Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat ... Learn More ►

Shopping in Nassau

Bay Street - Nassau

Well known by savvy cruisers as one of the best shopping paradises in the Caribbean cruise itineraries, you will have onboard your ship at least one 'shopping lecturer' promoting and marketing selected shops in Nassau. The onboard guide will offer all sorts of bargains, coupons and shopping deals but it is advisable to also look at many other shops that are not promoted by the cruise line. In fact, there more shops in Nassau than the ones recommended where the cruise traveler can get great deals. With few exceptions, all major stores are located on Bay Street.

► Explore: The best Shops in Nassau Discover The Best Shops and what to shop for in Nassau, Bay Street and Beyond ... Learn More ►

Restaurants, bars and local flavors

Considering that Bay Street - the main street of Nassau where most shops are located - is so close to the cruise terminal many a cruise traveler returns to the ship for lunch after a shopping spree without exploring much farther.

Cafe Matisse in Nassau

However, either because you may want to continue shopping or because you may want to taste local flavors, close to Bay Street there are some very nice places to enjoy the delicacies and delights of both Bahamian and international cuisine. And, of course, there are also well-known places to just hang out, enjoy live entertainment and a drink or two - places like Señor Frogs or Sharkeez. Truly Bahamian flavors like conch salad or fried fish are particularly delicious when tasted on Arawak Cay - aka Fish Fry, a bit over 2 miles west of Downtown.

► Explore: Nassau Restaurants Discover the best restaurants in Nassau and the best places to enjoy live entertainment while enjoying a quick bite... Learn More ►

Safety, crime and basics

As much as you may read scaremongering reviews about Nassau's crime and safety, it should be strongly underlined that the local population is not the criminal association that some portrait. You should be aware that there are many 'bloggers' making a living out of sensationalist crime reports stating that "burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault are common during daylight hours in tourist areas".

Ridiculously stupid as this may sound, in these days when fake and factual news become blurred, it is up to the reader to decide what to believe.

In fact, besides the initial sales pestering, once outside the Terminal, the cruise traveler will be pretty much left alone. Like in many Caribbean Islands (and in most touristic areas everywhere in the World) when passing by shops and restaurants you may be offered all sorts of bargains but if you cannot deal with this maybe you should choose Switzerland or Norway for your vacation.

Unfortunately, it looks like most bad mouth commentators never left the Terminal Building and judge the island 'by the cover'.

There have been lots of reports and warnings about crime in Nassau however, considering that the port is visited by close to 3 million cruise passengers per year, crime-rates should be understood with an overall perspective.

Nassau has close to 250.000 inhabitants and you should be aware of your surroundings. Like in any city (in the US or elsewhere) basic safety in Nassau is really basic common sense. In one word, if you don't feel safe, go back to the cruise ship.

Safety, US travel advisory and basics

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Nassau see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory. The US Embassy in Nassau also has useful COVID-19 Information for travelers.

Nassau Basics

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions and tours of Nassau. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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