Nassau, Bahamas, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming over 5 million passengers annually. However, it's frequently called one of the worst cruise ports, and many cruisers opt to stay onboard their ship instead of going ashore.
Despite Nassau's negative reputation, the port has a lot to offer guests, from Instagram-worthy beaches to historical landmarks and local cuisine.
Whether you've been to the Bahamian capital before or are itching to explore it for the first time, here are 10 reasons you should get off your cruise ship in Nassau.
Explore the $330 million cruise terminal
Nassau spent $330 million upgrading Prince George Wharf, with the first phase of the redevelopment opening to the public in May 2023. The revamped cruise port now features a new shopping plaza, outdoor bars, a Junkanoo museum, a large hair braiding plaza, and more.
They are still completing additional phases of the project, too. Last year, Nassau announced a $35 million water park to be built behind the amphitheater. The project is expected to take around 18 months to complete.
"Through this investment, which is a pool experience, we intend to focus on families. You take the Disney cruise ships, where the vast majority of folks are families traveling with children. We want them to have experiences that everyone can participate in and enjoy," Mike Maura, C.E.O. of the Nassau Cruise Port, told Tribune Business.
Try local cuisine
No, Señor Frog's is not a local establishment. Although the tourist hotspot is lively, the food is far from authentic. Thankfully, those who want to try Bahamian delicacies don't have to look hard. Tru Bahamian Food Tours offers a few options for cruisers, including their signature "Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour."
The 3-hour excursion starts in the heart of Downtown Nassau at Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant & Bar, just steps from Parliament Square, and continues through the city's streets to popular landmarks and attractions. They also offer a cooking class where you turn into a chef and prepare local treats like conch fritters and wild-caught fish.
Read more: What to do in Nassau, Bahamas cruise port
Relax on a public beach...
Nassau has tons of public beaches that are free and easy to access, including the famous Jaws Beach and the postcard-worthy Cable Beach.
The closest to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach. Located a short 15-minute walk from the port, Junkanoo Beach is a popular spot with both locals and visitors alike. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of vendors selling chair rentals. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on West Bay Street, such as The Salty Crab.
However, if you want to visit a more serene beach, you can easily arrange for taxi transportation at the convenient cab hut inside the port area. For example, Saunders Beach is ideal for families who want to avoid the crowds. While you won't find any vendors on the beach, there are restroom facilities and a small playground.
...or splurge on a dreamy island getaway
Nassau is also surrounded by private island escapes. These are pricier than visiting a public beach, but they offer a more exclusive experience, often with amenities like loungers and a buffet lunch included in the price.
One popular option is Blue Lagoon Island. Depending on the experience you're seeking, you can upgrade to include access to the adults-only section or even swim with sea lions or sharks. The clear, shallow waters are great for kids, too.
Pearl Island is another favorite. Along with two pristine beaches, they have protected coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling.
Visit Royal Caribbean's new private beach club
The best beach option for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruisers is the brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to open the last week of December.
The 17-acre slice of paradise will reshape how cruisers experience Nassau, giving them access to an exclusive beach club a short ferry ride from the pier. However, unlike CocoCay, admission to the club isn't included in the cruise fare.
Pricing starts at $169.99 for an all-inclusive beach day, which covers everything from transportation to alcoholic beverages, food, loungers, and umbrellas. There's also a non-alcoholic option available for $129.99.
Once complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will have two beaches, three pools, local artisan shops, and the world's largest swim-up bar.
Read more: Royal Caribbean's new beach club has all-inclusive passes and a $10,000 cabana
Sample chocolate at Graycliff Chocolatier
Chocolate lovers should consider visiting the famous Graycliff Chocolatier. Not only can you learn how to make your own chocolate, but you can also indulge in chocolate and spirit tastings.
Because all the tours are relatively short, Graycliff Chocolatier is ideal for cruise passengers who don't want to spend all day ashore or want a break from the warm Bahamian sun in the afternoon.
For example, the $10 factory tour lasts about 15 minutes. The chocolate-making experience lasts a little longer, but you'll be done in roughly an hour.
Tour John Watling's Distillery
Adults may prefer bypassing the chocolate factory for John Watling's Distillery, home to John Watling's Rum. Here, visitors can take a complimentary guided tour to learn about the rum-making process and explore the Buena Vista Estate's historic grounds.
However, there are premium experiences for an extra charge. For example, you can book a mixology class for around $80 per person. You can also bottle your own rum, complete with customized labels, to take home as a unique souvenir.
John Watling's Distillery is a 5-minute walk from the Graycliff Chocolatier, so it’s easy to combine both experiences if you can't decide.
Bargain at the Straw Market
Nassau is home to a large straw market that sells souvenirs ranging from handmade Bahamian straw products to factory-made items like t-shirts, magnets, shot glasses, and bracelets.
It’s a convenient spot to shop for keepsakes, especially if you like to haggle with vendors. Most sellers are willing to negotiate, but you have to initiate the conversation. And don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right.
When multiple ships are in port, the straw market can get busy, so you'll want to go early to avoid the afternoon crowds. Cash is the most accepted form of payment.
Spend the day at the famous Atlantis resort
The Atlantis resort is known for its sprawling 141-acre water park, the world's largest open-air marine habitat, white-sand beaches, and more. Although it's impossible to experience everything in a single day, guests can enjoy the highlights, such as the mile-long river ride, while on a cruise to Nassau.
The Aquaventure Day Pass includes access to more than just the Aquaventure water park, too. While at the resort, cruise passengers can explore The Dig, an open-air marine habitat with over 50,000 marine animals from 250 species.
However, most passes don't include food and drink. With the basic day pass costing over $220 per adult, it’s one of the pricier shore excursions in Nassau, especially if you factor in the extra cost of food and drinks. That said, Atlantis remains one of the top attractions for those seeking world-class amenities.
Be your own tour guide on a walking tour of Downtown Nassau
Nassau is a relatively accessible port. It's easy to access the downtown area from the cruise ship pier — no taxi required. As such, you can plan your own walking tour to explore the city's highlights without being bound to a cruise line-sponsored excursion.
Start with the Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step limestone staircase carved in the 1700s. From there, head to Fort Fincastle for panoramic views of the island. The historic fort was constructed to protect Nassau from pirates. Note that admission costs $2.
If you want to learn more about pirates after exploring Fort Fincastle, make your way to the Pirates of Nassau Museum. The museum costs $14.00 for adults and $7.00 for children ages 4 to 17. The fun and interactive experience, complete with a replica of a pirate ship you can walk on, is sure to be a hit!
As you walk around, take time to browse the shops and sample local rum cake. There are plenty of restaurants where you can grab lunch, too.
Guests who fancy a mid-day drink shouldn't miss Pirate Republic Brewing, the first production craft brewery in the Bahamas.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
