Saturday, April 20, 2024

Nassau Cruise Port Information

nassau cruise terminal

In July 2021 was officially opened Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. Day passes cost US$115 (adults), US$45 (kids 3-12), US$0 (kids under 3). Day passes are inclusive of Water Park fee, US$25 credit (food and beverages), Wi-Fi (unlimited), beach access (chairs). In June-August 2021, for the first time, RCI-Royal Caribbean homeported here a ship (Adventure OTS) for 7-night roundtrips from Nassau to Cozumel Mexico, Freeport (Grand Bahama) and CocoCay.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Carnival Responds to Concerns Over Port Travel Advisory - Cruise Hive

Carnival Responds to Concerns Over Port Travel Advisory.

Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean. Royal Beach Club Bahamas will be developed with premium beaches and RCI's signature beachside resort amenities and service. In February 2020, RCG purchased land from private landowners ("multiple real estate parcels"/13,5-acres/5,5-hectares) on Paradise Island's western coast, at the cost of ~USD 50 million (~EUR 42 million). Additional 7 acres/2,8 hectares were leased by The Bahamas government. In Nassau are registered most of the cruise vessels (both large and smaller-sized) as The Bahamas is the preferable flag-state for major cruise shipping companies. Nassau is The Bahamas' main/principal and largest seaport as well as the country's capital city - located approx 310 mi / 500 km east of Florida USA.

What’s the best time to visit Nassau in the Bahamas?

Guests can witness the art of cigar rolling firsthand, adding a touch of old-world craftsmanship to their visit. Additionally, the Graycliff Chocolatier offers an interactive experience where guests can learn how to make their own chocolates, blending creativity with the indulgence of fine chocolate. You are immediately transported to the 18th century as you enter the museum. You’ll learn about infamous pirates like Edward Teach “Blackbeard,” who once pillaged ships in the Caribbean. Interactive exhibits, weapons, treasure, and other pirate-related artifacts and displays are on display.

nassau cruise terminal

Shore Excursions

It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port. Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group. Many services can be found just outside the building although some are still inside the terminal.

In December 2018, to The Bahamas government received bids for cruise terminal concession. The Nassau Waterfront was also upgraded (USD 300 million project) and now has 60+ retail shops and venues for food and beverages, a wine bar, an art gallery, an amphitheater (capacity 3000 seats). Also new is the Educulture Junkanoo Museum And Resource Centre (managed by Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre Ltd). Passenger ferries provide regularly scheduled shipping service from Nassau to the surrounding islands, and mainly to Paradise Island. Nassau's main seaport is Prince George Wharf, which also serves cruise liners.

Shopping and Food

A catamaran excursion while in Nassau lets you marvel at the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The catamarans typically have spacious decks and comfortable seating, providing a smooth sailing experience in warm ocean breezes. No visit to The Bahamas would be complete without tasting locally-made rum. The John Watling’s Distillery is a short walk from the cruise ship terminal in the lush two-acre Buena Vista Estate.

When it comes to the Nassau beaches, the nearest one to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach, located within a 20-minute walking distance from the port. It is a nice beach to spend your day at if you want to keep a low budget and still have a fun day. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. The beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities.

nassau cruise terminal

Additionally, you may hear Bahamian Creole—a dialect incorporating African, Spanish, and English elements. To help you relax, you can upgrade the pass to include various types of massages and all-day spa access. Many visitors say that the coral reefs at Cave Beach are some of the most stunning and underrated in the Caribbean. In addition, the gardens have stunning tropical flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, bougainvillea, hibiscus shrubs, and tropical vines.

Water Taxi

Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

The pristine coral reef and the possibility of exciting close encounters with marine life are some of the reasons Nassau is a great place to visit. Saunders Beach is a popular public beach in Nassau, and it is less crowded than Junkanoo when cruise ships are in port. Located 2 miles from the Nassau cruise terminal, Saunders Beach offers a beautiful stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It has artificial coves for safe swimming, a playground, showers, and restrooms. Relaxing on white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean are among the top activities to consider during your cruise day in Nassau. Many also offer water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides.

The Consortium invested ~USD 300 million (EUR 271M / GBP 240M) in expanding the cruise port's capacity and enhancing the passenger terminal and downtown touring experience. The project was announced in March 2020, approved in April 2021 and completed in 2023 (opened on May 27th). There is a tour desk where cruise passengers can get general details about the islands and the excursions available, a post office and a communications center with pay phones, internet kiosk, Wi Fi, etc.

Despite a large number of docks, the distance between them is short and you don’t need more than 5-10 minutes to exit the terminal, regardless of where your cruise ship docks. 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.

Cafe Matisse (Bank Lane, beside Police Station) – located in an old Bahamian mansion with relaxing patio, this romantic upscale-casual restaurant offers Italian cuisine and is a short walk from the pier. Another way to get to Paradise Island is the Water Taxi, which boards within walking distance of the pier, just off of Bay Street. In case of an emergency in Nassau, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Bahamas also has a tourist police force specifically trained to assist visitors. Be sure to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and keep important documents and emergency contacts easily accessible. Tipping is customary in Nassau, similar to other Caribbean destinations.

It’s essential to note that exact change is required to pay the fare, and you will pay when you exit the bus. You can explore 14 lagoons with over 50,000 sea animals representing over 250 marine species. You can also sign up for one of the dolphin educational programs, or relax at the private beach while the dolphins cheerfully jump and play a few feet away. Nassau has invested over $300 million into upgrading the old terminal into one of the greatest waterfronts in the Caribbean.

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