Nassau Cruise Port 

Introduction

This guide to Nassau Cruise Port will hopefully provide you with lots of information on this very popular cruise destination.

Stretched between the North Atlantic and the east coast of Florida the Bahamas are a string of over 700 islands and 2400 cays. Nassau, the capital,  is gritty compared to the rest of the relaxed Bahamas. It teems with sun-seeking tourists, loud vendors and stores overflowing with Bahamian crafts, food supplies and other delights.

Although Nassau is now fairly modern there is still glimpses of its past glamour in the historic old town with its candy pink colonial charm. The hotel district of Paradise Island is a short boat ride away as are some of the nearby cays where you can relax on golden beaches lapped by crystal clear waters.

Where do cruise ships dock?

Cruise ships dock at the Prince George Wharf which is right in the centre of the city. It boasts 7 berths which are often full so it makes for a bustling port terminal.

After disembarking from your cruise ship you will make your way through Festival Place. Festival Place is vibrant and colourful, and a little noisy at times. Its design reflects the style of a Bahamian village and provides the opportunity for visitors to purchase quality, authentic Bahamian made souvenirs and craft items. Services available at Festival Place include:

• Tour desk providing general information on The Islands
• Information on attractions
• Land and waterbased tours
• Post Office
• Communications centre (payphones, phone cards, Internet kiosks/WiFi)
• Transportation information for scooter rental, taxi and ferry boat operations
• Hair braiding.

Please note that when going ashore in Nassau you will need photo ID to return to your ship so always take this with you.

What to do with a day in Port

The Queens Staircase & Fort Fincastle

Built by slaves into solid limestone, the 66 steps known as the Queen’s Staircase gave troops protected access to Fort Fincastle. More than a century later, the staircase was named to honour Queen Victoria and her role in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas. Today, visitors can appreciate this amazing feat of construction as they climb the steep staircase, to Fort Fincastle, the highest point on the island. Fort Fincastle sits atop Bennetts Hill and was built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. Take in the amazing panoramic views and explore the castle and its showrooms detailing the life of the soldiers who lived there. The staircase and the castle are only around a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Straw Market

After the decline of the sponging industry in the mid-1940s, Bahamian women began braiding and weaving the leaves of palm trees and sisal plants into baskets and fishing traps as a way to boost their income. Today this tradition continues at the Straw Market in Nassau. Shoppers can buy woven items such as hats, mats, and baskets, as well as fine wooden carvings, colourful fabrics, and many other souvenirs. Prices are reasonable especially if you are good at negotiating. The market is very close to the cruise terminal and you could easily include it in a visit to the Queen’s Staircase above.

Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis Resort

Aquaventure is our one-of-a-kind, 141-acre water park. This non-stop aquatic playground features over twenty million gallons of water, magnificent Atlantean-themed towers housing high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, 20 swimming areas, a spectacular kids water-play fort and 11 refreshing swimming pools. Aquaventure is a lush, tropical environment that is immersive,  interconnected and perfect for all vacationers, both young and old. The water park offers an extreme level of excitement and delivers an “aqua” adventure unlike any other.

Relax at the Hilton Hotel

Only a short walk from the cruise terminal, purchase a day pass for the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, and enjoy all of the facilities they have to offer that include a small but gorgeous section of beach. Be patient when checking in as the staff seem to have perfected the art of making a simple process last forever. Once you have your wristband make your way out to the pleasant gardens and pool area. There is a poolside bar where you can also enjoy your lunch which is included in the price of the pass. We book using Resort for a Day

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center

Set in 4 acres of tropical gardens the Ardastra Gardens Zoo is best known as the home of the marching flamingos. The flamingos entertain visitors by marching in formation to commands. This zoo specializes in the conservation of Caribbean species, including the endangered Bahama Parrot and several species of iguanas. The Gardens and zoo are about a mile and a half from the cruise terminal so it is certainly walkable (30mins) but please bear in mind that fierce tropical sun and wear a hat and bring some water.

Blue Lagoon Island

Also known as Salt Cay, Blue Lagoon Island is a private island about five kilometres from Nassau and is reachable by a short boat ride. Offering a range of watersports as well as close-up encounters with dolphins and sea lions. This is one of the most popular side trips from Nassau. Day-trippers can also tour the island on Segways, relax in hammocks along the palm-lined beach, and snorkel and swim in the lagoon. Children will love the water park packed with inflatable toys.