Nassau Cruise Port Terminal

The Nassau Cruise Port is many travelers’ gateway into the Bahamas. With prime access to nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions, the port is an excellent entry point into Nassau.

Nassau attracts nearly four million tourists annually, with many entering the Bahamas through the Nassau Cruise Port. With beautiful beaches, delicious food and drinks, and historic attractions just a short walk away, the newly renovated terminal makes it easy to enjoy the different things to do in Nassau Bahamas port. 

Nassau Cruise Port: Things to do in Nassau Cruise Port

A History of the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port 

As mentioned, the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port attracts millions of cruise ship travelers each year. With ships arriving from Port Everglades, Port Miami, and Port Canaveral, Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world.

Given the number of travelers who enter the Bahamian capital through the Nassau Cruise Port, the local government recently decided to invest in extensive renovations.

The cruise terminal recently received millions of dollars in investment money.

In 2019, renovations began – to the tune of $300 million – to revitalize and expand the port. Construction teams finalized phase one of the rejuvenation efforts in May of 2023. Phase two is expected to conclude next year. 

Once the renovations are complete, the Nassau Cruise Port will be able to accommodate six ships per day. Experts believe this will increase the number of day trippers on the island to around 20-30,000 people. 

Nassau Cruise Port: What to See and Do  

Museum of Junkanoo

Anyone wondering what to do in Nassau Port should visit the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo.

Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival occurring at different points throughout the year. With colorful costumes, upbeat music, and lively performances, it’s a quintessentially Bahamian event. 

The new museum is the perfect place for travelers to learn more about the event. 

Port Marketplace

Shopping at Port Marketplace is one of the top things to do in Nassau Port.

The Nassau Cruise Port Marketplace is a collection of colorful stalls steps away from where travelers disembark off their ships. With vendors selling jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and more, it’s a great area to find a gift for you or friends and family members back home. 

Graycliff Heritage Village Shop

Some of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas Port are at Graycliff Heritage Village.

Graycliff Heritage Village is a short walk away from the Nassau Cruise Port. As one of the island’s cultural epicenters, visiting the village is one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas Port. But you can experience a taste of Graycliff at their Store in the Port Marketplace.

The village is home to a winery, a cigar factory, an art gallery, a chocolatier, and the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. You could easily spend your entire afternoon exploring the different attractions. Because of that, make time to visit Graycliff while you’re on the island. 

Fish Fry 

Nassau Fish Fry serves conch, lobster, and other fresh food.

A fish fry in the Bahamas isn’t just a fried fish – it’s another rich element of the local culture. It’s a culinary gathering place where locals gather to eat some of the freshest food around. 

In Nassau, people congregate at two fish fries: Arawak Cay and Potters Cay. From conch – which happens to be the national food of the Bahamas – to fish and cracked lobster, foodies will want to visit the local fish fries for an unbeatable culinary experience. 

Getting Into the Port

If you’ve traveled to the Bahamas on a cruise before, the Nassau Cruise Port you arrive at today may look radically different than you remember. 

The Nassau Port accommodates millions of travelers each year.

From a museum and a 3,500-person amphitheater to a taxi dispatch and expansive food and drink venues, the updated terminal offers a much warmer welcome than the previous one. All of these attractions, combined with others on New Providence, ensure your time in the Bahamas will be full of excitement. 

If your cruise dates are flexible, most experts recommend traveling to Nassau in spring or the end of fall. Summer heralds the start of hurricane season, whereas temperatures occasionally dip to surprisingly cool temperatures in winter. 

Getting Around the Cruise Terminal 

The Nassau Cruise Port plays a vital role on the island. Given its importance, the local government has worked to foster the growth of the surrounding area. Today, travelers can easily access many of the top restaurants, bars, museums, and cultural sites. 

After exploring the new waterfront area, a walking tour of Nassau Old Town will allow you to see some of the best the island has to offer. 

The Nassau Harbour area is home to all sorts of shopping.

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

You can find all sorts of exciting attractions right around the Nassau Cruise Port. However, you’ll want to dive a bit deeper into New Providence, as that’s where many of the best attractions are. Plus, the further you stray from the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port, the sparser the crowds will be! 

St George’s Wharf – Nassau Cruise Port Terminal prior to redevelopment in 2020

Things to Do in Nassau Cruise Port: Activities Abound 

The Nassau Cruise Port puts you in close proximity to some of the top highlights on the island. From restaurants and bars to water parks, museums, and more, the many things to do in Nassau Cruise Port are everywhere. 

Junkanoo Beach, Bay Street, the Nassau Straw Market, and the Bahamas Historical Society are a few of the many nearby sites worth visiting.

Interested in learning more about the different Nassau attractions? Make sure to check out our other travel guides and interactive map.