Wednesday, April 24, 2024

A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

nassau cruise port map

Local bus 12B, known as a "jitney," will drive by the roundabout, but you must wave it down to get it to stop for you. The cruise traveler will also find a desk where scooters and cars can be rented and sightseeing tours can be booked. Or you can choose to walk down the stairs by arriving at the top, which is a slightly longer walk to get to.

Balmoral Island

Brandon, founder of The Weekend Cruiser YouTube Channel, boards a cruise ship nearly every weekend. Because 3-night weekend cruises typically visit the same two ports, Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Brandon is an expert in everything to see, do, and experience in these two Bahamian cruise ports. You can spend your cruise day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the calm waters, or snorkeling along the nearby reef. A shopping plaza is nearby if you need to pick up snacks and drinks. You can also reach the beach by catching the number 10 bus from downtown.

Swim with pigs at Rose Island

From here, you can expect roughly a fifteen minute walk to the Queen's Staircase and ten minute walk to Junkanoo Beach. If you are a fan of hair braiding, this is also where you will find an entire set up dedicated to just that. When I walked outside of the port near the Straw Market, I was approached multiple times and repeatedly spoken to, even when I disregarded their attempts to strike up a conversation. Moreover, the port is filled with local vendors selling goods, such as straw baskets, jewelry, and more, meaning that you do not have to exit for your shopping needs if you do not want to.

Nassau Cruise Port upgrades under Global Ports Holding

According to the Nassau Cruise Port website, the taxis are metered. However, not all local cab drivers use the meters, so it’s best to confirm the fare before your journey. You may have to pay a surcharge if there are more than two passengers or if you have additional luggage. Atlantis Resort, a lavish ocean-themed resort teeming with activities. Here, you can marvel at the aquatic wonders in the world’s largest open-air marine habitat or experience the thrill of the resort’s water park and its iconic Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith slide.

nassau cruise port map

A small waterfall is located next to the stairs as well, and the walkway leading to the stairs is shadowed by steep limestone cliffs on both sides. 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. So try not to get frustrated or anxious if service is slower than expected. Here are answers to questions many tourists ask before visiting Nassau on a Caribbean cruise for the first time.

nassau cruise port map

The archipelago's spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites. Following a two-year hiatus in cruise ship travel, in 2022 Nassau is expected to host over 1100 ships. Another gorgeous island awaits you just off the northern coast of Nassau.

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Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s a common port on short Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering gorgeous beaches, tasty cuisine, and centuries of history to discover. Cave Beach is located on Paradise Island and offers a secluded setting away from the crowds of cruise passengers. It features natural caves and limestone formations that are easy to explore. Limited facilities are available, so bringing your own supplies is recommended.

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.

If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, make sure to carefully follow the instructions on your ticket. Cruise travelers have been waiting for these endless renovation works to be finished and, hopefully, souvenir stores and also a food court will return to where these once were. In the meantime, you will find most of these just outside the terminal. Swimming with pigs is one of the most unusual activities for a cruise day in Nassau. The 20 or so pigs reside on Rose Island and love the warm Caribbean waters as much as tourists do. After a 30-minute boat ride to the island, you get to interact with the friendly and adorable pigs.

Take a left on Bay Street and walk along Nassau’s waterfront until you run into Junkanoo Beach on the right. From the museum’s entrance on W Hill Street, turn left onto West Street. Continue for 300 feet before making a right on Delancy Street, which is where you’ll find the distillery. When you walk out of the castle, make a right and go down the back staircase before making a left onto Sand Road, a right onto East Street, and a left on E Hill Street. Walk on E Hill Street until reaching the Government House on the left.

This beach tends to be quieter than beaches closer to the cruise terminal. On your day in port at Nassau, you can quickly escape to Pearl Island, a serene getaway just a short, roughly 20-minute boat ride away, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. This private island has pristine beaches for sunbathing and swimming, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling tours, and an iconic lighthouse offering breathtaking views. 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.

Lastly, Fort Charlotte, located near West Bay Street, provides a panoramic view of Nassau and Paradise Island. This 18th-century British colonial era fort is a treasure trove of secret tunnels and dungeons, making it an intriguing stop for history buffs. One of the must-visit spots is Bay Street, the heart of Nassau’s shopping scene. With a variety of luxury boutiques, high-end retailers, and local artisan stores, it’s a paradise for those who love to shop. 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.

Blue Lagoon is located a 20-minute scenic boat ride from Nassau and is larger than Pearl Island. You’ll recognize it by the concrete tower that guards the entrance to the hidden lagoon and the incredible turquoise water surrounding the island. Keep in mind that it can be very crowded on the way back (as most of the cruise ship passengers go to the island by ferry), so always save at least 1 hour for the transfer back to the ship. Only a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock, you’ll come across a 19th-century residence of the British Governor-General housed in a well-preserved pink and white colonial mansion. It sits on a hill overlooking the harbor and boasts beautiful gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll.

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