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Many products are necessarily imported and that means prices, including meals at restaurants, can be high. Nassau can also feel a bit "touristy" at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. Of course, you’ll find the best beaches on the private islands and Paradise Island, but Junkanoo Beach is a great alternative as it’s free and offers a variety of facilities to enjoy your day.
Historic Sites to Visit in Nassau on a Cruise Day
A highlight of the Queen’s Staircase is the welcome shade it offers from the scorching Caribbean sun. Lush tropical plants and palms line the staircase, giving you a break from the sunshine. At this attraction, you are close to Fort Fincastle, several museums, and the Nassau Straw Market. Fort Montagu, at the east end of the harbor, is the oldest standing fort on New Providence Island. A guided tour of the fort gives you insight into fighting during colonial times in the Bahamas. After getting off the cruise ship in Nassau, you may want to take a leisurely stroll around Parliament Square.
Visit museums in Nassau to learn about its history
You can reach this beautiful beach within less than a 10-minute drive from the port of Nassau. It is a quiet stretch of white sand with crystal clear water where you can snorkel right off the beach. It’s not crowded and you can spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The port is just a few minutes' walk to downtown Nassau where cruisers can find a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, fine dining and more. The new terminal, which is expected to be finished in May 2023, will have its own dining and shopping area for cruisers. However, the main street is, in fact, parallel to this nice and attractive 'walk' along the harbor where you will find the Ferry Boats to Paradise Island, a few shops, bars, restaurants, and grills.
Nassau cruise terminal
There are way too many locals offering taxi rides, tours, scooter rentals, jet-skiing, beach breaks, hair braiding ... And the new cruise terminal promises to become one the most appealing once the construction ends. Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach.
Cruises

The vendors are only a mild nuisance near the terminal but usually stop pestering you when you walk downtown. Overall, the tourist areas in Nassau are safe for cruise passengers. When leaving the port area, you will be on Bay Street, next to Nassau’s downtown. Many of Nassau’s historical sites are within walking distance of the port. These attractions include various fortifications, Parliament Square, the Queen’s Staircase, the National Art Gallery, museums, and the Nassau Straw Market.
Royal Beach Club Bahamas (Royal Caribbean) on Paradise Island
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.
Cave Beach

The project's Phase I included the extension of the docking pier, building two new marinas (yacht berthing facilities) and also upgrading the existing structures. Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home décor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques.
How far is it from the Nassau cruise port to the Queen’s Staircase?
THE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION INVITES CRUISE PASSENGERS TO ENJOY ... - PR Newswire
THE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION INVITES CRUISE PASSENGERS TO ENJOY ....
Posted: Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This is one of the safest and most reliable ways to spend an unforgettable day in the Bahamas. However, it’s good to note that they may be pricey and less personalized than booking a local tour. In downtown Nassau (2-minutes walk away) there are very nice and interesting landmarks and museums to visit.
Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Experiences
The beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot. Junkanoo Beach is a public beach within walking distance of the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal. Junkanoo Beach offers pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in the Villa Doyle, a 10-minute walk from the cruise port.
The deluxe day pass gives you access to a private lagoon, swimming pool, open bar, complimentary food, free Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, and a fitness center. The beach features a lively Caribbean atmosphere with music, food, and local vendors. It’s also close to the Straw Market and several museums in downtown Nassau. The Bahamas is a paradise for snorkelers, boasting crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and even shipwrecks. Your cruise line or third-party vendor may offer combo tours with snorkeling and other activities. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and a popular port of call on Caribbean cruise itineraries.
I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. If you are a fan of underwater activities, you should know that the Bahamas offers some spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving sites. You can opt to snorkel from the beach on your own (Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach are great choices), and in that case, make sure you bring your gear. Within and outside the cruise terminal, you will find vendors selling ferry tickets to Paradise Island where the famous Atlantis resort is located. The Paradise Island ferry terminal is located under the two bridges connecting Nassau and Paradise Island, and from there you can walk to Atlantis Resort.
If you’re looking for a low-key day in Nassau without spending money on shore excursions, you just might want to make it a day of exploring Bahamas history with a visit to the Queen’s Staircase. While the walk along the pier felt similar to previous visits to Nassau, the most noticeable difference is as you prepare to exit. No longer are you immediately met with individuals pressing you for tours or taxi rides. Finally, before starting your self-guided walking tour, be sure to have access to a map. If you don’t have international cell phone service, download an offline map of downtown Nassau from Google Maps.
About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the world's largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops. Situated 5 miles (8 km) from the Nassau cruise terminal, Cable Beach stretches over 2 miles with powdery white sands and calm waters. You can enjoy its stunning azure waters, beachside bars, and ocean views. Facilities at the beach include loungers, umbrellas, and water sports rentals.
Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. As Nassau has so many attractions and activities to offer, sometimes it’s difficult to decide on how to spend a day in the Nassau cruise port. Booking a private charter in Nassau allows you to design your itinerary and enjoy an exclusive sailing experience along the vibrant coast of New Providence and Paradise Islands. Both landmarks are located within a 15-minute walk from the Nassau cruise terminal and are well worth visiting if you want to soak up some local history. A staircase consists of 65 steps that will lead you to the fort from where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and city.
The Port of Nassau Through the Eyes of a First Time Visitor - DCL Fan
The Port of Nassau Through the Eyes of a First Time Visitor.
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Besides awe-inspiring beaches and fancy resorts, Nassau boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that you can explore on one of the historic or cultural tours and experiences. There are several locations where you can swim and play with pigs, the two most popular ones being Rose Island (Sandy Toes) and Exumas Island (Pig Beach), both located up to 1-hour boat ride from Nassau cruise port. I’ve been to Blue Lagoon island twice and both times I had a fantastic time.
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