Everything You Need to Know About the Nassau Cruise Port

Almost every seasoned cruiser has sailed at least once to Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas, as it’s one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, capable of accommodating up to seven ships at a time. It's also one of those cruise ports that invites controversy. 

Related: Download a port map for Nassau

If you’ve heard negative reviews about Nassau from past cruisers, know that things have changed. A multi-million dollar renovation in 2023 completely transformed the cruise terminal, making it more welcoming and organized and eliminating many of the old complaints about pushy vendors and rundown infrastructure.

And yes, there are still local vendors immediately outside the cruise terminal area, and yes they will ask you to buy stuff. But just avoid eye contact, firmly say "no thank you," and keep it moving.

While I get that some cruisers dislike Nassau because of the vendors, I personally enjoy it. I think the beaches are gorgeous (if you know the ones to visit and which to avoid), and there's a lot to do that is inexpensive and walkable from the cruise port. 

Related🎥: Why does everyone hate Nassau? 

Some cruisers worry for their safety in Nassau, which is an unfounded fear, in my opinion. I travel to Nassau often, even solo and with my young daughter, and have never had any issues, nor have I felt unsafe.

Like any other touristic city, there is crime here, but it mainly impacts residents engaged in organized crime activity in the "over the hill" area. Avoid this area, and don't get into any illegal shenanigans, and you'll be just fine.

🚨 Important: Don’t wear camouflage here—it’s illegal in the Bahamas for civilians to wear camo. 

Related 🎥: Watch all my Nassau video content

 
Language and Currency in Nassau

English is widely spoken in Nassau, as it's the official language, and U.S. dollars are accepted, so there’s no need to exchange currency. Many vendors will negotiate on prices, and you’ll have more bargaining power if paying in cash rather than a credit card, though.

While vendors in the tourist areas will readily accept US currency, the Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively, B$, and it has a 1:1 exchange rate with USD.

If you do plan to shop with a credit card, opt for a travel-specific credit card instead of a debit card whenever possible. Travel credit cards often provide better fraud protection, lower foreign transaction fees, and added perks like purchase protection or travel rewards, making them a safer and more beneficial choice for international purchases.

Things to Do at the Nassau Cruise Port

One of the many things I like about Nassau is its variety, as it offers a mix of historical landmarks, local culture, shopping, and beaches, all easily accessible from the port. 

Best Nassau Beaches for Cruisers

The Bahamas are famous for their stunning beaches, and Nassau is no exception. I'm always blown away here by the almost unreal-looking turquoise color of the water.

As for beaches, some public beaches are walkable from the port, but these can become overcrowded, especially on busy cruise days. What happens too often is that cruisers seek out one of these public beaches, find them overcrowded and filled with pushy vendors, have a bad experience, and then paint Nassau with the "it's a bad cruise port" brush. 

So if you seek out a public beach, know there will be throngs of people there, many of them blasting their preferred music via Bluetooth speakers. There will also be lots of vendors, and there's a better-than-good chance that a local will even try to sell you drugs. You will likely smell marijuana. Locals will also try to rent you an umbrella and chair and sometimes get a little, well, not nice when you tell them no. 

If these things don't deter you (or hey, even if they appeal to you -- no judgment here), here are some of the best public beaches in Nassau: 

• Junkanoo Beach (closest to the port, and walkable, but can get crowded)
• Cabbage Beach (scenic but requires a taxi; the waves can get very aggressive here!)
• Cable Beach (pristine but further from the port and will require a taxi)

Here's one of my favorite Nassau insider tips... Goodman's Bay is a park that serves as an access point to Cable Beach, and not many cruisers know about it. It's a nice hidden spot if you want a quiet beach day, but there's no easy access to bathrooms, food, or chair rentals. 

Related🎥: Discovering Goodman's Bay

When it comes to a beach day experience in Nassau, my top recommendation here is always to book a private beachfront experience with a resort day pass. The experience with these, versus the public beaches, is night-and-day. Keep reading for my top recommendations for resort day passes in Nassau.

Related 🎥: Why cruisers hate Nassau

Not all cruisers, however, have the budget for private passes, as they aren't cheap in Nassau. If you visit one of the public beaches and want to avoid the unsavory aspects that make them unappealing, your best bet is to venture further down the beach away from the crowds.

Cruisers often bunch up together at the most accessible public beach access point, not realizing that investing a little bit of time walking down further will result in a much better, quieter beach day experience. 

Related🎥: Exploring Nassau's Public Beaches

Top Nassau Attractions Within Walking Distance

If you prefer to explore Nassau on foot, and experience things of the non-beachy variety, you have a lot of options -- just check out this Nassau downtown walking map. Here are some must-visit stops:

Queen’s Staircase & Fort Fincastle

The Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step landmark, was hand-carved by slaves in the late 1700s in honor of Queen Victoria. The steps lead up to Fort Fincastle, offering panoramic views of Nassau. This is a quick, easy stop about one mile from the port, and there's a little straw market at the site if you want to shop. Best of all, it's free.

Related🎥: What to expect at Queen's Staircase. 

John Watling’s Distillery

For rum lovers, visiting John Watling’s Distillery is a must. And hey, I don't even like rum (and I don't drink much), but I still love this little spot. Located in a historic estate, the free guided tour walks you through the rum-making process, and, of course, includes samples of their famous Bahamian rums. And yes, kids are allowed here too! The tour is very brief and to the point, just how I like it, and a visit here can be done in less than half an hour.

Related🎥: What to expect at Watling's Distillery.

Graycliff Hotel & Cigar Factory

A historic mansion-turned-hotel, Graycliff is home to a cigar factory, chocolate factory, wine cellar, and lush gardens. This spot is ideal for a nice quick visit, especially as there are plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, including the colorful umbrella alley on the property.

Bahamas Rum Cake Factory

If you're walking from the port to Queen’s Staircase, stop at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory to sample freshly made Bahamian rum cakes. The shop is small, and this is a popular stop, so the line can look crazy, but they run a smooth operation, and the line moves quickly. And yes, because the cakes are individually sealed and packaged, you can bring them back on the ship and fly home with them, no problem.

Related🎥: What to expect at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory.

Pirate Museum

A family-friendly stop, the Pirates of Nassau Museum is a walkable attraction, only about 10-12 minutes from the cruise port, featuring interactive exhibits on the Bahamas’ history of piracy.

Fish Fry Market

Less than two miles from the port, the Fish Fry in Arawak Cay is a collection of colorful, locally owned restaurants serving authentic Bahamian food. This is the best place to try fried conch and other local specialties. On a recent visit, I stopped by to try fried conch, and it was crazy to see it being harvested from the ocean right there on-site. It truly is the freshest of the fresh.

Related🎥: Trying fresh conch in Nassau

Museum of Junkanoo

Located right at the cruise terminal, the Museum of Junkanoo offers a quick look into the history of Junkanoo, the Bahamas’ famous carnival festival. It’s not free, but it’s a great short stop if you’re interested in cultural history and are looking for something to do close to the cruise port.

Señor Frog’s

Fans of the cruise bar scene will love the fact that there’s a Señor Frog’s immediately to the right upon exiting the port. It’s a lively waterfront bar and restaurant known for its fun atmosphere.

Nassau Straw Market

Once you exit the cruise port area, you can't miss the famous Nassau Straw Market, which lies right outside the exit gates. Nassau's Straw Market offers handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local goods, although note that many items here aren't actually handmade but are rather mass-produced overseas and imported in.

The term "straw market" reflects the Bahamas’ long tradition of straw weaving, which dates back centuries as a way for locals to craft baskets, hats, and bags. Originally developed as a practical skill, it evolved into a major part of Bahamian culture and tourism. 

Best Beach Resorts for Cruisers

As noted above, I think Nassau has some of the most stunning beaches, but the public beaches just aren't for me. I find them overcrowded and, honestly, kind of gross.

So on most of my visits to Nassau, which are frequent, I always spring for a resort day pass instead. Food and drinks at these locations are pretty expensive, though, so unless you're visiting one of Nassau's rare all-inclusive properties, I always recommend eating before and/or after your visit, rather than on-site. You also might want to consider bringing your own snacks if you're on a budget. 

Another perk of these spots is that they provide use of beach towels. I despise lugging heavy cruise ship towels around, especially bringing them back to the ship when they're wet, heavy, and sandy, so this for me is a nice benefit.

Here are some of the best private beachfront options for cruisers in Nassau, all of which offer exclusive beachfront access:

British Colonial (Closest & Most Affordable)

This one’s my go-to when I want something easy and low-key (and budget). It’s right next to Margaritaville and a short walk from the cruise port, so there’s no need for a taxi. I love that I can walk there in minutes..

From a value standpoint, this has consistently been my top Nassau pick. The vibe is calm, the loungers are comfortable, and it’s not overly crowded. They have a simple pool and private beachfront access, but lack the razzle-dazzle of features like lazy rivers, high jumps, and water slides found in the pricier Nassau options.

That said, they’ve been slowly creeping prices up over the past year, so we’ll see how long it holds onto that “best value” crown.

• Closest to the port (next to Margaritaville)
• Affordable resort pass with access to a pool, loungers, and kayaks and towels provided
• Newly renovated and offers a relaxed vibe
• Kids are welcome here, but it lacks some of the kid-friendly elements like waterslides.

Get pricing and book British Colonial  | Related🎥: Spending the day at British Colonial

Margaritaville (Best for Families)

When I’m traveling to Nassau with my youngest daughter, this is almost always where we go. It’s fun, super kid-friendly, and doesn’t require a taxi.

The lazy river, slides, high jump, and surf simulator are favorites of my daughter, and I personally love that lazy river. It's on the small side, but it's great.

I also like that it’s so easy to get to. It's just a short walk from the ship (and right next to British Colonial). It feels like a mini waterpark day without the steep price tag of places like Atlantis or Baha Mar, which is perfect for folks like me who like to ball on a budget. 

• Walkable from the port
• Features a lazy river, kayaks, water slides, surf simulator, and a high jump
• Towels are provided, which is a nice perk since you don't have to lug them from the ship.
• Private section of Junkanoo Beach, avoiding the crowded public area

Get pricing and book Margaritaville | Related🎥: Spending the day at Margaritaville

Baha Mar (Luxury & Waterpark)

This place is stunning, and if you’re looking to splurge, it delivers. It's basically Nassau's luxury, fancy water park direct competitor to Atlantis.

The water park here is top-tier, the beach is dreamy, and the whole place feels upscale. That said, it’s a bit of a trek from the port (the furthest of all these options, although not too crazy), and it’s not cheap. This is a treat-yourself kind of day, or one for the bucket list. 

• Requires a taxi ride, but it's worth it for luxury lovers
• Includes Baha Bay Waterpark with slides, a lazy river, and pools
• This is sort of like "Atlantis-lite," offering a lot of the same things as Atlantis, but at a slightly lower cost.
• Private access to Cable Beach, plus loungers and towels included

Get pricing and book Baha Mar | Related🎥: Exploring Baha Mar

Breezes (All-Inclusive and Older Kids Only)

If I’m cruising with other adults or with my oldest daughter, this is where we go (my youngest can’t come here yet since it’s 14+).

Yes, the rooms are dated, so I don't know if I'd necessarily want to stay here at a hotel guest, but the day pass experience for cruisers is a steal. As noted above, Nassau is an expensive city, so the fact that Breezes is all-inclusive, including alcohol, makes this a bargain.

The beach is beautiful, the service is always great, and I like the convenience of the poolside grill, which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fried conch, and that sort of fare.

Resort day pass guests not only get food included at the grill, but also the buffet, which is indoors. The buffet food is just okay, but honestly, for an all-inclusive resort that costs less than most others in Nassau, it’s a great value. Breezes is super chill, and I always have a good time here.

 Offers multiple pools, water activities, and unlimited food and drinks

• Requires a short taxi ride from the port
• One of the only all-inclusive resorts in Nassau, offering unlimited food and drinks (including alcohol), making this a great value, especially compared to the luxury spots
• Beachfront property with access to a private stretch of Cable Beach
• Only for those ages 14+, making it a quieter option compared to family-friendly resorts that allow younger kiddos
• Older property but well-maintained with a laid-back, casual vibe

Get pricing and book Breezes | Related🎥: My Day at Breezes

RIU Palace (All-Inclusive & Adults-Only)

Of the Nassau resort day pass options for cruisers, this one is my least favorite. It’s adults-only and technically all-inclusive, which is a great perk for some cruisers, but the vibe feels kind of tired.

The pool is small and the beach… well, it fronts Cabbage Beach, which looks pretty, but the waves can be rough. I prefer calmer waters like Cable Beach. If I want an adults-only vibe and food and drinks included, I’d pick Breezes over RIU every time.

It's located over on Paradise Island, close to Atlantis, so it will require a taxi to get here.

• A rare all-inclusive Nassau resort day pass option
• Private access to Cabbage Beach
• Infinity pool, premium food, and drinks included
• This is a great option, but the property itself is a bit dated, and the pool is pretty small

Get pricing and book RIU Palace | Related 🎥: Exploring RIU in Nassau

Atlantis (Best Waterpark Experience, but $$$)

Everyone knows Atlantis, and for a long time, visiting here was at the very top of my bucket list. When you get off the ship, look over to the left, and you can't miss seeing it, although it'll take a taxi to get here.

It's just as cool and gorgeous as you see in the flashy ads. The waterpark is massive and super fun, so if you’ve got kids who are into slides or if you’re a thrill-seeker yourself, this might be worth it.

But.... it's really expensive. Not just admission, but everything there. Compared to my expectations, especially relative to the cost, I was a little disappointed. I'm glad I visited, because my youngest daughter is obsessed with waterslides, but aside from that, I didn't find Atlantis to be worth the cost.

I'm a fan of lazy rivers, and the Atlantis version of it is an aggressive river called Rapids River and it's pretty amazing. It's enormous, a mile long, and includes rapids (obviously), tunnels, and a conveyor. Just be aware, though, that this can be pretty aggressive, so I wouldn't recommend it for younger kids or folks looking to just kick back and relax.

Pro tip: If Atlantis is on your bucket list, but you don't want to spring for expensive day passes for cruisers, you can always take a taxi here and explore some of the property (like the casino and shops) and adjacent marina for free.

I certainly don’t regret my visit to Atlantis, but it’s not something I’d pay for again (especially since I'm a mom paying for myself and two kids), unless I was traveling with someone who had never been and really wanted to go.

Even though my youngest kiddo loves water slides, she's always more than happy to visit Margaritaville instead, which is great for me from a value standpoint. 

• Expensive, but worth it if you love waterslides
• Day pass grants access to Aquaventure Waterpark and Cabbage Beach
• Located on Paradise Island, requiring a taxi or ferry ride

Get pricing and book Atlantis | Related🎥: Is Atlantis worth it?

Transportation in Nassau

While Nassau is a great port because of its walkability, sometimes you need to get somewhere that isn't accessible on foot, or you may have mobility issues that prohibit easy walking.

The great news is that getting around Nassau is easy, and there are several options, all easily accessible from the cruise port area, but there are no rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.

Jitneys (Local Buses)

• Run frequently between downtown Nassau and Cable Beach
• Cost: $1.50 per ride (exact change required)

Taxis

• Flat rates (negotiated upfront), as taxis do not use meters
• Expect to pay $15-$20 for common routes (e.g., port to Paradise Island)
• Cash is preferred, as many taxis don’t take credit cards
• There are always taxis waiting outside the port area and at major tourist destination, so they're easy to find

Water Taxis (Ferries to Paradise Island)

• Operate from Festival Place & Woodes Rogers Wharf
• Cost: $6 per person (one-way)
• Depart every 30 minutes for a quick 10-minute ride

Private Driver (Best for Custom Tours)

I highly recommend hiring a private driver for cruisers wanting a more personalized way to explore Nassau. My go-to guy is Clement (book him here), and he'll take you anywhere you want to go in Nassau, and you can explore each site on your own terms and at your own pace.

Related: Book the best Nassau private driver

I'm a big fan of private drivers and recommend them at several popular cruise port destinations. They're especially a bargain if you're traveling with a group of 4+ people sharing the cost. Sharing a private driver is often cheaper than booking a cruise line excursion!  

Related 🎥: My experience in Nassau with a private driver

Is Nassau Really That Bad?!

I really dislike how hated Nassau seems to be among some cruisers, and personally I'm a big fan. This is a huge port with tons to do, the terminal area is nice and new, and the folks here are generally very friendly.

Personally, I think Nassau's reputation is not deserved, and there's so much beauty here that some folks miss out on because they listen to the online negativity. Yes, some of the vendors can be aggressive, being offered drugs at the public beaches is not uncommon, and the public beaches (in my opinion) can generally be unpleasant.

Related 🎥: Why Nassau Isn't As Bad As You Think

But, but avoiding the public beaches and doing things my own way with a private driver, and/or going the private beach day pass option, I always have an amazing time in Nassau and it's truly one of my favorites.  

With beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and great local food, Nassau has plenty to offer cruisers. The 2023 cruise port renovations have significantly improved the experience, so I urge everyone, even those who have visited before pre-renovations, to give it a fair chance.

Seriously, ignore the Nassau haters.

Related🎥: Is Nassau Safe for Cruisers?

For the best Nassau experience, I recommend:

✔️ Checking how many ships are in port to plan your visit
✔️ Walking to key attractions (Queen’s Staircase, Graycliff, Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, John Watling’s)
✔️ Booking a resort pass for a relaxing beach day
✔️ Haggling with vendors for the best prices, especially with cash

Nassau is a port that keeps getting better every time I visit. I promise you that with the right planning, knowing what to do and what to avoid, and going into your visit here with a positive, open mind, it can be one of the best stops on your cruise itinerary.