The reimagined Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas welcomes cruise guests with a new terminal, Junkanoo museum and more offering a taste of authentic Bahamian flair steps from the dock.
Nassau is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, attracting close to 4 million passengers per year with its unique combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Only 50 miles southeast of the coast of Florida, this world-famous destination is served by three of the largest and busiest cruise ports in the world – PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, within easy cruising distance.
After three years of construction, the reimagined Nassau Cruise Port has opened its doors to cruisers sailing to Nassau, the vibrant capital city of the archipelago.
Featuring a sixth berth and new terminal building, the revitalised port is now home to a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, a 3,500-seat amphitheatre, a living coral exhibit, local stores and new food and beverage facilities.
“The new Nassau Cruise Port offers a whole new experience for cruise visitors,” says the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Not only will Bahamian culture shine through all aspects of the port but the completion of the project marks a great milestone in ushering a new era for tourism in downtown Nassau, as well as a beautiful welcome for the millions of cruisers who disembark here each year.”
With support from Junkanoo experts Arlene Nash Ferguson and Percy “Vola” Francis, the Nassau Cruise Port Junkanoo Museum is an immersive experience, sharing the story of the destination’s national cultural festival. Authentically Bahamian products are on display across 40 retail spaces at the port, including local businesses such as Bahama Hand Prints, Bamboo Shack and much more.
We anticipate our traffic numbers for 2023 to exceed pre-pandemic levels with about 4.2 million visitors – Mike Maura, Port Director for Nassau
“We anticipate our traffic numbers for 2023 to exceed pre-pandemic levels with about 4.2 million visitors,” says Mike Maura, Port Director for Nassau. “Our growth trajectory is quite promising. In 2019, which was the busiest year for us to date, we had 3.85 million visitors. For 2024, we already have 4.5 million confirmations.”
Earlier this year, the Nassau Cruise Port set a record-breaking passenger arrival, welcoming 28,554 cruise visitors in one day – a testament to how the cruise industry is an important component to The Bahamas’ economy. The new and improved port provides entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians in addition to benefiting local businesses, shops and restaurants.