Nassau Cruise Port Guide

Bahamas

Dock port ★ We've been here

Getting around Nassau

Nassau's cruise terminal at Prince George Wharf puts you within walking distance of downtown Nassau's main attractions, shops, and restaurants. The terminal area features immediate access to the Straw Market, duty-free shopping, and local restaurants. Walking to Bay Street (the main shopping district) takes just 5 minutes, while Junkanoo Beach is about a 15-minute pleasant walk along the waterfront.

Taxis are abundant at the port with fixed government rates to major destinations: $6 per person to downtown areas, $12-15 per person to Cable Beach, and $25-30 per person to Paradise Island/Atlantis. Taxi rates are per person, not per vehicle, which can make costs add up for families. For shorter distances within downtown, walking is often faster and more economical than waiting for taxis during busy cruise ship days.

Local 'jitney' buses offer the most budget-friendly option at around $1.25 per ride, but they don't follow set schedules and can be challenging for first-time visitors to navigate. Most cruise passengers find the combination of walking for nearby attractions and taxis for beaches or Atlantis to be the most practical approach. Always confirm taxi rates before departing, as drivers should have official rate cards available for inspection.

Terminals & cruise lines

Prince George Wharf

Royal Caribbean Norwegian Carnival Celebrity Princess Disney

Terminal assignments are approximate and may vary by sailing, ship size, and season. Always confirm your terminal with your cruise line before arrival.

Ships that dock here

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas (Year-round)

Norwegian Norwegian Breakaway (Year-round)

Carnival Carnival Sunrise (Year-round)

Disney Disney Dream (Year-round)

Celebrity Celebrity Equinox (November-April)

Schedules vary by season and itinerary.

Port map

Top attractions in Nassau

Cable Beach

Nassau's most famous beach stretch featuring white sand and crystal-clear waters, lined with resorts and water sports operators. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities just 10 minutes from downtown.

Atlantis Paradise Island

Massive resort complex featuring aquariums, water slides, marine habitats, and the famous Dig archaeological exhibit. Day passes allow access to most facilities including beaches, pools, and aquarium areas.

Queen's Staircase

Historic limestone staircase carved by slaves in the late 1700s, featuring 66 steps leading to Fort Fincastle. Named in honor of Queen Victoria's 65-year reign, it's one of Nassau's most photographed landmarks.

Straw Market

Bustling marketplace in downtown Nassau where vendors sell handmade crafts, straw goods, jewelry, and souvenirs. Perfect for bargaining and finding authentic Bahamian handicrafts and local artwork.

Fort Charlotte

Largest fort in Nassau built in 1788, offering panoramic views of the harbor and city. Features dungeons, ramparts, and historical exhibits about Bahamian colonial history.

Junkanoo Beach

Public beach located near downtown Nassau with calm waters perfect for families. Features beach chair rentals, local food vendors, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops.

Popular shore excursions in Nassau

Nassau Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour

4.7 ★ (1,544) 2.5 hours

Nassau City Highlights Sightseeing Tour

4.8 ★ (24) 2 hours

Nassau: Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles

4.8 ★ (801) 3 hours

Nassau Food and History Bus Tour

4.8 ★ (497) 3.5 hours

Nassau Shore Excursion: Bahamas Snorkel Adventure

4.4 ★ (286) 5 hours

Nassau Family Friendly City Tour

3.6 ★ (31) 2.5 hours

Tips for cruise passengers in Nassau

The Bahamian dollar equals the US dollar, and US currency is widely accepted throughout Nassau

Taxis have fixed rates but always confirm the price before getting in - expect $12-15 to Cable Beach from the port

The Straw Market can be overwhelming; vendors are persistent but friendly bargaining is expected and welcomed

Atlantis day passes cost around $200+ per person, so consider if the price fits your budget before committing

Downtown Nassau is very walkable, but streets can be crowded when multiple ships are in port

Frequently asked questions

Is Nassau safe for cruise passengers?

Nassau is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main tourist areas and beaches. Stick to well-traveled areas, don't flash expensive items, and use common sense. The downtown area near the port is well-patrolled and tourist-friendly.

Can I walk to beaches from the cruise port?

Junkanoo Beach is about a 15-minute walk from Prince George Wharf and is the closest free public beach. Cable Beach requires a taxi ride of about 10-15 minutes. Both offer different experiences with Cable Beach being more developed.

Do I need to book Atlantis in advance?

While walk-up day passes are sometimes available, it's highly recommended to book Atlantis day passes in advance, especially during peak season. Prices are the same whether booked ahead or at the gate, but availability isn't guaranteed.

What's the best way to get around Nassau?

For short distances, walking is pleasant and safe in the main tourist areas. Taxis are readily available with fixed rates to major destinations. Local buses called 'jitneys' are cheaper but less tourist-friendly and don't run on set schedules.

Is haggling expected at the markets?

Yes, bargaining is expected and part of the experience at the Straw Market and with street vendors. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate from there. Vendors expect this and prices are marked up accordingly.

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Port information including terminals, cruise lines, docking type, and excursions is provided for general reference and may not reflect current conditions. Some content on this page was compiled with the assistance of automated tools and publicly available data.

Always confirm docking arrangements, terminal assignments, and excursion availability directly with your cruise line before your voyage. Schedules, pricing, and port operations are subject to change without notice.

Last updated: March 31, 2026