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The coastline of New Providence has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. There are ample opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottomed boat tours. For a luxurious experience, you could choose an all-inclusive beach club for your cruise day. Does your Caribbean cruise include a day in port at Nassau, the Bahamas? Are you unsure how to make the most of your time during a cruise day in Nassau Port? This guide reviews the top activities and shore excursions for spending a day in the port.
Nassau Cruise Port: Things to do in Nassau Cruise Port
However, checking with the tour operator about what’s included is best. You can arrange a guided tour to learn more at the Retreat Garden. The park is only open three days a week, so it’s wise to check beforehand if it’s open when you’re in port.
What you need to know about visiting Nassau on a cruise ship - Royal Caribbean Blog
What you need to know about visiting Nassau on a cruise ship.
Posted: Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
West and South Caribbean Ports
The tours will usually take you to the Rose Island Reef, located only three miles east of Paradise Island, an exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving location. This is the main street in Nassau where you will find the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions. It is located parallel to the Woodes Rodgers Walk, a 5-minute walk from the pier. The street is home to several historic landmarks, including Pompey Museum, Rawson Square, and Parliament Square. Nassau offers so many things to do, from the downtown area located just outside the terminal to exotic islands and resorts such as the world-famous Atlantis.
The Best Beaches in Nassau
If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, make sure to carefully follow the instructions on your ticket. Nassau Cruise Port has six operational cruise berths which can accommodate three Oasis-Class vessels simultaneously. There is 700 feet of mega yacht dockage space available within The Marina. When the port project is completed, there will be dedicated pick-up and drop-off locations for water-based tours and water ferries. The berths at Nassau Cruise Port are undergoing refurbishment to provide improved passenger experiences and a more efficient vessel interface process. March 2, 2022, Nassau Cruise Port had its first six ship day, with six large cruise ships berthed at once.
Pre-booking means the bus awaits your arrival, and you don’t have to wait in line. The buses are generally air-conditioned and have English-speaking drivers. As one of the most popular Caribbean cruise destinations, the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau, has plenty of things to do for visitors. You can book one of the food and cultural tours, or explore on your own. Some of the must-see places are the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, Graycliff Chocolate Factory and John Watling’s Distillery.
Top sights and shore excursions
At Pearl Island, you will have access to bathroom facilities, changing rooms, and showers. Whether you’re a movie fan or you enjoy snorkeling, this beach is definitely worth checking out. There are Hollywood memorabilia and sculptures located underwater, which is super fun. There are several banks and ATMs located near the cruise port on Parliament Street or in the downtown area.
Food Court
Because of that, make time to visit Graycliff while you’re on the island. Like most buildings on our Nassau walking tour, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in a historic building, having been originally built as a mansion in the 1860s. The grounds feature a garden with sculptures and greenery, and this is a popular place to walk through when visiting. The Nassau Botanical Gardens and the nearby Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre off Chippingham Road will appeal to nature lovers.
Nassau Cruise Port Terminal
A cruise ship passenger died after being attacked by a shark while snorkeling with her family in the Bahamas - CNN
A cruise ship passenger died after being attacked by a shark while snorkeling with her family in the Bahamas.
Posted: Wed, 07 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This 18th-century British colonial era fort is a treasure trove of secret tunnels and dungeons, making it an intriguing stop for history buffs. Nassau is the largest seaport in the Bahamas and the country’s capital. The city has a population of around 275,000 and an area of around 80 mi2 (207 km2). Buses are difficult to navigate in Nassau, which is why we recommend getting a taxi at the airport. There is no dedicated bus stop at the airport, so you’ll have to walk to a nearby road.
Lynden Pindling International Airport Taxi Service to Nassau Cruise Port
Cave Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path beach experience in the Caribbean. Aside from the mouthwatering food, Arawak Cay offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Nassau residents, away from the tourist-centric areas. You can interact with local vendors, learn about the island’s culinary traditions, and maybe even pick up a recipe or two.
So, if you’re traveling from the United States, you won’t need to exchange your money before or during your visit. The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products. Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuart's Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks. The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill.
Afterward, you will get the chance to relax on the beach and enjoy some free time before heading back to your cruise ship. Fort Fincastle is a historic fort that was built back in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. At Fort Fincastle, you will gain access to some incredible views of the cruise port. The resort is located on cable, which is a minute drive from the cruise terminal. Atlantis offers additional activities that cruise passengers can do. Depending on the shore excursion and what cruise line you are sailing with, day passes range from $90 to $200 per adult.
Golf courses include Cable Beach Resorts Golf Club and South Ocean Golf & Beach Resort. A free, quick and easy shopping attraction is the Nassau Straw Market on West Bay Street. Even though the Bahamas aren’t in the Caribbean Sea properly, they serve as a common stop for many eastern Caribbean cruises.
Today, it’s a bustling hub that welcomes over 4 million cruise ship passengers each year, providing them with a glimpse into the rich Bahamian culture. 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. 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. 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.
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. Scuba diving, snorkeling, Semi-submarines and Glass-bottom boats invite visitors to explore the spectacular underwater world of the Bahamas.
It’s pegged to the US dollar on a one-to-one basis, which means that 1 BSD equals 1 USD. This makes it simple for visitors to understand the value of items and services in the country. Another iconic shopping experience is the Straw Market, where you can find an array of handcrafted straw goods and other Bahamian souvenirs. The historic center of Nassau occupies an area about twelve blocks long and six blocks deep, and can be easily explored on foot.
