Prince George Wharf — The Gateway to Nassau, Bahamas
The most visited cruise port in the Caribbean, steps from Nassau's historic downtown and minutes from the best attractions in the Bahamas.
Prince George Wharf is Nassau's only cruise port, located on Bay Street in the heart of the city. It can host up to six ships simultaneously and is the perfect starting point to explore Paradise Island, Cable Beach, the historic downtown, and full-day excursions.
Available right outside the port. Fixed fare to Atlantis ~$20 USD.
$6 USD to Paradise Island (Atlantis). Departs from the dock.
Horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic downtown.
Prince George Wharf • 3233 total arrivals
Nassau cruise port, officially known as Prince George Wharf, is the primary cruise ship terminal in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Situated on the north shore of New Providence Island along Bay Street, the Nassau Bahamas cruise port receives more than 3.5 million cruise passengers each year, making it consistently one of the top five busiest cruise ports in the entire Caribbean and Atlantic region.
The port underwent a massive $300 million redevelopment completed in recent years, transforming the terminal into a modern waterfront destination featuring restaurants, shops, cultural exhibits, and direct pedestrian access to downtown Nassau. The redevelopment — led by Global Ports Holding — introduced a new cruise terminal building, improved passenger flow, enhanced security infrastructure, and created a vibrant arrival experience unlike any other cruise port in the Bahamas.
Whether you are arriving on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, MSC, or any other major cruise line, understanding the layout, transport options, and nearby attractions of the Nassau cruise port will help you maximize your time in port and avoid common first-timer mistakes.
Prince George Wharf stretches along the Nassau waterfront with multiple berths capable of docking the world's largest cruise ships, including Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels. The terminal complex includes Festival Place, an indoor marketplace that serves as the main arrival and departure processing area. Inside Festival Place you will find tourist information desks, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, currency exchange counters, taxi dispatch stations, and a variety of local vendors selling Bahamian crafts, rum cakes, and souvenirs.
After exiting the terminal building, passengers step directly onto Woodes Rogers Walk, a waterfront promenade that connects to Bay Street — Nassau's main commercial thoroughfare. To the west, the Straw Market is a 3-minute walk. To the east, the British Colonial Hilton and the downtown financial district are within a 5-minute walk. The entire area between the cruise port and the historic district is flat, well-paved, and wheelchair accessible.
For passengers docking at the westernmost berths, a complimentary shuttle or a short walk along the waterfront connects you to Festival Place. The new port design ensures that no matter which berth your ship uses, downtown Nassau is never more than a 10-minute walk away.
Taxis. Official metered taxis are available immediately outside the cruise terminal. Fares are regulated by the Bahamas government: expect to pay $20 USD to Atlantis Paradise Island, $25 USD to Cable Beach, and $40 USD to Lynden Pindling International Airport. Taxis accommodate up to 4 passengers at the same fare. Always confirm the rate with your driver before departing.
Water Taxis. Water taxis depart directly from the cruise port dock and cross Nassau Harbour to Paradise Island in approximately 10 minutes. The fare is $6 USD one way per person. This is the most budget-friendly and scenic route to reach Atlantis, the Comfort Suites area, and Paradise Island beaches.
Jitney Buses. Public jitney buses run along major routes in Nassau and cost $1.25 USD per ride. Routes from downtown pass through Cable Beach, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, and other local neighborhoods. Jitneys do not follow strict schedules but operate frequently during daylight hours. They do not accept bills larger than $5 — bring exact change or small denominations.
Walking. Many of Nassau's top attractions are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise port. The Straw Market, Parliament Square, the Nassau Public Library, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum are all within 10 minutes on foot along Bay Street and its side streets. For Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle, plan a 15-minute walk uphill from the port.
The iconic resort with the Aquaventure water park, marine habitat, casino, and beaches. Day passes available for cruise passengers. 15 min by taxi or water taxi from Nassau cruise port.
Read our Atlantis guide →A private island paradise for dolphin encounters, snorkeling, beach lounging, and all-inclusive excursions. Accessible by a 25-minute ferry from the Nassau cruise port terminal.
Read our Blue Lagoon guide →Colonial architecture, Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Parliament Square, the pink Government House, and the National Art Gallery — all free to explore on foot from the port.
Read our Nassau Downtown guide →Nassau's premier beach strip with turquoise waters, soft white sand, Baha Mar resort complex, beachfront dining, and water sports. A 20-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
The most authentic local dining experience in Nassau. Enjoy fresh conch salad, fried snapper, Bahama Mama cocktails, and live Junkanoo music. A 10-minute taxi from the cruise port.
The closest public beach to Nassau cruise port — just a 15-minute walk west along the waterfront. Free access, beach chairs available for rent, and several bars and food vendors on-site.
Get off the ship early. The port area and downtown get crowded by 10 AM when multiple ships are in port. Head out between 7:30-8:30 AM for the best experience at the Straw Market, Queen's Staircase, and walking tours.
Carry U.S. dollars. Both U.S. and Bahamian currency are accepted interchangeably at a 1:1 rate. No need to visit a currency exchange. Keep small bills ($1, $5, $10) for taxis, tips, and market purchases.
Use the water taxi for Atlantis. At $6 USD one way, it is far cheaper than a land taxi ($20 USD) and more enjoyable. The water taxi offers a scenic harbor crossing with views of the cruise ships and Nassau skyline.
Set a return alarm. Plan to be back at the ship at least 30 minutes before the published all-aboard time. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers — and Nassau traffic can be unpredictable during busy port days.
Negotiate at the Straw Market. Prices at the Straw Market are not fixed. Polite bargaining is expected and can reduce prices by 20-40%. The best deals come when buying multiple items from the same vendor.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Nassau temperatures average 80-90°F (27-32°C). The sun is intense, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle.
The cruise season in Nassau runs year-round, but peak season is from November through April when Caribbean cruise itineraries are most active and the weather is most comfortable for visitors from North America and Europe. During peak season, Nassau cruise port can host 5-6 ships per day, which means more crowded attractions and higher prices for independent excursions.
The shoulder months of May, June, and October offer a good balance: fewer ships in port, lower excursion prices, and warm water temperatures. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with September and October carrying the highest risk of tropical weather disruptions. However, modern cruise lines actively re-route around storms, so cancellations are rare.
Water temperatures in Nassau range from 75°F (24°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer, making beach and snorkeling activities enjoyable year-round. No matter when you visit Nassau cruise port, you will find a wide range of activities available within walking distance and by short taxi or ferry rides.
Many Caribbean cruise itineraries include a stop at either Nassau or Freeport (Grand Bahama Island), and some visit both. Nassau offers a denser concentration of historical sites, cultural attractions, and world-class resorts (Atlantis, Baha Mar) within a compact area. It is the better choice for passengers who want variety, nightlife, and a walkable downtown.
Freeport, on the other hand, is quieter and more relaxed. It excels in natural attractions like Lucayan National Park and its pristine beaches. If your ideal port day involves kayaking through mangroves, exploring underwater cave systems, and lounging on uncrowded beaches, Freeport is the stronger choice.
For cruise passengers visiting both ports on the same itinerary, a good strategy is to focus on cultural activities, shopping, and Atlantis in Nassau, then save beach and nature days for Freeport.
Complete guide to attractions, activities, and excursions from the cruise port.
Check which cruise ships are arriving at Nassau cruise port this week.
How to get to Atlantis from the cruise port, day passes, and tips.
Dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and beach day from the cruise terminal.
Essential information for first-time cruise visitors to Nassau Bahamas.
Compare your Nassau port day with Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.
Nassau cruise port (Prince George Wharf) is located on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas. The terminal sits at coordinates 25.0782°N, 77.3382°W, directly adjacent to the historic downtown area, the Straw Market, and Festival Place.
Prince George Wharf can accommodate up to six large cruise ships simultaneously. The port also has anchorage spots in Nassau Harbour for additional vessels that tender passengers to shore. Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, receiving over 3.5 million cruise passengers annually.
From Nassau cruise port you can reach Atlantis Paradise Island in about 15 minutes. Options include official taxis ($20 USD fixed fare), water taxis ($6 USD departing from the dock), and jitney buses. The water taxi is the most scenic and affordable option, dropping you near the Atlantis marina.
The area immediately surrounding Nassau cruise port — including Bay Street, the Straw Market, and the downtown historic district — is generally safe during daytime hours. Stick to well-traveled tourist areas, travel in groups when possible, and use official taxis for destinations further from the port. Avoid poorly lit side streets after dark.
Within walking distance (5-15 minutes) you will find the Straw Market (3 min), Parliament Square (5 min), Nassau Historic Downtown (5 min), Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle (10 min), Christ Church Cathedral (5 min), and numerous shops and restaurants along Bay Street. For beaches, Cable Beach is a 20-minute taxi ride.
U.S. citizens traveling on a closed-loop cruise (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) can use a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate instead of a passport. However, a valid passport is strongly recommended for all international travel. Citizens of other countries should check their specific visa requirements for the Bahamas.
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the official currency and is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Nassau — at shops, restaurants, taxis, and attractions. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. There is no need to exchange currency if you carry USD.
Most cruise ships arrive at Nassau cruise port between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and depart between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, giving passengers 7-10 hours in port. Some itineraries include overnight stays. Always check your specific ship schedule and return to the port at least 30 minutes before the published departure time.
Yes. Free activities include walking the historic downtown, visiting Parliament Square, climbing Queen's Staircase (66 steps carved from limestone), exploring Fort Fincastle, browsing the Straw Market (no purchase required), walking along the waterfront Junkanoo Beach (the closest public beach to port), and photographing colonial architecture along Bay Street.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the Nassau cruise port terminal area (Festival Place). Signal quality varies depending on the number of users. Many restaurants and cafés on Bay Street also offer complimentary Wi-Fi for customers. For reliable connectivity throughout Nassau, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM before your trip.