Nassau Cruise Terminal
Port de Croisière Nassau Bahamas

Nassau Cruise Port

Prince George Wharf — La porte d'entrée de Nassau, Bahamas

Le port de croisière le plus visité des Caraïbes, à deux pas du centre historique de Nassau et à quelques minutes des meilleures attractions des Bahamas.

Prince George Wharf Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal
Nassau, Bahamas

Prince George Wharf

Nassau, Bahamas New Providence 25.0782°N 77.3382°W

À propos du Terminal

Prince George Wharf est l'unique port de croisière de Nassau, situé sur Bay Street, au cœur de la ville. Il peut accueillir jusqu'à six navires simultanément et constitue le point de départ idéal pour explorer Paradise Island, Cable Beach, le centre historique et des excursions d'une journée.

Informations Clés

📍
Emplacement
Bay Street, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Opérateur
Nassau Cruise Port (Arawak Cay)
✈️
Aéroport
Lynden Pindling International (NAS) — ~20 min
🌐
Coordonnées
25.0782°N, 77.3382°W

Services

🛍️ Zone Commerciale
🍽️ Restaurants
📷 Centre des Visiteurs
💸 Change de Devises
🚿 Sanitaires
📶 WiFi Gratuit

Activités à Proximité

🏖️
Cable Beach
~20 min en taxi
🎡
Atlantis Paradise Island
~15 min en taxi
🐠
Blue Lagoon Island
~25 min en ferry
🏛️
Centre historique de Nassau
5 min à pied
🪜
Queen's Staircase
10 min à pied
🛍️
Straw Market
3 min à pied

Transport

🚕

Taxis Officiels

Disponibles à la sortie du port. Tarif fixe vers Atlantis ~20 USD.

Water Taxi

6 USD vers Paradise Island (Atlantis). Départ depuis le quai.

🐴

Horse Surrey

Promenades en calèche dans le centre historique.

Calendrier des Arrivées — Prince George Wharf

Calendrier interactif

Prince George Wharf3233 arrivées totales

Everything You Need to Know About Nassau Cruise Port

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.

Nassau Cruise Port Terminal Layout

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.

Getting Around from Nassau Cruise Port

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.

Best Things to Do from Nassau Cruise Port

Atlantis Paradise Island

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 →

Blue Lagoon Island

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 →

Nassau Historic Downtown

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 →

Cable Beach

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.

Fish Fry at Arawak Cay

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.

Junkanoo Beach

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.

Nassau Cruise Port Tips for First-Time Visitors

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nassau Cruise Port?

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.

Nassau Cruise Port vs. Freeport: Which Bahamas Port Is Better?

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.

Explore Our Nassau Cruise Port Guides

Nassau Cruise Port FAQ

Where is Nassau cruise port located?

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.

How many cruise ships can dock at Nassau cruise port?

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.

How do I get from Nassau cruise port to Atlantis Paradise Island?

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.

Is it safe to walk around Nassau from the cruise port?

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.

What is there to do within walking distance of Nassau cruise port?

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.

Do I need a passport to get off the cruise ship in Nassau?

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.

What currency is used at Nassau cruise port?

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.

What time do cruise ships typically arrive and depart Nassau?

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.

Are there free things to do near Nassau cruise port?

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.

Can I use Wi-Fi at Nassau cruise port?

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.