Nassau Bahamas Cruises

Arriving in Nassau

Nassau Bahamas cruises invariably dock at the Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau. As the ship approaches the dock, you will have a spectacular view of New Providence Island, including the many eccentric buildings. Slightly to the northeast and joined to Nassau by a stunning bridge is Paradise Island, home of the famed Atlantis hotel and casino as well as many other world-class resorts.

Prince George Wharf

The dock is centrally located at Rawson Square, home to many of Nassau’s shopping venues, including the Straw Market and various luxury shops. Even the largest ships are able to dock in Nassau, and more than one million cruise visitors each year come ashore at this popular port. Nassau is such a popular destination that many cruise ships offer extended stays (24 hours or more) in order for passengers to thoroughly enjoy its many attractions.

Necessary information about Nassau:

• English is the official language.
• The Bahamian dollar is the official currency, but is equal to the U.S. dollar and both currencies are accepted.
• Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas.
• Vendors can be extremely persistent and polite refusal is necessary.

Cruise Ship Shore Tours in Nassau

Different cruise ships offer a variety of unique shore tours in Nassau. Snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and historical tours are popular choices. Another frequent option is an organized tour of the Atlantis hotel and casino including its world-renowned aquarium. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is a coveted choice for families and introduces young and old to the true nature of Bahamian piracy.

Most Nassau tours leave right from the dock: guides will be available with signs to direct you to the appropriate group. While they know how many guests to expect, they will not wait for straggling tourists: be sure to arrive at the designated location on time. These tours will also return you to the dock, and the cost of transportation is included in the shore excursion price.

Nassau Bahamas Cruises: Sightseeing

If you prefer to set off on your own in Nassau, there is plenty to see within walking distance of the cruise port. Every cruise ship provides basic maps highlighting preferred shopping destinations, and these maps can be invaluable when navigating through the downtown frenzy. If you choose to venture further afield, however, you should obtain a visitor map from the tourist center as you exit the port area.

Nassau’s most popular attractions include:

• Straw Market: Located a few blocks west of the dock, the Straw Market is a shopper’s haven filled with t-shirts, shells, beaded items, and other souvenirs. Many vendors offer identical products and haggling is acceptable.
• Hairbraider’s Centre: Immediately outside the port area, expert stylists converge upon tourists to create native Bahamian styles. Before agreeing to have your hair braided, however, negotiate a price – many vendors only quote a per braid fee, neglecting to mention that a typical hairdo may contain dozens of braids.

Parliament Square

• Parliament Square: Nearby to the port area is the distinctive Parliament Square, home to Nassau’s government buildings. Painted flamingo pink in honor of the nation’s official bird, the unique buildings offer a glimpse into Bahamian governance.
• Surrey Rides: These quaint horse-drawn carriages can be hired for private tours of the downtown area and knowledgeable drivers offer tidbits of local culture and history throughout the 20-30 minute ride.
• Queen’s Staircase: Carved out of solid limestone in the late 1700s, this staircase leads to Fort Fincastle and the island’s distinctive water tower. An elevator ride is available for a nominal fee to ascend the tower, which offers breathtaking views of the entire island as well as neighboring Paradise Island. To find the Queen’s Staircase, simply keep the water tower in view while walking east.
• Ardastra Gardens: Visitors can see exotic wildlife, including the park’s signature performing flamingos, at this beautiful botanical preserve. Dozens of species of plants and animals make a breathtaking tableau for interested patrons.

Atlantis Resort

• Atlantis Resort: The famed casino is the largest in the Caribbean, with more than 1,000 slot machines as well as other gaming tables. Walking through the casino and limited areas of the grounds is free of charge, but touring the detailed aquarium and themed areas requires an admission fee.
• Cable Beach: Located only five miles from the port, this white sand beach offers various water sports and other attractions for minimal fees.

Nassau Bahamas Cruises: Necessary Precautions

Tourism is one of the biggest economic pillars of Nassau, and the locals know how to prey on unsuspecting visitors. You may find yourself “welcomed” to the island with a free gift, only to be pressured into making a “donation” of a few dollars. While new visitors may feel intimidated by such tactics, polite (and insistent) refusal is usually heeded without trouble. Similarly, children may approach you at various venues to use your camera and take pictures, only asking for donations after the snaps are taken. Be sure to agree on a fare before taking a cab ride, horse-drawn carriage, or other transportation or else you may find the price significantly higher than necessary. Haggling is acceptable with local vendors, and because many people offer the same type of merchandise, you may find yourself with several competing offers for better deals.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas – not only politically, but also culturally, socially, and economically. Hundreds of cruise ships dock at the port every year, bringing thousands of tourists to the tiny island. By investigating different attractions and precautions before you visit, you are sure to see all the very best that this popular destination has to offer.