Nassau

Nassau

Bahamas

Swim with friendly native sharks and rays at Thunderball Grotto, where James Bond films were shot beneath crystalline waters.

Currency Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
Language English
Time Zone EST (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit Nov–Apr
Typical Duration 4-7 nights
Price Range From $149 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Nassau is the gateway to the Bahamas and a premier Caribbean cruise destination, offering pristine beaches, water sports, and easy access to nearby island attractions like Coco Cay and Ocean Cay.

Cruises that visit Nassau

Build Your Day in Nassau

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas Activities range from arts and crafts to adventure outings. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 23k
Nassau Straw Market So many free things to do and try for travelers on a budget! Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 9k
Queen's Staircase It is a pretty cool experience historic sights and interact with them. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 6k
Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas There is an obstacle course for adults and kids with a slide and trampoline. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Marathon Mall Prices and the quality of merchandise and services are good. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 4k Open · Closes 8 PM
Señor Frog's | Nassau Best place in Nassau for vibes a few drinks and good food. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Nassau Cruise Port So many activities and countless souvenirs. Port authority · ★ 4.5 · 2k Open now
Fish by José Andrés Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Junkanoo Beach There was plenty of room good food and a lot of activities Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open now
Paranza The ambience, food and our server Randol was amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Oh Andros Best food in Nassau for price, portions, and quality. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Tiki Bikini Hut Colorful bar with great music and beach overlooking the cruise ships! Bar · ★ 4.1 · 2k
The New Duff food and drinks are delicious and the service is impeccable! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Pirates of Nassau A low-tech but surprisingly immersive and educational pirate museum! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Poop Deck Incredible food, service, and ambiance! Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k
The Green Parrot - Harbour Front Always good food in a laid-back environment...great for groups. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre We (2 adults, 1 infant) had so much fun and memorable experiences. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Dolphin Encounters The program was educational, safe and fun for people of all ages. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza Convenient with many shops and friendly staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Town Centre Mall Nice place to shop you can find furniture and clothes food and appliances Shopping mall · ★ 3.3 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Balmoral Island Go swim with the dolphins and enjoy their beach. Beach · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Aquaventure Aquaventure has so many things to do its hard to do it all on one day. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
The Swimming Pig Gastropub Food, service, and atmosphere followed suite to gastropub standards. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k
Cabbage Beach ... water is crystal clear and calm—it feels just like swimming in a pool. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Western Esplande Beach Beautiful crystal clear water and white sand. Beach · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Wild Thyme Restaurant & Bar Filet Mignon cooked to perfection, pleasant service, nice island atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Louis & Steen's | Market Orleans The coffee, food, atmosphere and customer service are always excellent. Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Aquafire Amazing food with a lovely atmosphere, outdoor dining area and a dj. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Sugar Factory - Bahamas Great food, yummy drinks, and fabulous service! American · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Café Matisse Great food, impeccable service, and the ambiance here is lovely! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Da Daiquiri Shack The freshly made daiquiri was on point and the wings were to die for! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Sapodilla Estate The ambiance, food, service — and the drinks — were all exceptional. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Fort Fincastle Admission 3 dollars a person 2 for children. Historical landmark · ★ 4.1 · 1k Temporarily closed
Gourmet Seafood House Great customer service, food and drinks top tier and the aesthetic was nice. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
The Islands Caves A quick stop and something fun to do on a hot afternoon on the island. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open now
Bon Vivants You can’t beat the drinks, service, and ambiance at this place! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Studio Café This is a hidden jewel with fantastic food and great local ambiance!! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant and Bar Delicious local food with an authentic island atmosphere. Caribbean · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Crystal Court Shoppes Lovely shops,butnot especially great value. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Solemar Great drinks, good service, and delicious food with exactly the right feel. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
The Dilly Club Good vibes, good drinks and perfect friendly Bahamian service. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cafe Channing Noelle The staff, the experience and the coffee are excellent! Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Manila Grill So much cheaper than anywhere else in Nassau and way better quality. Filipino · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Food Truck Park & Night Market The conch fritters was fresh and the jerk pork/chicken was flavorful! Food court · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Village Shopping Centre Good variety of shops but hectic parking lot unfortunately. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Smuggler's Restaurant The best I’ve had while visiting, fair prices on both food and drinks. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Cable Beach The sand is super soft and clean and water was crystal clear. Beach · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Marina Village at Atlantis Abundant food and stores with live entertainment on the streets. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Government House Did a walking tour of tourist attractions in Nassau. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Parliament Square Educational and worth the time Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open now
Café Madeleine at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Cabbage Beach Public Access The beach is very clean, white sand and best water. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open now
The London Bahamas Amazing service, food and drinks were delicious, definitely a hidden gem! Caribbean · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Lukka Kairi Waterfront Bar & Grill Fabulous Food, Delicious Drinks and an Amazing Atmosphere!!! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Nassau Harbour Lighthouse Friendly staff and engaging exhibits enhance the experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Junkanoo World The staff was super friendly and we loved the interactive experiences. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Sunset Beach Club Amazing staff, amazing music, amazing ambiance! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Public Beach Soft sand and clear blue water! Scenic spot · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Captain's Deck Relaxing atmosphere, Great Food, Friendly service. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
The Dig A perfect mix of entertainment, education, and awe. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Graycliff Restaurant The food, almost every dish incredible and the service is outstanding. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Paradise Shopping Plaza Beautiful people and quality shopping area with a lot of security Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Sunny Haven The stew fish was spot on, the Johnny cake was slap yo mama kinda good!! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Pompey Square Many folks was there taking their Christmas pictures. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Café Boulud The Bahamas Dine-in·No delivery French · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Krafted At The Stubbs Specialty Krafted Sandwiches And Kocktails From food to drinks to atmosphere and service, everything was top-tier. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Elizabeth on Bay Overpriced but colorful and fun Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
The Salty Crab Atmosphere, friendly staff and the most delicious food! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
OIA at Goldwynn Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Leola by Scott Conant Dine-in·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Andros Grill & Native Dishes Good hearty local food, great portion and wonderful host! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bahari Bahamas Authentic stylish clothing stemming from Bahamas. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
DADS The food portions are hefty and the price is reasonable. Family-friendly · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Olde Nassau Cafe A wonderful little cafe tucked away with music and local made to order food. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Midnight Spot Great, delicious food, cold local beer, friendly atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
HarryPotterObamaSonic10inu The bartenders are friendly and the music isn’t super loud and crazy. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Blue Marlin Restaurant The servers were friendly and efficient and the food was delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Paradise Beach Beautiful water, nice and clean, soft sand. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Sugar Rush Lounge Nassau The drinks are amazing and the food is flavourful Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Cafe Amore Pastries were delicious and the staff were super welcoming and helpful. Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k
nassau bahamas I totally recommend Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 6:30 AM Thu
Seagulls Beach Bar Great cocktails, very fair prices, and a relaxed beach vibe. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Blue Lagoon Adults Only Beach Very friendly staff, beautiful water and beach Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open now
Harvest Café The food was delicious and the service from the manager was great! Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Manor Bar Love this bar, amazing atmosphere and drinks, Fluffy is a legend. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Dinner In the Sky Bahamas And the friendly atmosphere with a spectacular view. Fine Dining · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Nassau is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Nassau

About Nassau

Nassau stands as one of the Caribbean's most vibrant cruise hubs, welcoming twelve major cruise lines with over 3,000 sailings annually. Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or enjoying Nassau as a port of call, you'll find exceptional variety here. Most cruises departing from Nassau are four-night voyages, with itineraries typically combining nearby Caribbean islands like Coco Cay and Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve, alongside Florida ports such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The port's popularity peaks during winter months and spring break, making it a year-round destination for cruise travelers seeking tropical getaways.

Stepping ashore in Nassau, you'll discover the colorful colonial charm of downtown with its bustling straw market and waterfront dining, along with pristine beaches perfect for relaxation between ship activities. The port's convenient location means you can maximize your time exploring the Bahamas or simply unwind before your next sea day, making Nassau an ideal choice for both first-time and seasoned cruisers.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Colonial History at Fort Fincastle

Climb to this 18th-century hilltop fortress overlooking Nassau Harbor for panoramic views and fascinating military history. The fort's water tower and underground chambers reveal the Bahamas' strategic colonial past, while the surrounding Queen's Staircase—carved from limestone by enslaved workers—stands as a powerful historical monument worth experiencing firsthand.

2

Savor Fresh Conch Salad at Arawak Cay

Head to Nassau's vibrant Fish Fry district where local vendors serve authentic Bahamian conch salad prepared fresh daily with lime, onions, and peppers. This bustling waterfront neighborhood captures the authentic flavors and laid-back island culture that define Nassau's culinary scene, offering an unforgettable taste of the Caribbean.

3

Relax at Cable Beach's Pristine Sands

Just minutes from the cruise port, Cable Beach stretches for miles with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers beach bars, water sports, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can experience Nassau's natural tropical beauty without venturing far from your ship.

4

Shop the Straw Market's Local Crafts

Wander through Nassau's iconic Straw Market near the port, brimming with handwoven baskets, colorful sarongs, and authentic Bahamian souvenirs crafted by local artisans. This bustling marketplace captures the island's creative spirit and offers unique gifts while supporting traditional craftsmanship and the local community.

5

Discover Atlantis Resort's Aquatic Wonders

Visit the legendary Atlantis Paradise Island resort to explore its stunning marine habitats, including the Aquaventure water park and incredible aquariums filled with tropical fish and marine life. Day passes allow cruise passengers to experience this world-class destination's beaches, pools, and underwater attractions without staying overnight.

Cruise Lines at Nassau

Cruises Departing From Nassau

Cruises Visiting Nassau

Ship Schedule at Nassau

Nassau Location

Other Cruise Ports in Bahamas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nassau best known for?

Nassau is known for its sheltered harbor, Fort Charlotte, Bay Street shopping, and cruise-ship access.

When is the best time to visit Nassau?

Winter to spring offers pleasant weather and events; avoid peak hurricane season.

How can I explore Nassau's historic sites?

Guided tours to Fort Charlotte, the Queen's Staircase, and colonial-era buildings are popular.

What are must-try Bahamian foods?

Conch fritters, cracked conch, and fresh seafood dishes.