Your next visit to Nassau, Bahamas is going to look different than you might remember.
Nassau spent $300 million upgrading their cruise port, which is referred to as Prince George Wharf, with the first phase of this redevelopment opening to the public on May 27, 2023.
The port is now able to accommodate up to six cruise ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon Class ships. This means that Nassau is now able to host 30,000 cruise passengers per day, increasing their capacity by 10,000. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors.
Construction will continue throughout 2023 and 2024 as builders work towards finishing the second phase.
While the walk along the pier felt similar to previous visits to Nassau, the most noticeable difference is as you prepare to exit. No longer are you immediately met with individuals pressing you for tours or taxi rides. Instead, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through a plaza with shops.
It is only when you exit and cross the road that you are met with hagglers.
Here is what you can expect when you visit the redeveloped Nassau Cruise Port.
Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise
Taxi stand inside of the port
Almost immediately after exiting the berth area of the port, you are met with a dedicated taxi stand. This makes catching a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, and Baha Mar much simpler. Prior to reaching that point, there will be an individual ushering guests to the water taxi to Paradise Island if you would prefer to take that route.
There is also a separate line for those who wish to book a tour.
Related: Bahamas cruise guide
Emphasis on local shopping, artists, and culture
As you exit the berth area, you are will see the Nassau Cruise Port Junkanoo Museum, which is an immersive experience that aims to share the story of the national cultural festival.
Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival and street parade that takes place in late December of each year. It features music, costumes, and dancing.
Moreover, the port is filled with local vendors selling goods, such as straw baskets, jewelry, and more, meaning that you do not have to exit for your shopping needs if you do not want to. Further down, you will find actual storefronts.
The Port Marketplace is where you will find these individual vendors. There are also places to grab a drink, with prices ranging from $8.00 for three shots to $15.00 for cocktails. Close to the exit, there is a gelato shop, which is a great option for those looking to cool down with a sweet treat either before or after spending the day ashore.
If you are a fan of hair braiding, this is also where you will find an entire set up dedicated to just that. However, walking past, nobody was overly pushy. When I walked outside of the port near the Straw Market, I was approached multiple times and repeatedly spoken to, even when I disregarded their attempts to strike up a conversation.
As you walk through the Port Marketplace, you will stumble upon an exhibit highlighting Theodore Turnquest II, a freelance photographer at Nassau Cruise Port.
"As a young adult living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)," the informational sign reads, "Theo's photography hobby has become a great source of comfort and an outlet to express himself creatively in recent years."
"Theo's photos are used on our social media channels, in presentations, and in other promotional materials, helping us to tell the story of Nassau Cruise Port. We truly value his work."
Exiting and re-entering the terminal
When you exit the cruise terminal, you will find yourself near Pirate Republic Brewing Company and The Bahamas Shirt Company. This is the same place you will enter when you are ready to return to the ship.
From here, you can expect roughly a fifteen minute walk to the Queen's Staircase and ten minute walk to Junkanoo Beach.
In total, it takes roughly ten minutes to get from the ship to the exit if you do not stop for pictures or shopping. Depending on where you are docked, it could take even less time.
While on Freedom of the Seas, the ship was docked near Zones 6, 7, and 8; however, the only available gangway was located in the aft, which meant that I had to walk all the way to and from Zone 8.
Royal Caribbean's partnership with The Bahamas
In 2025, Royal Caribbean is set to open The Royal Beach Club, an exciting new option for cruise passengers visiting Nassau.
The exclusive beach club will be located on Paradise Island, encompass 17-acres of property, and be available only to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers for an additional cost.
The pass will include beach club access, lunch, and beach chair rental. Certain extras, such as alcohol, soda, cabanas, day beds, and water sport activities, will cost more.
In addition to multiple different beaches, guests will be able to take a dip in a spacious swimming pool and utilize the water sports center.
What makes The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island stand out is that it will have a public-private partnership. This mans that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity, and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.
Additionally, the construction phase and operation of the Royal Beach Club will create hundreds of jobs, with the economic impact estimated to be around $1 billion over the course of ten years.
Related: Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club
When completed, this will give passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean ships to Nassau an option to enjoy a more relaxed day. With Nassau Cruise Port accommodating thousands of passengers from different cruise lines, the island can feel rather busy at times.
In fact, the port broke its own record earlier this year. On February 27, 2023, the port welcoming an over 28,500 passengers on six different ships.
