Nassau: Ultimate Cruise Destination in the Bahamas

Nassau is a city on New Providence Island in the Bahamas archipelago. The Bahamas are often the introductory destination that many vacation travelers experience on their first cruise. Three- or four-day cruises leave from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral and sail the short distance to Nassau or to Freeport in the Bahamas, giving first-time passengers a taste of cruising.

Cruise ships also sail from Charleston to Nassau. Freeport, Nassau, and private islands of the Bahamas like Half Moon Cay or Castaway Cay are the most popular cruise ship destinations. Although the Bahamas have over 700 islands, less than fifty are inhabited.

The Bahamas are only fifty miles from the United States. The 700 islands stretch over 100,000 square miles of sea from the eastern coast of Florida to the northern coast of Cuba and Haiti. The Bahamas derive their name from the Spanish phrase ​baja mar, which means shallows.

Exploring Nassau

Thousands of cruisers arrive in Nassau every weekend. This city is a perfect combination of British heritage and colonialism along with modern resorts and picturesque beaches. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, which is about 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. The city is compact and can be easily explored on foot in a few hours. Cruise ships dock at piers on the north side of the island, a 10-minute walk from the city center. The modern pier, known as Prince George Wharf, is only one block from famous Bay Street, the main shopping street of Nassau. When your cruise ship docks, you will find plenty of taxis waiting to take you around the island.

When you are in Nassau, you can either enjoy a shore excursion or use your time to explore the city, the island, or a beach. Many tours are water-related due to the tropical location; options include boat trips, island tours, snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins, and submarine explorations. Don’t forget to try the delectable cuisine on Arawak Cay. Many cruise travelers visit the enormous Atlantis Resort on nearby Paradise Island, where there is certainly something for everyone.

If you prefer to explore independently, stop by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism near Rawson Square for maps and information about what to see and do in Nassau. You can’t miss it; it will be visible upon exiting the cruise ship pier. It certainly helps to know what you are looking at while exploring.

History of Nassau and the Bahamas

Recorded Bahamian history begins on October 12, 1492. Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. Neither Columbus nor later explorers found gold or riches in the islands. European settlers first arrived in the Bahamas in 1648, but by the late 17th century, the islands had become infamous for pirates such as Edward Teach (Blackbeard) and Henry Morgan. The British managed to bring order by executing many pirates, officially establishing the Bahamas as a colony of Great Britain in 1728.

The islands remain part of the British Commonwealth, with British cultural influences evident in Nassau. A statue of Queen Victoria stands in front of the Bahamian Parliament, and the Queen’s Staircase was built to honor her 65-year reign. Edward, the Duke of Windsor, who abdicated the English throne, served as governor of the Bahamas from 1940 to 1945.

Due to the proximity of the Bahamas to the United States, they have historically played a fascinating role in American history. Notably, the Americans captured Nassau and occupied it for two weeks during the Revolutionary War. The Bahamas were also involved in two significant eras in U.S. history—gun-running during the Civil War and rum-running during Prohibition.

Although the relationship between the Bahamas and the United States may not offer the same excitement as in past centuries, Americans continue to visit the islands weekly via cruise ships and flights, significantly contributing to the Bahamian economy through tourism.

What to Love About Nassau

Many tourists regard Nassau as the best of both worlds. It possesses a reasonably modern tourism infrastructure, better economic conditions compared to much of the Caribbean, and a sense of familiarity that eases newcomers into a different culture. Moreover, Nassau retains enough exotic appeal to remind visitors that they are indeed far from home. Upon stepping off the ship, the sight of police dressed in “bobbie” uniforms directing left-sided traffic is an instant indicator of your journey’s reality. The old colonial landmarks, the subtle influence of British vernacular, and local festivals enhance Nassau’s allure as a fascinating destination.

Nassau stretches along the northern coast of New Providence. Its compact nature allows leisurely exploration on foot. As you wander through the city, immerse yourself in its colonial history while seeking out bargains in local shops and straw markets. Cruise lines often provide excursions that highlight both Nassau and the renowned Ardastra Gardens, typically including a stroll down Bay Street to the Queen’s Staircase, a visit to Fort Fincastle, and a stop at Fort Charlotte before concluding at Ardastra Gardens.

Outside of Nassau on New Providence Island

New Providence Island measures only 21 miles in length and 7 miles in width, making it easy to explore within a few hours by bus, car, or moped. Shore excursions frequently incorporate a tour of Nassau, sightseeing, and beach time. Alternatively, consider visiting the famous Atlantis Resort. If you’ve previously visited Nassau, you might wish to venture outside the city for a broader experience, easily arranged through your cruise or locally in Nassau.