Arrive at the gangway 30–45 min before departure — lines get long on busy port days.
Know your ship. Know your day.
Each cruise line offers a different Nassau experience. Here's what to expect from the major lines that dock at Prince George Wharf — and which ones have a private cay nearby.
Prince George Wharf
Google EarthNassau's main cruise terminal is Prince George Wharf, right in the heart of downtown. Most ships dock within a 5-minute walk of Bay Street, the Straw Market, and local taxi stands. Up to 8 ships can dock simultaneously — busy days mean busier streets and longer waits for taxis.
Taxis queue just outside the terminal gates. Agree on the price before you get in.
The Straw Market is a 3-minute walk from the pier — great for souvenirs but negotiate hard.
Water taxis to Paradise Island depart near the terminal for ~$4 each way.
Nassau resort day passes
Two world-class resorts offer day passes to cruise passengers. Both are worth it — here's what to know before you book.
Atlantis Paradise Island
The iconic water park resort on Paradise Island
Atlantis is the most visited attraction in the Bahamas — a massive resort complex with the Aquaventure water park, a marine habitat, casino, and miles of beach. Day passes are available for cruise passengers and sell out fast on busy port days.
- •Aquaventure water park with 20+ slides and a mile-long river ride
- •Dig — a 14-million-gallon open-air marine habitat
- •11 pools, private lagoons, and a white sand beach
- •Dining from casual to fine — over 40 restaurants and bars
- •20 min taxi from Prince George Wharf (~$20 each way)
Tip: Book your day pass online before your cruise — walk-up prices are higher and availability is limited on busy port days.
Baha Mar
Nassau's newest luxury resort complex on Cable Beach
Baha Mar is a sprawling luxury resort campus on Cable Beach featuring three hotel brands (Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood), a casino, a water park, and a Jack Nicklaus golf course. Day passes and dining reservations are available for non-guests.
- •Baha Bay water park — Nassau's newest and largest water park
- •Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood hotels on one campus
- •Casino with 1,000+ slots and 100+ table games
- •Over 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges
- •15 min taxi from Prince George Wharf (~$15 each way)
Tip: Baha Bay day passes include access to the water park and beach. Book in advance — it's less crowded than Atlantis on most cruise days.
The major lines in Nassau
Has Private Cay
- •Atlantis Aquaventure water park (day pass available)
- •Blue Lagoon Island dolphin encounters
- •Nassau city and history walking tours
- •Snorkeling at Stuart's Cove
- •Ardastra Gardens & Zoo
Perfect Day at CocoCay
45 min by ship from Nassau
- •Thrill Waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America
- •Oasis Lagoon — the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
- •Floating bar, zip line, and helium balloon rides
- •Up, Up & Away helium balloon with panoramic views
- •South Beach with complimentary loungers
Typical dock time7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insider tip
Royal Caribbean itineraries often split the day — one day Nassau, one day CocoCay. Check your itinerary carefully so you know which day is which.
Has Private Cay
- •Atlantis Beach day pass
- •Snorkeling and shark dive excursions
- •Segway city tour of Nassau
- •Graycliff chocolate factory tour
- •Junkanoo Beach (free, walking distance from pier)
Half Moon Cay
~2 hours by ship from Nassau
- •2-mile private white sand beach
- •Stingray City shallow-water encounter
- •Horseback riding on the beach
- •Water sports: kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing
- •Private cabanas and beachside bar
Typical dock time8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Insider tip
Carnival ships tend to dock early and depart by 5–6 PM. Junkanoo Beach is free and just a short walk — great if you want to skip the excursion fees.
Has Private Cay
- •Atlantis Aquaventure (NCL often offers discounted day passes)
- •Powerboat adventure to Blue Lagoon Island
- •Nassau food and culture walking tour
- •Stuart's Cove scuba and snorkel
- •Fort Charlotte and Queen's Staircase historical tour
Great Stirrup Cay
~1.5 hours by ship from Nassau
- •Pristine private beach with crystal-clear water
- •Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
- •Waterslide complex and wave pool
- •Swim-up bar and beachside dining
- •Private villa and cabana rentals
Typical dock time7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Insider tip
NCL's Freestyle dining means no set dinner time — you have more flexibility to stay out later in Nassau without rushing back for a seating.
Has Private Cay
- •Atlantis Aquaventure (popular with families)
- •Blue Lagoon Island dolphin and sea lion encounters
- •Nassau historical walking tour
- •Ardastra Gardens flamingo feeding
- •Junkanoo Beach for a relaxed beach day
Castaway Cay
~1 hour by ship from Nassau
- •Separate adult-only and family beach areas
- •Pelican Plunge waterslide platform
- •Bike rentals and nature trails
- •Snorkeling trail with submerged Disney props
- •Serenity Bay adults-only beach with bar
Typical dock time8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insider tip
Disney ships are very family-focused. Nassau port days are often shorter — Castaway Cay is the highlight of most Disney Bahamas itineraries.
Has Private Cay
- •Nassau city sightseeing and shopping
- •Snorkeling and diving excursions
- •Graycliff cigar and chocolate factory
- •Segway or golf cart Nassau tour
- •Arawak Cay Fish Fry for authentic Bahamian food
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
~1 hour by ship from Nassau
- •Private marine reserve — no outside visitors
- •7 beaches across the island
- •Snorkeling in a protected reef area
- •Lighthouse Bar with panoramic views
- •Live music and Bahamian cultural performances
Typical dock time8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insider tip
MSC's Ocean Cay is a full marine reserve — the snorkeling is genuinely excellent. If your itinerary includes it, prioritize it over Nassau for water activities.
Nassau Port Day
- •Atlantis Aquaventure full-day pass
- •Stuart's Cove scuba diving and snorkeling
- •Nassau food tour with Tru Bahamian Food Tours
- •Blue Lagoon Island dolphin experience
- •Graycliff Hotel wine cellar and restaurant tour
Typical dock time7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insider tip
Celebrity attracts a more upscale crowd. The Graycliff Hotel wine cellar tour and Tru Bahamian Food Tours are both excellent matches for Celebrity passengers.
Nassau Port Day
- •Atlantis Aquaventure day pass
- •Snorkeling at Stuart's Cove
- •Nassau historical walking tour (Fort Charlotte, Queen's Staircase)
- •Arawak Cay Fish Fry for conch salad and local food
- •Junkanoo Beach — free beach within walking distance of pier
Typical dock time7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Insider tip
Princess itineraries often include a full day in Nassau. Use the extra time to get away from the pier area — Arawak Cay and Cable Beach are both worth the short taxi ride.
Nassau Port Day
- •Nassau historical and cultural walking tour
- •Graycliff Hotel and cigar factory tour
- •Ardastra Gardens and Zoo
- •Atlantis Aquaventure (day pass)
- •Arawak Cay Fish Fry for authentic Bahamian cuisine
Typical dock time8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insider tip
Holland America passengers tend to prefer cultural and culinary experiences over water parks. The Graycliff tour and Arawak Cay Fish Fry are both excellent choices.