Bahamas, Cruise, Nassau

1 Day in Nassau: Our Guide to The Perfect Port Day in one of the World’s Busiest Cruise Ports – Bahamas

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Nassau, Bahamas

Today, we woke up in Nassau Cruise Port, the bustling capital city of The Bahamas, with Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas on the island of New Providence. On any given day in port, you will find just about every cruise line imaginable represented in Nassau. With six total cruise ship berths (that’s parking spots for cruise ships) just about everyone from Disney to Carnival, Holland America & Celebrity, has a stop in Nassau. We’ve seen this port transform over the years, with its most recent refurbishment and expansion being its biggest, and the new terminal is a major upgrade!

Aerial view of Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas with multiple cruise ships docked, showcasing the vibrant coastline and cityscape.
Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing the cruise port with several ships docked and the colorful buildings of downtown Nassau in the background.
Aerial View of Nassau’s Bay Street featuring the famous Straw Market & Parliament Square with Atlantis Resort in the distance

Nassau is a popular cruise port for a reason – there is so much to see, do & eat all within walking distance! If Nassau is on your next cruise itinerary, we hope our tips will help make your day a memorable one! Here’s how we spent our day in one of the world’s (it’s certainly ours) most-visited cruise port aka Prince George Wharf:

Downtown

After you disembark your ship (make sure to grab a selfie with your ship in the background) and exit the cruise terminal, we love wandering the streets of downtown Nassau.

A view of a vibrant street in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring colorful buildings and palm trees, with pedestrians walking and shopping.
View of the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship docked at Nassau, with a sign pointing towards the World Famous Straw Market and a cloudy sky overhead.
A couple taking a selfie at Nassau Cruise Port with Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas in the background.

Once we received the ‘all-clear’ from our Captain around 8:00 a.m., we stepped off Odyssey of the Seas’ Gangway and into the heart of Nassau. Sure, there are plenty of taxis, boats, and a host of local guides who can help you get to wherever you are going or provide you with a very insightful tour of the local area, but Nassau is one port we truly enjoy exploring on foot.

A view of Nassau Cruise Port with multiple cruise ships docked, including a Carnival ship, along a wooden promenade. A cloudy sky is visible overhead.

We actually walked (on our own without a tour guide) our way to The Atlantis Resort way back in 2010 which took us over an hour each way, but it was totally worth it to us to see & do all the things we got to experience on that wonderful afternoon in Port with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas showcasing colorful buildings, tree-lined streets, and a mixture of modern and historic architecture.
Aerial View of Nassau featuring the pink & white residence of the British Governor General

Travel Tip: Nassau may have a travel advisory but get off the ship. Eat, drink, and shop local. We’ve never felt more safe leisurely strolling around town & chatting with the locals.

A view of a colorful building with a sign reading 'Welcome to Bay St.' overshadowed by a large tree with twisting branches in Nassau, Bahamas.

The streets of Nassau are lined with colorful buildings where you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining, but it’s also a great place to stretch your sea legs. There’s also no shortage of delicious local rum tastings either but remember, any alcohol you purchase in port will be held in storage and returned to you at the end of your cruise.

History and culture are everywhere in Nassau including The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and the famous Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle are all easily located off Elizabeth Avenue.

Junkanoo Beach

This public beach just a short 15-minute walk from port.

Aerial view of Junkanoo Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing the blue waters, sandy beach, and nearby resorts with people enjoying the sun.

Junkanoo is a beautiful stretch of white sandy Bahamian beach with stunning views of that famous sapphire-blue Nassau Harbor. Free public restrooms are located nearby and a host of locally-owned vendor stalls (snack shacks) are all available oceanfront to help you eat and drink the afternoon away.

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas featuring the cruise port with multiple cruise ships docked, clear turquoise waters, and colorful buildings lining the shore.
Aerial view of a vibrant beach in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring clear turquoise waters, sandy shore with people enjoying activities, and colorful beach umbrellas.
Aerial view of a sandy beach with turquoise waters, sun loungers arranged along the shore, and people enjoying the water and beach activities.
Aerial view of a white boat floating on crystal clear turquoise waters with visible coral reefs beneath.

Grab a sun lounger, a bucket of Kalik and let the vacation officially begin! Water sports are available for an additional fee through various vendors from kayaks to paddle boarding & snorkeling.

A colorful beach shack with a hand-painted mural sits on the sandy shore near Junkanoo Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, with palm trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A man standing in the clear turquoise waters of Nassau, Bahamas, with a lighthouse visible in the background.
A couple poses for a selfie at a beach in Nassau, Bahamas, with clear turquoise water and a cruise ship in the background.

Travel Tip: When in Rome The Bahamas, be sure to enjoy a Signature Bahama Mama Cocktail

A hand holding a Kalik beer in front of beach loungers and palm trees under a bright sun in Nassau, Bahamas.
A hand holding the menu for Crabs N' Tings, a beachside restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring various appetizers, snacks, salads, and drinks, with prices listed.
A red cooler filled with ice and several bottles of Kalik beer, set against a sandy beach with clear blue water in the background.
A hand holding a menu from Crabs N' Tings featuring descriptions and prices of all-natural smoothies on a beach background in Nassau, Bahamas.
A hand holding a plate of conch fritters with two dipping sauces, with a view of the ocean and beach in the background.
A takeout container filled with golden French fries accompanied by small cups of dipping sauce on a towel by the beach.

We highly recommend lunch at Crabs ‘n’ Tings for a taste of the local cuisine – including signature Bahamas eats like Conch Fritters. Ask for Moses, he takes very good care of all his visitors!

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing lush greenery, colorful buildings, and the turquoise waters of Nassau Harbor.
Aerial View of Nassau West to Goodman Bay & Baha Mar Resort

If Junkanoo isn’t for you, rest assured – Nassau has no shortage of beautiful beaches all a bit further in distance from downtown. Some of our favorites are Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach and Jaws Beach – yes, the famous Spielberg movie was filmed at this very spot and it will take you a thirty minute drive to find but it is worth it for the lack of crowds and the snorkeling.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau

We spent the afternoon in Margaritaville with our Day Pass from our friends at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing the turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant buildings along the coastline, including a resort and local amenities.

Opened in the Summer of 2021, The Resort is located adjacent to Junkanoo Beach {just steps from port} and it features 300+ guestrooms, a spa, several dining options & the Fins Up Water Park.

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing the turquoise waters, sandy beach, and resort buildings along the coastline, with various boats visible in the harbor.
View of a beachside resort in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring a surf simulator in the foreground, palm trees, and a ship in the background on the turquoise waters.
Aerial view of a resort in Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing multiple pools, palm trees, and the surrounding turquoise waters.
A couple enjoying tropical drinks while posing for a selfie at Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, with palm trees and water slides in the background.

When in port, follow Bay Street as it curves westward along the waterfront. You will pass Senior Frogs, The British Colonial Nassau, and there will be parrot-themed signs leading the way. If you get to Junkanoo, you’ve gone too far.

A colorful wooden signpost with directions to Margaritaville Hotel, Marina, and Fins Up! Water Park, featuring two parrot sculptures at the top, set against a blue sky with clouds.
Colorful mural of Margaritaville Beach Resort with tropical elements including palm trees, a parrot, and a guitar on a sandy beach backdrop.
Signpost featuring colorful parrot sculptures, with directions to 'Pointe Promenade' in a lush tropical environment, under a partly cloudy sky.

On our visit in December of 2024, Day Passes for Margaritaville Resort Nassau cost us each $125.00/USD per adult. With our Day Pass, we were provided access to the stunning palm tree-lined beachfront, Fins Up Water Park with a lazy river, water slides & zero-entry pool, a rock climbing wall, as well as a Flowrider & full beach service.

Image of a list detailing the amenities included with a day pass at a beach resort, including pool access, water park hours, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Information on water park safety and requirements including height restrictions and towel return policies.
Interior of a modern hotel lobby featuring a unique chandelier, a staircase with glass railing, and large windows allowing natural light. Decor includes colorful artwork and seating areas.
Exterior view of Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions, a shop featuring a Christmas wreath and shelves stocked with snacks and drinks, located in Nassau, Bahamas.
A vibrant painting of a tropical parrot surrounded by colorful flowers and leaves, illuminated by a wall-mounted light fixture.
A decorated gingerbread house with a train set on a table, featuring a large blue flip-flop and a Santa hat in a brightly lit lobby.
A view of the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring a water slide, lazy river, lush greenery, and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Exterior view of Wasabi Joe's restaurant, featuring a neon sign and a modern interior design.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with red ribbons, ornaments, and festive decorations, surrounded by holiday gifts and a nutcracker figure, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a pool area.
View of the infinity pool at Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, with lounge chairs and cruise ships in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Two smiling individuals holding drinks in colorful cups against a backdrop of lush greenery.

We finished the day with sundowners & a sunset swim at SOS Bar & Terrace with our favorite Nassau bartender, Samantha. From here, we watched as the sun set and ships came and went from the now calm port of Nassau. Our late departure from Nassau was one of the major perks of this Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary!

Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas featuring the serene turquoise waters and a beach with sun loungers in the foreground, along with a modern beachfront building and several piers in the distance.
A cheerful couple poses for a selfie in front of a modern resort building with balconies, lounging chairs, and palm trees in Nassau, Bahamas.
Aerial view of a modern beachfront resort in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring a swimming pool and sun loungers, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful buildings in the background.
Aerial view of Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing its modern architecture and beachfront with sun loungers, a pool area, and nearby beach activities.
Aerial view of Junkanoo Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring a busy beach scene with people enjoying the sun, colorful umbrellas, palm trees, and turquoise waters.
Junkanoo Beach as seen from the Margaritaville Resort Nassau Rooftop

Every visit to Margaritaville is a good one, but Nassau was next level thanks to the Resort’s amazing staff! The activities team at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau is unlike no other! Kaitlyn and Ashanti made our afternoon in Margaritaville a truly memorable one not just with their nonstop activities, but with their magnetic personalities. These are truly the hardest working girls in hospitality, and other popular resort hotels should take note from them.

A group of four people smiling for a selfie indoors, with a view of a swimming pool and palm trees in the background.

A very special *THANK YOU* to The Best Bartender in Nassau, Samantha (regretfully, not pictured) and to Kaitlyn & Ashanti from the activities team for all the Jeopardy fun (you’ll have to watch the vlog to see who won!)

Señor Frog’s

For us, a visit to Nassau, Bahamas isn’t complete without a stop at our favorite watering hole, Señor Frog’s. This “Mexican Restaurant & Fiesta” is the very first Señor Frog’s we ever visited many mannny years ago, and it is by far one of our favorites thanks to the amazing staff. It is located along Woodes Rodgers Walk, where you can grab a table in the open-air restaurant and take in the views with all the surrounding ships in port.

Exterior view of Señor Frog's restaurant in Nassau, featuring colorful outdoor seating and a vibrant sign.
A couple taking a selfie at a waterfront location in Nassau, Bahamas, with colorful buildings and shops visible in the background.
A man posing playfully next to a large green frog statue outside a colorful restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas.

Famous for their live music, DJ’s, games and of course their “Yards of Señor Frog’s,” these cocktails are about 28 ounces each & the strength of each drink depends on which cocktail you order. Typically, we share one Yard which is enough for us! If you do or don’t want something strong, simply tell your server when ordering and they’ll take good care of you.

Full disclosure – on busy days in port, this spot can be quite crowded but it holds a very special place in our hearts thanks to the decades of memories we’ve made here with family, with friends and of course with each other.

Alcohol or not, you’re going to love Señor Frogs! The Nassau crew really puts on a great show, so make sure not to miss it. It’s a great spot to grab a drink & a bite before heading back to the ship.

Straw Market

This is the place for handmade Bahamian gifts!

Colorful storefronts of the Straw Market in Nassau, Bahamas, with vibrant flowers in the foreground and a sign indicating it's a no smoking zone.

We never leave port without picking up a few of the most reasonably priced & unique gifts {those wood carvings!} from this traditional open-air market located on Bay Street. Forget the overpriced chains pushed by the cruise lines & shop local. The people here are friendly so be sure to stop when in port.

Atlantis Bahamas Aquaventure Waterpark

Since opening in December of 1998, Atlantis Bahamas Resort located on Paradise Island has been a staple for us on trips to Nassau, and it is perhaps the most popular excursion in all of Nassau next to Blue Lagoon or Swimming with those famously adorable Pigs.

A panoramic view of Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches with the Atlantis Resort in the background.

We last booked a full-day excursion through Disney Cruise Lines to Atlantis Bahamas Aquaventure Waterpark on Paradise Island in 2019 for a fun-filled day of waterslides, sun, and more waterslides and you can see that vlog here:

Visiting The Atlantis Bahamas Resort is definitely something everyone should experience at least once. This Waterpark is by far one of our favorite waterparks we’ve ever visited – and we love waterparks! However, the Waterpark experience at Atlantis can be quite pricey – especially if done through the cruise line and not with a day pass bought directly from The Resort on your own. However, there are other ways to experience Atlantis other than its famous waterpark. The Resort’s architecture alone is worth taking in and we absolutely love The Aquarium. Is Atlantis worth a visit on your next trip to Nassau? That is something you will have to determine for yourself.

All good things must come to an end 🥳 Nassau, we truly can’t visit enough but thanks to all of the locals who made our day in port incredible

A couple enjoying a selfie in an infinity pool at a beach resort in Nassau, Bahamas, with cruise ships in the background.

Let us know how you would spend the day in Nassau in the comments below & safe travels ♡

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