What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Nassau on a Cruise

[@katherinebooth647]

I am a Bahamian, you left out a lot! The best beaches are in the west and you can get a bus to them. Also fish fry, if you continue walking down from Junkanoo beach you can't miss all the restaurants that sell local food. The best being couch salad. There is also a police station there to...🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸

[@Cruzelycom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenmiller3546]

My first visit got swept up very quickly into a cab van. Ended up at cabbage Beach and wow!!!! What a beautiful perfect paradise!!! Junkaroo is a landfill compared in my opinion!!!

[@tdoggsmackem7498]

My family and I went to Fish Fry in 2022 and after everyone praising it and telling us that we had to go there we were let down. The food was just average

[@brandylynn2977]

Junkanoo Beach was disgusting when we last visited (3 years ago). There were human feces on the sidewalks, KFC box floating in the water, and glass all over the beach. Fingers crossed it has got better ❤

[@aishafikes128]

I did that! Had so much fun away from the main stuff!!

[@LucyBird]

I love Nassau and think the great work they've done on the new port area just makes it even better.

[@reginarickert3457]

We were there last month. Had a wonderful time collecting sea glass and hanging out on the free beach. Just walk about 10 min. further past Junkanoo as suggested. Lovely view of the lighthouse and the most electric shade of blue water you have ever seen. There is also some shopping there. Cross over to The Daily Grind on the way for friendly service, free wifi and cheap, cold beer! Never felt unsafe. Nice police presence and we really weren't bothered much at all like I had heard. I almost stayed on the ship. Glad I didn't!

[@nlf1059]

Where did u pick up sea glass from

[@FraserAtSea]

'You will not be alone' has to be the best tip here - I'm always amazed pulling into Nassau port and seeing all of the ships - I just love it!

[@D0NCH33T0]

Fr, just went on the Carnival glory cruise and we had another Carnival, the Disney Wish, and a Royal with us the whole time 😂

[@ScottiveNatish]

We had a great time in Nassau. Going back in May during their annual carnival. The people we met were hardworking and kind. They were warm and welcoming. While at Junkanoo Beach, an American woman thought she was in Jamaica and lit up a massive joint right in front of us. The beach DJ confronted her over the PA system. He reminded her that the police station was right across the street. Our experience in Nassau was positive.

[@angelinatana]

So the woman brought drugs on the ship before hand 😮

[@NickBlazer47]

Karen type comment

[@4daloveofcruising]

Been to the Bahamas before that Atlantis and renovations to the port area. Use to be a massive open air market which made you feel like you were visiting an authentic place. Now it's like walking in new York city. Prada, Gucci, tagheur, Rolex...,.etc. But I must admit the Atlantis hotel is gorgeous. Beautiful pools and grounds. Definitely expensive.

[@jackielang481]

Was there 15 yrs ago, while it was nice to see and say we were there we also said it was some place we didn’t want to go back to. It was trashy. Looks like great improvements were made so now I would rethink going again.

[@mackellar829]

A group of five of us took a cab from the Cab Stand at the cruise port to the Nassau Yacht Club. We expressed to the driver that we would need a pick up 3 hours later and he assured us that he'd be back for us and we let him know we'd be tipping him again. I asked if we needed his ph. # and he assured us he'd be back. NOT! We struggled to get a ride back to the ship. The streets and buildings outside of the cruise area are THIRD WORLD. It's a rundown, depressed and corrupt island and one must wonder where all the tourism revenue goes. Stick close to the ship.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Not to the local economy.

[@angelinatana]

Always, next time tell the cab driver that you will pay once you get back to the ship 😂

[@ceeceeb5075]

You saw a small portion of our county and called it third world. Thats like seeing my hands and calling me ugly. I admit, the buildings around downtown are rundown because they are old and been there forever. Instead of restoring it, they decided to concentrate on building new venues from scratch. However, nothing depressing about our beautiful beaches or the locals.

[@peterforbes2678]

You definitely don't have any idea what you are talking about. The USA has many gettos and RUN down places, but it's still beautiful . SORRY 😢 you didn't get to see the real NASSAU !

[@Tdzzz450]

Doesn’t sound much different than cities in the rust belt

[@_-ANNE-_]

Very helpful! Thank you! I especially appreciate the diagram on how to walk to Junkanoo Beach.

[@rocellelavitoria910]

Thanks for the tips. It’s in my bucket list to visit and see the Atlantis Resort from the cruise.

[@juliemirabile5311]

Atlantis is massive and costly. The aquarium was $250 per person, children included!

[@sportsMike87]

Nassau is good to sample on a cruise than go back later and stay at a resort

[@morganerickson439]

In January 2022, Nassau was the first port for our first ever cruise. And it was rainy. And we were hounded by people trying to get us to take their taxi or buy from their shop. And yes, we were offered drugs. And we walked to Junkanoo beach. And all this was before the port remodel. And we would absolutely go again. In fact, we are in May.

[@PaladinDansesGirlfriend]

I didn’t want to walk around bc constant hounding. Would not go back.

[@lorenadugan6355]

Our grands skipped the pay stuff while at Cocoa Cay and day passed to Atlantis. They ate before and had a snack there (cost). They had a great time. The Aussie Princesses are 10, 10 & 13 loved it. For me, I remember how Atlantis began and how they totally designated the island trees and plants to add on and add on…

[@daveygivens735]

Imagine back in the 90s, and seeing your timeless horizon being slowly overtaken by the Atlantis behemoth.

[@angelinatana]

I think I’m going to stay on the ship in Nassau where it will be more enjoyable and less crowded since most passengers will be visiting the island

[@jeanmunro4824]

I was there in 1982 when I went with friends in college via a cruise. I remember walking to Paradise Island. Maybe the port was closer to it back then. I do remember being constantly bombarded with children begging for money, do I want to buy drugs... buy this from me, buy that from me. Anyway.. It was a place I said I would never go back to. It looks like it has changed. So many ships go there, plus, now I am in a motorized scooter. And don't think there is anything that I could do there. Now the ships I want to go on have many itineraries that include Nassau. many decisions to make.

[@dreawint]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the Jitney buses that are only $1.50 one way with all the money I'm going to be spending on my trip, I'm hoping not to have to be pumping out extra money for a bunch of taxis interested in the Jitney but Jitney but nervous at the same time. What are your thoughts

[@sowetolive]

I am Bahamian. You will be safe on the bus.

[@dreawint]

​@@sowetolive ​ I totally did it! It was a little shifty at 1st, just bc im used to busses being a certain way in US. But really, the hardest part was trying to figure out where thr busstop was after i got off ship....but it was great, I was able to get to baha bay waterpark for just $1.25! Even cheaper than the $1.50 i was expecting

[@sowetolive]

@@dreawint Anything you need to know about the Bahamas, I will be happy to help. Thank you so much for visiting!

[@ramirorivera4993]

Awesome. What would be the best beach to visit for the day the cruise stops there? Thank you so much in advance

[@sowetolive]

@ramirorivera4993 You can walk to Junkanoo Beach from the cruise port. It's nice but very touristy. If you want a more private beach you can take a bus out west to Saunders Beach, Goodmans Bay, orange hill or Love beach to name a few. Cabbage beach on Paradise Island is also nice. If you want privacy just walk away from the crowd. You can do this on the beaches if there is a crowd. Just walk a ways down the beach. The local bus far is 1.50 US or Bahamian. It's 3 dollars if you go to the end of the island to the west.

[@kimengel5845]

Ive seen recent reviews that many of the water rides/slides at Atlantis have been shutdown. One review said it was due to lack of water? We are going to Nassau in April, and thought about spending the day at Atlantis. I was wondering if you had any information about this as we dont want to spend all that money to not be able to enjoy the Aqua-Adventure area.

[@roughshot60]

Don't forget about the Aquarium at Atlantis. I thought it was the best part. The Waterpark was underwhelming at best

[@Neicydnel]

Can you recommend restaurants near the port to get authentic Bahamian food? We visited Fish Fry and love it but we were looking for something closer to the port.

[@dreawint]

Don't forget Baja bay! Similar to Atlantis, but somewhat smaller but also cheaper

[@Imwithkamala24]

As someone who spent the first half of childhood in the black hills of South Dakota and then second half in Oshkosh WI (home of yearly EAA) it sounds just awful to be an actual citizen in one of these ports.

[@PaladinDansesGirlfriend]

I would not recommend women walk on their own/by themselves

[@jlawrence0181]

Is Nassau any worse than St. Lucia, Falmouth ,or Belize City? We have not made it there due to weather issues

[@CaptainPhoton64]

I never book cruises that stop here

[@dannydelecce800]

Tanner, What do you feel is an appropriate tip per suitcase for the porter that takes your suitcase before getting on the ship. Thanks!! D.

[@Cruzelycom]

I'd throw them $2 per suitcase.

[@TheLidoBurrito]

I’ve been to Nassau probably 5/6 times and I’ve never done an excursion. I usually just putz around town, etc. Is there a quick way to get to blue Lagoon? I’ve heard that is a musty spot.

[@GarsonDean]

Stop listening to others and try it for yourself. Blue lagoon Island is very beautiful

[@randallmathews6844]

Stay on the ship

[@lorenadugan6355]

I booked a 90 ship walking tour. I learned a bit, especially about the Queens Staircase. It is not Disney but real people live and work there. Mind your step, the streets and sidewalks are wonky.

[@tywork]

I don't doubt you, but I have cruised the Caribbean at least once a year for over 10 years and have not once had Nassau on the itinerary. Most cruises on Royal Caribbean but also Princess, NCL, and Carnival

[@user73958]

I went to Nassau on a cruise once even when it wasn't on the itinerary when there was a medical emergency. It is a very visited port for Caribbean cruises.

[@janiekcarney5482]

I would not want to get off with 30,000 other people.

[@deebev9023]

Yo get a day pass to Paradise Island, you have to get it from the cruise line or be a guest of the hotel??

[@teejaxk5481]

You can buy it online. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel.

[@biyahenibossa8611]

we are on 3N bahamas cruise this August. we are a Filipino multiple US Visa holder. My question is in visiting nassau do we need to have a bahamas Visa

[@foxylady6901]

No

[@vincentnnyc]

Just came on a cruise from Nassau…as we sail out…we saw another high rise building on the island…it is not Atlantis resort hotel…but another one…does anyone know the name of the building and what’s it for?

[@Cruzelycom]

Baha Mar? It's to the west of the cruise port. Massive resort with a huge casino gaming floor.

[@vincentnnyc]

@@Cruzelycomthat sound about right. I took a picture of the building and compare it to baba mar. Looks about the same. Do you have any experience there? Is it better than Atlantis resort or pretty much the same?

[@Cruzelycom]

I have yet to go... frankly the prices scare me off. There was a really good documentary on it I saw a few weeks back. www.amazon.com/Secrets-Mega-Resort-Phil-Stein/dp/B09GVFB4H7

[@roseberry5253]

I remember seeing all the big cruise ships when I traveled to Nassau Bahamas. That was the first time I had ever seen a ship in person.

[@robd7934]

I'm not a fan of Nassau and prefer to stay on the ship instead or take a cruise that does not go there. The drinks and shopping are overpriced and some seedy local tried to pickpocket me near the port area back in 2022. Won't be back.

[@chrissybrown7362]

I totally agree I just came back off a cruise from Nassau they want yu to pay for everything even the chairs on the beach… I wanted a drink a soda an I think $3 for a soda is outrageous I don’t even pay that back in the states. It’s just best to have the excursions

[@kathleengallagherdean219]

Does anyone know when sailing in to NAssau, is Paradise Island on the right or left please?

[@Cruzelycom]

Left. It's on the north side from Nassau.

[@D0NCH33T0]

What he said ☝🏽 Its on the left. That island with the two giant red buildings on it.

[@dr.andmrs.phibes7454]

I did not feel safe in Nassau when my cruise docked there last December. When you leave the pavilion area, you'll find a boisterous crowd of locals right at the gate each hounding you to ride in their taxis. Police cars were zipping up and down the streets, sirens blaring. Tourists stick out like sore thumbs. If someone is looking to do wrong, consider yourself a target. I felt like I was in a California hood. Save yourself the risk and the trouble. Stay on the ship.

[@jobo1227]

thank you

[@couch123David]

What’s wrong with Cali hoods

[@jenkret6739]

I felt the same way. Beautiful island but the ppl are too pushy. Not all of them. Just the ones trying to sell something.

[@D0NCH33T0]

​@@jenkret6739And they keep yelling about it too. Feels scary to say no but its my money and I'm keeping it now.

[@charliebrenton4421]

Here’s the real Nassau pro-tip: stay on the boat that day.

[@Veezy751]

Make sure to greet everyone with how’d go bui

[@colby7389]

Went in April 2024 had zero issues we walked all around. Skip the horse carriage rides they are scammers

[@MultiMattman68]

The big turnoff with Nassau,is being asked to buy drugs. This is why I think Nassau should be avoided

[@Cruzelycom]

You too? I thought I might have been asked just cause I was a guy walking around solo.

[@katherinebooth647]

Like no Bodie sells drugs where y'all from and da streets pave with gold. Name me one place on earth that have no crime! 🇧🇸🖤💙🧡🇧🇸

[@messamommy]

Cool I wanna get stoned. Hopefully I can find some green.

[@Pebles_chat]

THATS happens almost everywhere. i was at a 5 star hotel in NY last month at an exclusive all white jazz bar and a well dressed man approached me to who was selling drugs........Just say no and keep it moving simple

[@ceeceeb5075]

My big turnoff is usually tourists coming up to me asking me if I know where they can score drugs. I do not. I don't look like a drug dealer. Do you look like a druggie?

[@edvaira6891]

Atlantis is OVERRATED and the staff is NASTY! Did NOT enjoy Nassau at all!

[@robinac6897]

I was born there. Glad I saw it in the sixties and early seventies when I was a kid. The crime only started when the black majority rule took over.

[@stevenmiller3546]

Dont knock the hustle boys!!! They gotta get it bro! Thats thier living

[@mea3665]

Dont care to go back to Nassau

[@user73958]

It is the port that I probably would stay on the ship if I had to go there again.

[@vicki8042]

LOL so as a man you felt safe. Nope not interested.

[@meanmutton]

"Make sure to pay me money or otherwise you'll have a crappy time" is a horrible message, man. This is obviously self-serving and dishonest. I don't know how anyone trusts you enough to book trips through you.

[@Cruzelycom]

Lol. What? I don't book anything.

[@D0NCH33T0]

Have you actually been there? 🤔 You know every country has its bad-side, right?

[@mikeroberts8093]

Im british jamaican and going bahamas in sept. Wheres the real good food fi nyaming. And where is good to rent a car staying for 8 days.