Nassau Cruise Port Achieves New Passenger Record Amid Ongoing Growth

The Port of Nassau in the Bahamas has made headlines by setting a new record for cruise ship passenger arrivals, reaffirming its status as a top Caribbean destination and an essential player in the short-cruise market. This achievement follows the opening of its new cruise terminal, which has been designed to accommodate the modern cruise industry’s evolving needs and came just 20 months after its inauguration.

Since the 1960s, Nassau has been a significant cruise destination, benefiting from its proximity to South Florida’s cruise homeports. The increasing popularity of Nassau is attributed to major cruise lines deploying larger ships on shorter itineraries.

Developed in collaboration with Global Port Holdings Plc, Nassau Cruise Port boasts 6 berths that can host some of the world’s largest vessels, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Oasis-class ships. This expanded capability has played a crucial role in boosting passenger numbers.

On December 27, 2023, the port welcomed 29,316 passengers, exceeding its previous one-day record of 28,554 set in March 2023. The positive trend persisted into 2024, with Nassau accommodating 7 cruise ships on certain busy days during spring.

In 2024 alone, Nassau recorded 1,445 cruise ship visits, resulting in over 5.6 million passenger arrivals along with additional crew. For comparison, PortMiami, known as the largest cruise homeport, reported 8.2 million passenger movements, while Port Canaveral had 7.6 million. These figures emphasize Nassau’s role as a vital port of call.

Following the pandemic-related industry halt in 2020, Nassau has been steadily restoring its business. Previously, it reported 3.86 million passengers in 2019, a figure that rebounded to 3.22 million by 2022, and it surpassed 3.9 million by November 2023, aiming for 4.2 million by year-end.

The newly opened cruise terminal, which features facilities for 70 vendors—ranging from tour operators and food outlets to local artisans—has significantly contributed to this growth. Additionally, improved passenger flow and infrastructure have prepared the port to handle a large influx of tourists. Plans for further operational improvements are slated for 2025, aimed at ensuring Nassau retains its position as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean.

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