Nassau's Two Main Cruise Ports

Cruise ships in Nassau dock at one of two terminals: Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau or Nassau Cruise Port (also called Arawak Cay) on the eastern side of the harbor. Prince George Wharf is the older, more central location and handles the majority of cruise traffic. Nassau Cruise Port opened in 2014 and serves as an overflow facility when multiple large ships arrive on the same day.

Which terminal your ship uses depends on the cruise line, the ship's size, and how many other vessels are in port that day. Your cruise documents will specify which dock you'll use, but you won't know until a few days before arrival. Both terminals are within Nassau's port area, so the difference matters mainly for ground transportation and how far you walk to reach the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Prince George Wharf is downtown Nassau's main cruise dock and handles most arriving ships; Nassau Cruise Port on Arawak Cay is the secondary terminal.
  • Your cruise line will tell you which terminal you're docked at in your final documents, usually three to five days before arrival.
  • Prince George Wharf puts you within walking distance of the Straw Market, shops, and restaurants; Nassau Cruise Port requires a taxi or shuttle to reach downtown.
  • Both terminals have security screening, currency exchange, and information booths, but neither charges a port fee to passengers.

Prince George Wharf: The Downtown Terminal

Prince George Wharf sits directly in downtown Nassau, at the foot of Bay Street. This is the historic cruise dock and the one most passengers use. The terminal building has currency exchange, a small gift shop, and information desks run by the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board. From the wharf, you can walk straight onto Bay Street and reach the Straw Market, duty-free shops, and restaurants within five to ten minutes.

The wharf can accommodate up to three large cruise ships at once, though typically only one or two are docked on any given day. If you're arriving here, you'll disembark directly into the terminal building, clear security, and exit onto the street. Taxis and tour operators wait outside the terminal entrance. The walk to downtown Nassau attractions is short enough that many passengers skip transportation entirely and explore on foot.

Nassau Cruise Port: The Arawak Cay Terminal

Nassau Cruise Port (Arawak Cay) opened in 2014 as a second facility to handle overflow traffic. It's located on the eastern side of Nassau Harbor, about two miles from downtown. The terminal is newer and more modern than Prince George Wharf, with wider facilities and more parking for ground transportation. However, it's not within walking distance of downtown attractions.

If your ship docks here, you'll need to take a taxi, ride-share service, or organized tour to reach the Straw Market or downtown restaurants. Taxis wait outside the terminal and charge a flat rate to downtown (usually $25 to $30 for up to three passengers). Some cruise lines offer shuttle services from this terminal to downtown or to Paradise Island, though these typically cost extra and require advance booking through your cruise line.

How to Find Out Which Terminal You're Using

Your cruise line will include your dock assignment in the final documents sent to your cabin or email three to five days before arrival. Check your cruise line's app or website, or call the ship directly once you're onboard. If you need to know earlier for planning purposes, you can contact your cruise line's customer service, though they may not have the assignment finalized until closer to your arrival date.

The assignment can change if weather delays the ship or if port operations shift other vessels. If your plans depend on knowing which terminal you'll use, wait until your final documents arrive rather than booking transportation or tours based on an earlier assumption.

Getting Around From Either Terminal

From Prince George Wharf, most attractions are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The Straw Market is two blocks away, and Bay Street shops and restaurants line the street directly outside the terminal. If you want to visit Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, or Cable Beach, a taxi costs $8 to $15 depending on distance.

From Nassau Cruise Port, you'll rely on taxis or organized tours. The flat rate to downtown is typically $25 to $30 for up to three passengers. Ride-share apps like Uber operate in Nassau, though availability can be limited depending on the time of day. Some passengers book organized shore excursions through their cruise line, which include transportation from the terminal.

Security and Facilities at Both Terminals

Both terminals require you to pass through security screening before you can leave the port area. This is standard for all cruise ports and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the terminal is. Bring your room key card and a photo ID. Neither terminal charges passengers a port fee or departure tax — these are typically included in your cruise fare.

Both terminals have currency exchange booths, though rates are usually better at banks or ATMs in downtown Nassau. Prince George Wharf has a small gift shop and information desk. Nassau Cruise Port has more retail options and a larger food court. If you're returning to your ship late, both terminals have information staff who can help you find transportation back to the dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which terminal my ship docks at?

No. The cruise line and port authority assign docks based on ship size, arrival time, and port capacity. You'll find out which terminal you're using in your final cruise documents, usually three to five days before arrival.

Is it safe to walk from Prince George Wharf into downtown Nassau?

Yes. The wharf is in the heart of downtown, and the walk to the Straw Market and main shopping areas is short and well-traveled by cruise passengers. Stay on Bay Street and the main commercial areas, and use the same street sense you would in any port city.

How much does a taxi cost from Nassau Cruise Port to downtown?

Taxis charge a flat rate of approximately $25 to $30 for up to three passengers from Nassau Cruise Port to downtown Nassau. Rates are posted at the taxi stand outside the terminal. Agree on the fare before you get in the cab.

What time do I need to be back at my ship?

Your cruise documents will list an "all aboard" time, typically two to four hours before the ship's departure time. Plan to be back at your terminal at least 30 minutes before all aboard. If you're late, the ship will leave without you, and you'll be responsible for your own transportation to the next port.

Are there ATMs at the cruise terminals?

Prince George Wharf has limited ATM access. Nassau Cruise Port has more options. Both terminals have currency exchange booths. If you need cash, you'll find ATMs throughout downtown Nassau on Bay Street and in the Straw Market area.