The Bahamas remains a staple destination for cruise lines, with Nassau and Freeport serving as two of the most frequented ports in the region. Yet, despite their inclusion on countless Caribbean itineraries, these ports consistently rank among the lowest in guest satisfaction surveys. Frequent cruisers often describe Nassau as overcrowded and Freeport as underwhelming, with many opting to stay onboard rather than disembark.
So why do cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian continue to call on these less-than-beloved locations? The answer lies in a complex mix of logistics, economics, historical agreements, and evolving strategies—including the development of private resort destinations. This article explores the factors driving these continued port calls and the shift toward private Bahamian retreats.
Nassau’s Cruise Port Redevelopment: A Bold Attempt at Revival
In May 2023, Nassau unveiled a $300 million renovation of its cruise port at Prince George Wharf, a project that transformed the run-down port into a modern and clean facility. The redevelopment expanded capacity from 20,000 to over 30,000 passengers per day, added a sixth berth to accommodate mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class vessels, and introduced new amenities. Highlights include a new arrivals plaza, a Junkanoo Museum celebrating Bahamian culture, an expanded Straw Market, and additional shops, restaurants, and green spaces including an amphitheater.
The numbers reflect the port’s success in attracting ships: in 2024, Nassau welcomed a record-breaking 5.6 million passengers. Yet, despite these improvements, guest satisfaction remains consistently low. Many cruisers still view Nassau as a “stay-on-the-ship” port. The reasons for this are numerous. The downtown area, while walkable from the port, often feels overcrowded when multiple ships dock simultaneously, flooding Bay Street with thousands of passengers.
Aggressive taxi drivers and vendors can create an unwelcoming vibe, and the port’s proximity to industrial areas detracts from the tropical paradise cruisers expect. Attractions like Atlantis on Paradise Island or Junkanoo Beach are popular but often overcrowded or expensive, leaving some feeling the experience doesn’t justify the hassle. For repeat visitors Nassau earns its reputation as a port to skip.
Freeport’s Lack of Appeal: A Port Adrift
Nassau has its trouble with overcrowding and being on repeat with frequent cruisers, but Freeport faces a different problem: there’s simply not much to do. Located on Grand Bahama Island, Freeport’s Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility is simply utilitarian. The terminal offers a (very) small straw market, but beyond that, the surrounding area is industrial and uninviting. Unlike Nassau, where downtown is a short walk away, Freeport requires transportation—typically a taxi or shuttle—to reach any worthwhile attractions.
Port Lucaya Marketplace, about five miles from the port, is the primary draw, offering shops, restaurants, and a taste of local culture. Yet, it’s nothing like neighboring Nassau or the private island experiences cruise lines promote. Lucaya Beach is accessible from the marketplace, but it lacks public amenities like restrooms or chairs, limiting its appeal for a full beach day.
Other options, like the Bahamian Brewery or the Perfume Factory, require additional travel and planning, making them less convenient for a short port call. Many label Freeport as the epitome of “nothing to see here.” The port’s slower pace and lack of standout activities contribute to its low satisfaction scores, with many passengers opting to stay onboard rather than explore.
Subsidies: A Fading Incentive?
Historically, the Bahamian government offered financial incentives to cruise lines to encourage stops at Nassau and Freeport, hoping to boost local economies through passenger spending. In the past, these subsidies reportedly reached up to $12 million annually, as noted by former Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar in 2018. The logic was simple: more ships meant more tourists spending money at local businesses. However, when data showed many passengers weren’t disembarking the government reconsidered.
By 2018, most subsidies were phased out.
Today, it’s unclear whether significant subsidies remain. The cruise industry’s post-COVID recovery and the Bahamas’ reliance on tourism suggest some incentives might persist, particularly for Freeport, which lags behind Nassau in passenger volume. However, contractual obligations tied to private island leases—such as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay or Carnival’s Half Moon Cay—may also mandate stops at Bahamian ports like Nassau. These agreements, negotiated decades ago, could explain the continued inclusion of low-rated ports, even without direct cash incentives.
Staying Onboard: A Day at Sea Alternative
For those who skip Nassau or Freeport there’s plenty to do onboard the ship. Pools, waterslides, spas, and entertainment options like shows or trivia contests keep passengers busy. With dining included in the fare, staying onboard is a cost-effective choice compared to pricey shore excursions. Ships like Carnival’s Celebration or Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas turn a port day into a mini sea day, with fewer crowds at onboard venues as disembarking passengers thin the ranks.
Private Resort Destinations: The Future of Bahamian Cruising?
Acknowledging the fact that Nassau and Freeport are falling out of favor with cruise passengers, major cruise lines are investing heavily in private Bahamian destinations, offering a controlled, resort-like experience. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, revamped in 2019 for $250 million, features thrill rides, a massive freshwater pool, and beaches that earn rave reviews. The company is also developing the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island near Nassau, set to open later this year. Carnival’s Celebration Key, under construction on Grand Bahama, promises a similar experience when it debuts later this year. Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, opened in 2024, rounds out this trend.
As these developments mature, the Bahamas’ cruise landscape may change, but for now, Nassau and Freeport remain as imperfect stops in the Caribbean circuit.