As one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, Nassau has become a ho-hum destination for many regular cruisers.
The port has undergone a massive $330 million restoration that has improved the area right when passengers get off their ships.
Previously, the port area had a small selection of vendors and it was mostly just a transitional area for people walking downtown or boarding transportation to an excursion.
The newly transformed port, which can now accommodate as many as 30,000 passengers a day, has added shopping, restaurants, bars and better-screened vendors.
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It's an improvement, but nothing in the port attracts families. You can walk from the ship to Junkanoo Beach, a fairly nice beach, or book excursions at the nearby Margaritaville, experience the Atlantis, which has a waterpark, or take a cab to a variety of public beaches.
Unless you book a resort day or an excursion, just walking around in Nassau can be challenging. Vendors are very aggressive and the downtown area does not always feel safe for families.
It's a port that many regular cruisers skip — and the local government is working to fix this.
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Image source: Dan Kline/Come Cruise With Me
Nassau's cruise port adding a waterpark
Atlantis and the Margaritaville resort are major draws in Nassau as they have impressive water features. Atlantis has a full-on waterpark, but day passes can cost more than $250 per person for the day, plus the cost of getting from the port to Paradise Island.
Now, as the final piece of its remodel, Nassau plans to add a waterpark right at the port.
"Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas is set to embark on a new venture with a $35 million water park designed to cater to families," CruiseHive reported.
"The new water park will be constructed on the port’s western side, in a finger-shaped greenspace near its amphitheater. Although construction is yet to begin, officials at the port note the land is clear, a building permit is already in hand, and it is awaiting approval."
That's a welcome addition to the port — assuming that tickets to the water park are more affordable than those at Atlantis and other options.
This is especially good news for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and MSC Cruises given that all those companies have multiple ships calling on Nassau each week.
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Royal Caribbean has its own plans
Royal Caribbean knows that many passengers are not all that excited about cruises that stop in Nassau. The cruise line has its own plans to change that by building a 17-acre Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Construction has begun on the project, which will draw heavily from what Royal Caribbean has learned from its Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.
"The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection will take shape in the coming months ahead of its opening in 2025, and at the heart of the experience will be the island nation of the Bahamas," the cruise line said in a news release.
"From the location — one of the island’s most idyllic beaches — to the Bahamian food, culture, and staff, to a unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49% equity, the all-new beach club combines the beauty and spirit of the Bahamas with signature Royal Caribbean touches across the experience, service and design.
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Royal Caribbean passengers will take a water shuttle from the cruise port to the Beach Club. The new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be an added-fee activity. Prices have not been set, and in the cruise line's tradition, they'll likely vary based on demand.
"With more details to be revealed in the coming months, what’s in store ranges from three stunning pools with swim-up bars to private cabanas, four island-style spots for quick bites and local fare, and experiences that feature local artisans and live music," the cruise line posted on its website.
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