The Bahamas’ Nassau Cruise Port has once again proven its enduring popularity after registering the most cruise visitors in the Caribbean last year.
According to the facility, it hosted 5.6 million cruise visitors in 2024, surpassing 2023’s record-breaking 4.4 million with a 27% year-on-year growth.
Acknowledging the win, Nassau Cruise Port CEO Mike Maura Jr. told the Caribbean Journal, “We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone for the second year in a row.”
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented team, our valued partners, and the Bahamian people. We could not have reached this point without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, including the Government of The Bahamas, our cruise line partners, local businesses, and the community at large,” Maura added.
A Success Story Four Years in the Making
The recent milestone is the result of a four-year $300 million redevelopment project which began in late 2019. Global Ports Holding’s proposal, which competed with a consortium of cruise lines, entailed the construction of a new terminal building, entertainment area, bars, and restaurants.
It also led to more cruise berths that could accommodate bigger and more modern vessels. Additionally, the integration between the cruise facility and Nassau’s downtown area was improved.
In May 2023, the first phase officially opened to the public. The revitalized Nassau Cruise Port could welcome up to six ships and 30,000 passengers daily. By July, it had surpassed its 2019 passenger count with more than 2.2 million cruise tourists as of June 2023.
It again made headlines in March 2024 for hosting the highest number of vessels in a single day—seven cruise ships carrying 20,000 visitors.
A few months later, the cruise port announced plans for a $35 million waterpark for families, capable of generating 350 full-time jobs.
Despite charging higher cruise passenger fees in 2024, the Nassau Cruise Port has managed to achieve impressive growth.
Maura declared that this was just the beginning. “Our success story is far from over,” he predicted. “The future promises even more growth for The Bahamas and its residents, and more incredible authentically Bahamian experiences for our visitors from around the world.”
Read more: 11 Tips for Exploring Nassau, Bahamas
