The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos welcome you at more than 20 cruise ports and private islands.
You can dock at Nassau’s modern Prince George Wharf, Freeport’s Lucaya Harbour, or Bimini’s Resorts World.
You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private islands like Disney’s Castaway Cay, Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, and MSC’s Ocean Cay.
Each port offers you distinct experiences, from white-sand beaches to local markets and historic sites.
Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Nassau Cruise Port welcomes you at Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau. You’ll find this newly renovated port just steps from the city centre. The $300 million upgrade in 2023 has made it the Bahamas’ main cruise destination.
You can use one of six berths at the port, which handles up to 30,000 visitors each day. You’ll walk straight into downtown’s shops, restaurants and famous attractions from your ship. The port’s modern terminal offers you:
- Shopping areas
- Dining options
- An excursion booking centre
From the port, you can easily reach Nassau’s popular beaches and resorts. The terminal’s layout helps you move smoothly between your ship and the city’s highlights.
Freeport, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
Your cruise ship berths at Lucaya Harbour in Freeport, just 10 minutes away from Grand Bahama Island’s downtown area. You can find basic amenities right at the cruise terminal, including:
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants
- Tour booking offices
Beyond the port area, you’ll discover popular local attractions:
- Bahamian Brewery – sample local beers
- Garden of the Groves – explore tropical landscapes
- Port Lucaya Marketplace – browse local shops and stalls
The port serves as your gateway to these Bahamian experiences, and you can easily arrange transport to any of these destinations from the terminal.
Bimini, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find Bimini on the westernmost edge of the Bahamas, just 53 miles from Miami. This cruise destination features the Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port, which can host one ship at a time.
The port welcomes vessels of all sizes and offers easy access to key attractions. You can walk or take a free tram to reach:
- The welcome centre
- Paradise Beach
- The casino
- Ten waterfront restaurants
All these amenities sit close to your ship’s docking point, making exploration straightforward and convenient.
The port’s proximity to Miami makes it a popular stop for Caribbean cruises, and you’ll enjoy shorter sailing times compared to other Bahamian destinations.
San Salvador, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
San Salvador’s cruise ships dock at Cockburn Town. When you arrive at San Salvador’s port, you’ll find:
- Direct dock access (no water shuttle needed)
- Clean white-sand beaches within walking distance
- Local vendors selling authentic Bahamian food and drinks
- Beach equipment rentals at reasonable prices
- Clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling
You can:
- Walk to the historical Columbus Landing Site
- Visit the local museum to learn about the island’s heritage
- Enjoy freshly caught seafood at nearby restaurants
- Explore the town’s colonial architecture
- Book guided tours of the island’s natural attractions
Practical tip: Most facilities are within a 10-minute walk from the port, and local taxis are readily available if you want to explore further.
Great Exuma, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find Great Exuma in the central Bahamas, offering an accessible cruise ship port for visitors. The island’s transparent waters and white-sand beaches make it a prime Caribbean destination.
The port supports several key activities:
- Sportfishing in deep waters
- Diving amongst vibrant coral reefs
- Island hopping to nearby cays
George Town serves as your main hub on the island, where you can:
- Dine at local restaurants
- Book accommodation
- Visit the Sandals Emerald Bay golf course
- Access water taxis to nearby attractions
The port welcomes you year-round, with peak visiting times during winter months. You’ll need to tender (transfer by small boat) from your cruise ship to reach the main dock.
Long Island, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
Long Island sits in the southern Bahamas and welcomes small boats and private yachts only – no large cruise ships dock here.
You can enjoy these main attractions:
- Dean’s Blue Hole – the world’s second-deepest blue hole, perfect for diving and snorkelling
- Pristine beaches – you’ll find quiet, untouched stretches of white sand
- Columbus Monument – you can visit the site where Christopher Columbus made landfall
- Local settlements – you’ll experience genuine Bahamian culture in small fishing villages
Essential travel tips:
- Bring cash – ATMs are limited
- Pack supplies – shops stock basic items only
- Book accommodation ahead – rooms are limited
- Arrange transport – taxis and car hire need advance booking
Best time to visit:
- December to April offers ideal weather
- Summer brings warmer temperatures and occasional rain
- September to November is hurricane season
You’ll find basic amenities but genuine island life without tourist crowds.
Salt Cay, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port Guide
Salt Cay belongs to the Turks and Caicos Islands, not the Bahamas. You can explore this small, peaceful island using golf carts or bikes. The island features historic colonial buildings and pristine beaches without crowds.
You can watch humpback whales migrate past the island between January and April. While Salt Cay doesn’t have large hotels, you’ll find friendly local restaurants that serve fresh-caught seafood. The island offers you a quiet, authentic Caribbean experience away from busy tourist areas.
Grand Turk – Turks and Caicos Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Grand Turk Cruise Center sits at the southern tip of Grand Turk island, covering 13 acres of waterfront. You’ll find this modern Carnival facility has been welcoming cruise passengers since 2006.
Your top activities at the port include:
- Catching waves at the FlowRider surf simulator
- Visiting the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville store and restaurant
- Learning about space history at the NASA Interactive Exhibit, which marks Grand Turk’s role in the 1962 Mercury Space Mission
The centre offers you:
- Modern port facilities
- Direct beach access
- Duty-free shopping
- Restaurants and bars
- Swimming pools
- Local tour bookings
You can easily walk to all attractions within the cruise centre, making it simple to plan your day ashore.
Celebration Key (Carnival’s New Private Destination)
Get ready for Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Caribbean getaway – Celebration Key. You’ll find this private retreat on Grand Bahama Island from July 2025.
The destination offers you:
- Five unique activity zones (called ‘portals’)
- A pristine mile-long white-sand beach
- Two freshwater lagoons
- Paradise Plaza for socialising
- Pearl Cove for adults-only relaxation
- Starfish Lagoon for family activities
You can easily switch between peaceful beach time and lively entertainment areas. Your visit combines the natural beauty of the Bahamas with Carnival’s signature holiday experience.
Great Stirrup Cay (NCL Private Island)
Your paradise awaits at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. You’ll find this 268-acre retreat in the Berry Islands, just 140 miles east of Miami. A 20-minute tender boat takes you from your ship to the island.
You can:
- Unwind on Bertram’s Beach with complimentary chairs
- Book a luxury villa at Silver Cove
- Enjoy fresh barbecue meals at no extra cost
- Try exciting water activities:
- Zip through the air on island ziplines
- Explore underwater with snorkelling gear
- Glide across waters on paddleboards
Travel time:
- From Miami: 140 miles east
- Ship to shore: 20 minutes by tender
Half Moon Cay (Holland America Private Island)
Half Moon Cay nestled in the Bahamas, just 100 miles southeast of Nassau. This private island belongs to Carnival Corporation and serves both Holland America and Carnival cruise passengers.
The island spans 2,400 acres and features a pristine 2-mile white sand beach. You’ll need to take tender boats to reach the shore, as the island doesn’t have a deep-water dock.
Your day at Half Moon Cay can include:
- Beach lounging on complimentary chairs
- Water sports activities
- Horseback riding along the coast
- Swimming in crystal-clear waters
The island offers everything you need for a perfect beach day, and your cruise fare covers basic amenities like beach access and seating.
CocoCay (Royal Caribbean Private Island)
CocoCay just 55 miles northwest of Nassau in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. This 125-acre private island belongs exclusively to Royal Caribbean and welcomes up to 6,000 visitors each day.
The island offers three main attractions:
- Thrill Waterpark boasts North America’s highest waterslide
- Oasis Lagoon features the Caribbean’s biggest freshwater pool
- Hideaway Beach provides a peaceful adults-only retreat
Each area lets you enjoy different experiences:
- Thrill-seekers can tackle exciting water rides
- Families can splash and swim in the vast pool
- Adults can relax in quiet, child-free spaces
The island connects directly with your Royal Caribbean cruise, making it easy to explore during your holiday.
Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line Private Island)
Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island, nestled in the Bahamas near Great Abaco Island. Three distinct beaches await you: the peaceful adults-only Serenity Bay and two family zones for all-ages fun. You can hop on free trams to move easily between the island’s attractions.
The island offers plenty of activities to fill your day: you can snorkel in clear waters, soar above the sea while parasailing, or splash down the Pelican Plunge water slide. The island even houses its own post office, where you can send postcards with a unique Bahamian postmark.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises Private Island)
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island just 65 miles east of Miami in the Bimini region of the Bahamas. You can walk straight from your MSC cruise ship onto this restored marine sanctuary.
The island offers you:
- Seven beautiful beaches to explore
- A private beach (Ocean House Beach) exclusively for Yacht Club members
- Free food and drinks served from coastal food trucks and bars
- Clear waters for snorkelling adventures
- Professional scuba diving sessions
- Evening boat trips with champagne at sunset
You’ll find everything within easy walking distance, making your island visit relaxed and convenient.
Princess Cays (Carnival & Princess Private Island)
Princess Cays sits at the southern end of Eleuthera island, offering you a beautiful 40-acre private beach destination. You can easily spend your day at various beach spots equipped with free sun loungers. The water activities will keep you entertained, with options like snorkelling and banana boat rides available for hire.
Your Princess Cruise drinks package remains valid here, but Carnival packages don’t work. You’ll need to take a tender boat to reach the island, so arrive early to find the best beach spots.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Disney Cruise Line Private Destination)
Lookout Cay at Disney’s newest private paradise on Eleuthera island’s southeastern tip. You’ll discover 900 acres of pristine Bahamian coastline, carefully designed for Disney Cruise Line guests.
Your beach experience includes:
- Clean, white-sand beaches with free beach chairs and umbrellas
- Professional lifeguards at every swimming area
- Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling
Your cultural activities feature:
- Local Bahamian artists showcasing their work
- Traditional Junkanoo dance performances
- Fresh island cuisine at beachside restaurants
Your family attractions offer:
- Rush Out Gush Out water play area for children
- Sebastian’s Cove splash zone
- Shaded relaxation areas
You can access all beach amenities and basic facilities without extra charges. Local Bahamian staff share their culture and traditions throughout your visit, making each moment authentically Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Avoid Hurricane Season?
The safest time for you to visit is between December and April, avoiding the Caribbean hurricane season completely. You can travel with confidence during these months, as they fall outside the storm period that runs from June to November.
Do I Need a Passport for Cruises to These Caribbean Destinations?
Passport requirements vary for Caribbean cruises:
You need a passport for:
- Turks and Caicos destinations
- Any open-loop cruises
You don’t need a passport for:
– Bahamas closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same US port)
Remember to carry these essential documents instead for closed-loop cruises:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Original birth certificate
This straightforward breakdown helps you prepare the right travel documents for your Caribbean cruise.
How Much Cash Should I Bring for Local Purchases and Tips?
Plan for £40-80 per day for local purchases and £15 daily for crew gratuities. Pack additional cash for tour guides (£10-20 per tour) and market vendors who often prefer cash payments. Using cash helps you track spending and provides immediate payment options in smaller establishments.
Are Water Activities Safe for Non-Swimmers at These Ports?
Water activities at these ports are safe for non-swimmers with proper precautions. You can participate in various activities whilst wearing mandatory life vests. The ports maintain shallow-water zones with stable platforms for added security. You’ll find guided boat tours where professionals supervise all participants. The ports offer controlled environments for water encounters, including viewing decks and supervised water edges. You can enjoy activities like glass-bottom boat rides or guided shoreline walks that don’t require swimming skills.
Which Cruise Lines Offer the Most Stops in These Caribbean Destinations?
The top three cruise lines serving Caribbean destinations rank as:
- Carnival Cruise Line offers the most port stops, particularly at Grand Turk
- Royal Caribbean comes second with regular Caribbean destination visits
- Norwegian Cruise Line provides the third-most frequent stops
You’ll find these operators consistently scheduling routes to popular Caribbean ports throughout the year. Each cruise line lets you explore multiple islands during a single voyage, making it easy to visit several destinations on your Caribbean holiday.
