Nassau © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Overview:
There are various Eastern Caribbean cruises that feature Nassau
as a port of call, bringing cruising tourists from all corners of
the world to enjoy the exotic towns, gorgeous beaches and
subliminal weather of the Bahamas. While in Nassau, visitors will
find interesting museums and colonial buildings to explore, as well
as festive restaurants, bars and shopping complexes. A trip to
neighbouring Paradise Island ensures some peace and quiet, as well
as great snorkelling, on Caves Beach and Love Beach. Nassau is
located on the north-east coast of New Providence Island and cruise
ships calling here dock in Prince George Wharf, at Rawson Square in
the centre of town. This port can accommodate as many as six cruise
ships at any one time. At the port, Festival Place offers a Tourist
Information desk, as well as internet access, various vendors and a
café.
Contact:
Ministry of Tourism
+1 (242) 302 2000
www.bahamas.com
There is a Tourist Information desk at Festival Place in the
port.
Transport:
In Nassau, taxis are plentiful and can be hailed in the street.
Rates are fixed but surcharges apply for more than two passengers.
Rental cars and scooters are also available.
Attractions:
Explore the ocean floor with Hartley's Undersea Walk, or take a
guided tour of colonial Nassau in a horse-drawn carriage. Visit the
Bahamas' only zoo, the Ardastra Gardens, to see the famous marching
flamingo show, or try the Pirates of Nassau Museum for a
swashbuckling good time. Climb the Queen's Staircase to view Nassau
from the island's highest vantage point, Fort Fincastle.
Restaurants:
- Sun and... - trendy restaurant serving a vast selection of fresh
seafood dishes
- Andros - fresh seafood in the Fish Fry district
- Cafe Matisse - Italian food in a romantic courtyard setting
Best dish: Conch fritters
Shopping:
Rawson Square, where passengers disembark, is in the centre of
town and offers an array of duty-free shops. Nearby, Bay Street,
the main shopping street, is home to designer stores like Gucci and
Cartier, as well as a few souvenir shops. The famed Straw Market is
also close by and a great place to find souvenirs such as locally
produced straw hats and bags.
Best buy: Handmade Junkanoo masks
Excursions:
- Traverse the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera Island.
- Ponder mysterious stone blocks believed to be part of the Lost
City of Atlantis
- Snorkel the world's deepest 'blue hole', found in Long Island's
warm waters.
- Tan on the beaches of Paradise Island