Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas – Exploring the Historic Port

Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas – Exploring the Historic Port

March 14, 2026 – Our first port of call introduced us to the charm and character of the Bahamas

Arrival in Nassau

The Disney Dream arrived in Nassau around 8:00 AM, docking at the Prince George Wharf. As we made our way to the terminal, the iconic color of Bahamian architecture greeted us – pastel buildings lining the harbor created that quintessential Caribbean scene you’d expect from a Disney cruise port.

Pro tip: Unlike some cruise ports where tendering is required, the Dream docks directly at the terminal. This means you’re in the heart of the action within minutes of stepping off the ship – no waiting for tenders needed.

About Nassau

• Capital of the Bahamas, located on New Providence Island
• Famous for colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and duty-free shopping
• Home to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island
• Population of approximately 250,000
• Rich history dating back to the 1600s

Our Ashore Plan

With limited time in port (approximately 8 hours), we prioritized: Queen Staircase for history, and downtown exploration for lunch and shopping. Having been to Nassau before, we skipped Atlantis this time, but it’s worth a visit for first-timers.

Things to Do in Nassau

• Queen Staircase – Historic 65-step staircase carved by enslaved people in 1793. A must-see landmark honoring Bahamian history.
• Junkanoo Beach – Popular beach located right near the cruise port. Free access, perfect for a quick swim.
• Arawak Cay – The “fish fry” area with local restaurants, crafts, and Junkanoo exhibitions.
• Atlantis Paradise Island – Iconic water park, aquarium, and casino. Day passes available (approximately $200/adult).
• National Art Gallery of the Bahamas – Free museum showcasing Bahamian art and culture.
• Fort Charlotte – 18th-century British fort with impressive architecture and harbor views.
• Cable Beach – Popular beach area with resorts and restaurants, a short taxi ride from downtown.

What We Did

Morning: We started with the Queen Staircase. It’s a steep climb (65 steps!), but the views of Nassau from the top are worth it. The staircase itself is carved directly into the coral rock – a remarkable piece of history. After descending, we walked through the government district and toward shopping.

Midday: Junkanoo Beach is the perfect spot for the kids to burn off energy. The water is calm, and there’s a playground and nearby food vendors. We skipped it this time for shopping and are planning it for our next cruise.

Afternoon: Downtown Nassau for lunch at a local spot, then browsing the straw markets. The duty-free shopping is excellent – particularly for jewelry, watches, and Bahamian crafts. Again our afternoon also included returning to the ship for the pool and AquaDuck.

Lunch in Nassau

On this trip we ate lunch on the ship however there is much to explore:

You could eat at Arawak Cay, the local “fish fry” area. This is the authentic Bahamian dining experience:

• Fish and Conch Fritters – Crispy, flavorful, and a Bahamian staple
• Grouper – Fresh and grilled to perfection
• Conch Salad – A must-try! Fresh conch in citrus marinade
• Bahamian Rice and Peas – Coconut-infused rice with peas
• Fried Plantains – Sweet and savory side dish

Pro tip: Ask for the “seasoning” – Bahamian hot sauce adds incredible flavor.

Shopping in Nassau

Nassau is a duty-free port, making it ideal for souvenir shopping:

• Straw Markets – Handwoven straw items, Junkanoo crafts, and local artwork. Bargaining is expected!
• Duty-Free Jewellery – Significant savings on watches and jewelry
• Bahamian Rum – Try local favorites like Bahamas Rum or Spirits of Bahama
• Local Art – Original paintings by Bahamian artists

One word of caution: Be prepared to haggle at the straw markets. Prices start high – expect to offer 50-60% of the asking price.

Tips for Nassau

• Book excursions early – Popular tours sell out, especially Atlantis and snorkeling trips.
• Bring cash for tips – While most places accept cards, small tips for servers and vendors are cash-based.
• Wear comfortable shoes – Nassau involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
• Start early – Shops can get crowded, especially in the afternoon.
• Consider a taxi sharing situation – Taxis to Cable Beach or Atlantis can be shared to split costs.
• Keep your Key to the World card – You’ll use it to reboard the ship, not for purchases ashore.

Our Highlights

• Queen Staircase – A piece of living history
• Authentic Bahamian lunch at Arawak Cay
• Junkanoo Beach – Perfect for families with quick beach time
• The convenience – Port is walking distance from the ship
• Shopping for souvenirs and gifts

Final Thoughts

Nassau offers something for everyone – history buffs, beach lovers, shoppers, and foodies. While it may not be as pristine as some other Caribbean destinations, the character and convenience make it a winner. Plus, being able to walk from the ship to downtown in minutes is a huge plus, especially with kids.

Have a Nassau tip to share? Drop it in the comments below!

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