Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 6.1 million passengers in 2025 and expects to welcome approximately 6.7 million in 2026. As the Bahamian port is nominated for the World Cruise Awards, the numbers tell a broader story: that of a gateway to the Bahamas that is expanding in scale.
Six ships and 33,254 passengers in a single day
On June 8, 2026, six cruise ships were in Nassau at the same time. The Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Caribbean Princess, and Disney Fantasy all contributed to a record-breaking day: 33,254 passengers welcomed in twenty-four hours.
The previous record, set on March 11, 2025, was 30,538 passengers. In just over a year, that figure has risen once again. For Mike Maura Jr., CEO and port director, this passenger volume is also due to the many Bahamian businesses that welcome visitors: retailers, artisans, restaurant owners, tour operators, transportation providers, and artists. This record adds another dimension to the news announced this week.
Nassau Cruise Port Nominated for the World Cruise Awards
Nassau Cruise Port is among the nominees for the title of Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 at the World Cruise Awards. It is competing against Antigua Cruise Port, Grand Turk Cruise Center, Port of Bridgetown, Port St. Maarten, and Port of Willemstad, among others. The Bahamas are also in the running in the category of Caribbean’s Best Cruise Destination 2026, alongside Antigua, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Voting, which began on July 13, will continue until August 21, 2026. Winners will be selected based on the number of votes received in each category. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 12, 2026 at the Princess Grand Jamaica. But above all, the nomination comes amid a period of spectacular growth.
From 6.1 to 6.7 million passengers
In 2025, Nassau Cruise Port welcomed approximately 6.1 million passengers, compared to 5.6 million in 2024. Nearly 1,600 port calls were recorded over the course of the year. For 2026, the port now expects approximately 6.7 million passengers. This growth puts Nassau in a league of its own. The port is touted as the world’s busiest transit cruise port, a situation that makes the few hours spent in Nassau the first point of contact with the Bahamas for millions of travelers. The issue, therefore, is no longer just about the number of ships capable of docking. It’s also about what visitors find when they go ashore.
More than just a landing site
Recent investments reflect this trend. In particular, a marina for yachts 100 feet and longer has been added, along with new dining and recreational options. Bahamian culture is also reflected in some of the port’s initiatives. In May, approximately 120 crew members from Margaritaville at Sea participated in “Junkanoo and Chill”, an experience that included a presentation on the history and cultural significance of Junkanoo, a dance workshop, and a rushout—a collective moment driven by its rhythms and movements.
The example referred to crew members, not all cruise passengers. But it points to an interesting direction: turning a port call into an opportunity to experience Bahamian culture, rather than just a logistical stopover.
What will 6.7 million visitors take away from the experience?
Winning a World Cruise Award would offer Nassau Cruise Port additional recognition. The numbers, however, raise a deeper question. As passenger volumes increase, Nassau has only a few hours to give millions of visitors their first impression of the Bahamas. Between infrastructure, recreation, shopping, and culture, what will they actually remember about the destination once they’re back on board?
Nassau Cruise Port has been nominated in the category Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026. This nomination comes as the port continues to grow and expects to welcome approximately 6.7 million passengers in 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port plans to welcome approximately 6.7 million passengers in 2026, following approximately 6.1 million in 2025. The port also set a record of 33,254 passengers in a single day in June 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port is developing experiences that go beyond simply disembarking passengers. Some of these initiatives highlight the Junkanoo, a major cultural tradition of the Bahamas, through its history, music, and dance.
