Nassau is a city on New Providence Island in the Bahamas archipelago. The Bahamas are often the introductory destination that many vacation travelers experience on their first cruise. Three- or four-day cruises depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral, and sail the short distance to Nassau or Freeport in the Bahamas, giving passengers a first-time cruise experience.
Cruises also sail from Charleston to Nassau. Freeport, Nassau, and private Bahamian islands like Half Moon Cay or Castaway Cay are the most popular cruise destinations. Although the Bahamas have more than 700 islands, fewer than fifty are inhabited.
The Bahamas are only fifty miles from the United States. The 700 islands stretch over 100,000 square miles of sea from the east coast of Florida to the north coast of Cuba and Haiti. The Bahamas derive their name from the Spanish phrase Baja Mar , which means shallow waters.
Exploring Nassau
Thousands of cruise ships are in Nassau every weekend. Nassau is a perfect combination of British heritage and colonialism along with modern resorts and picturesque beaches. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, which is approximately 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. The city is compact and can be easily explored on foot in a few hours. Cruise ships dock at docks on the north side of the island, a 10-minute walk from the city center. The modern pier, known as Prince George Wharf, is just one block from the famous Bay Street, Nassau’s main shopping street.
When your cruise ship docks, you will find many taxis waiting to take you around the island.
When you’re in Nassau for the day, you can take a cruise-sponsored shore excursion, book an excursion on your own, or use the time to explore the city, island, or beach. Due to the tropical location, many tours are related to water. Boat trips, a tour of Nassau or the island, snorkeling or diving, golf, swimming with dolphins, or exploring in a submarine are all popular tours. Don’t forget the food at Arawak Cay. Many cruise ship passengers purchase a day pass to the massive Atlantis Resort on nearby Paradise Island.
There is certainly something for everyone.
If you decide not to go on an organized shore excursion, stop at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism near Rawson Square. They can help you get a very clear idea of what to see and do in Nassau. You cannot miss it, you will see it when you leave the cruise ship dock. They can provide maps, directions, and other information. If you are exploring the city on foot, it certainly helps to know what you are looking at.
History of Nassau and the Bahamas
The recorded history of the Bahamas begins with a date familiar to many of us: October 12, 1492. Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World on an island in the Bahamas that he called San Salvador. Neither Columbus nor the explorers who followed him found gold or riches on the islands. European settlers first arrived in the Bahamas in 1648, but in the late 17th century they found the Bahamas crawling with pirates like Edward Teach (Blackbeard) and Henry Morgan. The British managed to control the islands by hanging many of the pirates, and the Bahamas became a colony of Great Britain in 1728.
The islands are still part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and British culture and traditions are seen in Nassau. There is a statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Parliament of the Bahamas, and the Queen’s Staircase was built to honor the 65-year reign of Queen Victoria. Edward, the Duke of Windsor, who abdicated the throne of England for the woman he loved, was Governor of the Bahamas from 1940 to 1945.
Because the Bahamas are so close to the United States, they have played an interesting role in the history of this country. In fact, the Americans captured Nassau and held it for two weeks during the Revolutionary War. The Bahamas were also involved with the United States during two historical eras in our past: arms trafficking during the Civil War and rum during Prohibition.
The relationship between the Bahamas and the United States may not be so exciting anymore, but Americans invade the islands each week via cruise ships or planes bringing welcome tourism dollars to the Bahamian economy.
What to love about Nassau
Many tourists believe that Nassau is the best of both worlds. It is modern enough for the tourist infrastructure to function well, economic conditions are better than in the rest of the Caribbean, and nothing in the city is so “unknown” to inconvenience less traveled tourists. At the same time, Nassau has just enough exotic side to make you realize that you are no longer at home. When you get off the boat and see the police, dressed in their “bobbie” uniforms and directing traffic on the left, you will immediately realize that you have left home.
The former colonial sites, the influence of the British language, and the towns and festivals of the West Indies all help make Nassau a fascinating destination.
Nassau stretches along the north shore of New Providence. The city is compact and easy to explore quietly on foot. As you stroll through the city, absorb the colonial history and make time to browse for bargains at the straw shops and markets. Cruises often offer a shore excursion to Nassau and the famous Ardastra Gardens. This tour generally includes a stroll down Bay Street to the Queen’s Staircase and a visit to Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte before concluding at Ardastra Gardens.
Outside Nassau on New Providence Island
New Providence Island is only 21 miles long and 7 miles wide, making it easy to see in just a few hours by bus, car, or moped. Shore excursions often combine a tour of Nassau, some sightseeing, and time at the beach. Or visit the famous Atlantis Resort. If you’ve spent time in Nassau before, you may want to take an out-of-town excursion, which can be booked on your cruise ship or in Nassau.
