Nassau Cruise Port Sets New Milestone, Welcoming 6.6 Million Passengers in 2024

Second Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Growth Fuels Local Economic Prosperity

[Nassau, Bahamas, January 5, 2024] — Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has once again broken its annual passenger record, welcoming 5.6 million cruise passengers in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year of record- breaking growth for the port, underscoring the continued global demand for Bahamian travel experiences and the port’s expanding role in the country’s economic development.

In 2023, Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 4.4 million passengers, surpassing the previous year’s total of 3.2 million, signaling a consistent and impressive upward trajectory. With 5.6 million cruise visitors in 2024, the destination has demonstrated its resilience and ability to thrive amidst an increasingly competitive tourism industry.

As the largest and busiest transit cruise port in the region, NCP continues to serve as a cornerstone of The Bahamas’ tourism sector. The record-breaking passenger numbers are directly linked to the substantial growth in the Bahamian economy. In 2024, The Bahamas welcomed approximately 9.1 million visitors, with 61% of them—approximately 5.6 million—arriving via cruise ships that sailed into Nassau Cruise Port.

This surge in visitors contributes directly to approximately $2.6 billion in annual tourism revenues for the nation, creating a ripple effect across a wide range of industries. Local businesses, from retailers and restaurants to tour operators and artisans, continue to benefit from the influx of cruise passengers. The continued growth of Nassau Cruise Port has created new opportunities for existing businesses while laying the foundation for a new generation of Bahamian entrepreneurs to succeed.

The expansion and modernization of NCP have also led to increased demand for workforce development, helping to provide jobs in both established sectors and emerging industries. Nassau Cruise Port remains committed to fostering a sustainable, inclusive economic environment for Bahamians.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone for the second year in a row,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented team, our valued partners, and the Bahamian people. We could not have reached this point without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, including the Government of The Bahamas, our cruise line partners, local businesses, and the community at large. Together, we are shaping the future of Bahamian tourism, and I am excited to see the continued growth of Nassau Cruise Port as a gateway to The Bahamas and a source of opportunity for all.”

With ambitious plans for further expansion and improvement underway, Nassau Cruise Port is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of global cruise tourism. New developments, including enhanced facilities which facilitate transport of guests to areas of interest throughout New Providence, recreational family-oriented experiences, dining options, and sustainable practices, are expected to enhance the visitor experience and further elevate the port’s status as one of the leading cruise hubs in the region. In keeping with the company’s continued promotion of Nassau as a premier tourism destination, Nassau Cruise Port looks forward to advancing downtown-centered projects that serve to elevate the visitor experience.

“Our success story is far from over,” Maura, Jr. added. “The future promises even more growth for The Bahamas and its residents, and more incredible Authentically Bahamian experiences for our visitors from around the world.”

ABOUT NASSAU CRUISE PORT

The new Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is much more than the premier cruise gateway to The Bahamas, welcoming 4.4 million passengers in 2023. The Authentically Bahamian, world-class port destination includes six new and expanded berths to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world, a 700-foot mega yacht berth, a new marina, and a new water excursion and ferry terminal. The recently upgraded $300 million waterfront features over sixty retail stores including new food & beverage outlets, the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo, a wine bar & art gallery, and a 3,000-person amphitheater that currently features top Bahamian and international entertainment. Other notable changes include the addition of an iconic new arrivals terminal, new outposts for the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, a new Ground Transportation Area to support smooth taxi and tour operations, a hair braiders pavilion, and a signature event space overlooking the harbour. Nassau Cruise Port is “The Place to Be!”

NCP began operations in October 2019 as part of a consortium including Global Ports Holding Plc, the Bahamas Investment Fund (“BIF”) and the Yes Foundation. Learn more at www.nassaucruiseport.com