By: Staff Writer
May 30, 2023
The new Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) officially opened last week to a spectacular reception as it paves the way for history making visits in the near future.
The NCP already boasts 4m annual passengers, making it one of the busiest ports in the world and the busiest in the Caribbean. However, its chief executive, Michael Maura, boasted ahead of its opening that for 2023 they are projecting 4.2m passengers and for 2024 they’re projecting 4.4m passengers.
Philip Davis, KC, the Prime Minister, said: “Downtown Nassau holds an important place in our history, culture, and economy. While redevelopment is challenging, we remain committed to the revitalisation of Downtown Nassau. We are taking bold steps to address these challenges, including demolishing existing eyesores and creating room for new development.”
Mr Davis said the goal of the new port was to ensure that “visitors who step ashore will be immersed in our heritage, creativity and excellence.”
The $300m project expands the port capacity, while Mr Davis also noted the presence of a Junkanoo museum, amphitheater and more.
Anyone who has visited in recent years knows that unlike many destinations, there wasn’t much of a first impression when you left the ship. Until now, the port facility lacked a terminal that matched the size and scale of the number of visitors to the island.
The new NCP is upgraded with new port terminals, along with a new Bahamian craft centre, a new shopping area for vendors and an upgraded taxi system for guests that want to leave the general Nassau city area.
The new facility covers 11 acres, along with the sixth berth and will be able to welcome three Icon-class ships (the largest class of cruise ships on the planet) at once.
