Nassau Cruise Port breaks record with 5.6M passengers in 2024, notes further expansion

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, which completed a $300 million (USD) revitalization project in 2023, opening a new terminal building, a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, a 3,500-seat amphitheatre, a living coral exhibit, local stores and new food and beverage facilities.

In 2023, Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 4.4 million passengers, surpassing the previous year’s total of 3.2 million, reads a press release.

The new record-breaking passenger numbers are “directly linked to the substantial growth in the Bahamian economy,” NCP says.

In 2024, The Bahamas welcomed approximately 9.1 million visitors, with 61 per cent 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, the port says.

“Local businesses, from retailers and restaurants to tour operators and artisans, continue to benefit from the influx of cruise passengers,” the port said in a statement. “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.’

“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, in a statement. “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.”

Plans for further expansion

Nassau Cruise Port has noted plans for further expansion.

New developments include enhanced facilities for transporting guests to areas of interest throughout New Providence and more dining options.

Nassau Cruise Port also looks forward to advancing “downtown-centered projects.”

“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.”

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