Nassau Cruise Port welcomes 30,500+ passengers in single day, sets new record

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is celebrating a milestone, welcoming 30,538 cruise passengers in a single day on March 11, 2025.

This record-breaking achievement marks a significant moment for the port as The Bahamas continues to grow as a cruise destination.

This surge in passenger arrivals was driven by a combination of major cruise lines, with six ships docking at the port that day including MSC Seaside, Disney Dream, and four Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships – Independence  of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

“We are thrilled to announce this incredible achievement,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port, in a press release. “Breaking this passenger record is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, our local partners, and the Bahamian people. But beyond the numbers, it's about the joy of seeing families, couples, and friends making lasting memories together. It’s the smiling faces and the shared experiences that make  Nassau such a special destination for cruise passengers.”

Next phase of the growth

Nassau Cruise Port has made strides in enhancing its facilities and services since its $300 million transformation was completed in 2023.

In anticipation of the next phase of the growth of the port, $2 million will be invested this year to enhance ground transportation services and to provide additional ferry terminal capacity that will serve the Royal Caribbean Paradise Island Beach Club, which is scheduled to begin operations in December 2025.

New amenities, including the newly-opened Shore Break restaurant and the pool day club experience, which is under construction, will support the Nassau Cruise Port plan to handle record numbers while maintaining service and quality.

Looking ahead, NCP is poised to welcome 6.5 million passengers this year (up approximately 15 per cent from 2024), while revenues are expected to increase from $49m in 2024 to $78m this year.

Compared to 2023, cruise ship calls to NCP increased by 12 per cent in January and 19 per cent in February.

Passenger numbers also rose, with over 50,000 more visitors (an 11 per cent increase) in January and over 57,000 more  passengers (a 13 per cent increase) in February.

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