Sarah Bretz, ContributorNassau Cruise Port has announced that it has once again broken its annual passenger record. The popular Bahamian port welcomed 5.6 million cruise passengers in 2024, marking the second year in a row of record-breaking growth.
In 2023, Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 4.4 million passengers, surpassing the previous year’s total of 3.2 million. With 5.6 million 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, Nassau Cruise Port continues to serve as a cornerstone of tourism in the Bahamas. The record-breaking cruise visitor numbers are directly linked to the substantial growth in the Bahamian economy. In 2024, the Bahamas welcomed about 9.1 million visitors, with 61 percent of them arriving via cruise ships.
This surge in visitors contributes directly to approximately $2.6 billion in annual tourism revenues for the country, 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 the port area itself has also led to increased demand for workforce development, providing jobs in both established sectors and emerging industries.
“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.”
New developments for Nassau Cruise Port, including enhanced facilities that bring 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. Nassau Cruise Port will also be involved in advancing downtown-centered projects that further 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.”
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