Nassau Cruise Port just posted its biggest year ever. The port welcomed an estimated 6.1 million cruise passengers in 2025, setting a new annual record and reinforcing Nassau’s position as one of the busiest cruise destinations in the Caribbean, according to new figures released this week.

Another Year of Growth

The 2025 performance continues a strong upward trajectory for the port. In 2024, Nassau Cruise Port handled approximately 5.6 million passengers across more than 1,400 cruise calls. Last year’s total represents an increase of roughly 420,000 passengers, about 7 percent year over year, alongside more than 130 additional cruise calls, a gain of approximately 9.5 percent. In total, nearly 1,600 cruise calls supported the 2025 passenger volume.

A Record Year for The Bahamas

The port’s results align closely with national tourism numbers announced last week by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation I. Chester Cooper. He confirmed that The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism performance.

“In 2025, The Bahamas welcomed an unprecedented 12.5 million visitors, the highest total arrivals ever recorded,” Cooper told Parliament. “Visitor arrivals grew 11.4 per cent year-over-year, surpassing 2024’s record and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by more than 72 per cent.”

The Port’s Role

“This milestone year for tourism underscores the critical role Nassau Cruise Port continues to play as the primary gateway for visitors to The Bahamas,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Welcoming more than six million cruise passengers in a single year reflects the confidence of our cruise partners, the strength of the destination, and the impact of ongoing investments to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency at the port.”

What’s Driving Cruise Demand

According to port officials, rising passenger volumes reflect a combination of factors shaping cruise travel, including the continued appeal of cruise pricing, increased interest in experience-driven vacations, and new and upcoming destination enhancements in Nassau. Additional port amenities scheduled to debut this year include a signature restaurant and a day club-style pool experience, aimed at extending time ashore and deepening visitor engagement.

Economic Impact

As one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, Nassau Cruise Port remains a key driver of tourism growth for The Bahamas. Cruise traffic continues to support economic activity across New Providence through visitor spending, employment, and partnerships with local businesses and tour operators, reinforcing the port’s central role in the country’s tourism economy.