Planning a Caribbean cruise should be all about looking forward to sunny beaches, clear blue water, and amazing food – not worrying about your safety. But if your itinerary includes Nassau, Bahamas, you might want to think twice before stepping off the ship. Despite being the most visited cruise port in the Caribbean with over 5 million visitors yearly, Nassau has recently seen a significant spike in crime that’s causing many seasoned travelers to stay onboard instead of exploring this popular destination.
Nassau’s rising crime problem makes tourists nervous
Nassau might look like paradise from your ship’s deck, but once you walk past the colorful buildings of the port area, things can get dicey fast. In early 2024, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for the Bahamas to Level 2, specifically mentioning Nassau as an area of concern. This wasn’t just a random decision – it happened after 18 murders occurred in just one month. The warning specifically mentions armed robberies and sexual assaults targeting tourists, with criminals even targeting visitors in broad daylight.
Many cruise passengers share stories about feeling unsafe just a few blocks from the port. One recent traveler wrote online that “Nassau quickly feels unsafe once you leave the main tourist areas.” Another passenger reported being aggressively followed by locals trying to sell things, making them rush back to the ship. Unlike some cruise destinations where you can freely wander and explore, Nassau requires visitors to stay extra alert and stick to well-traveled paths if they decide to get off the ship at all.
The sharks aren’t just a metaphor at this port
While most people worry about human dangers when traveling, Nassau presents another risk many cruise passengers don’t consider – sharks. The Bahamas actually has the highest rate of shark attacks in the Caribbean region. According to the International Shark Attack File, the country has recorded 33 unprovoked shark attacks throughout its history – more than any other Caribbean nation. Since 2012 alone, the organization has documented five non-fatal shark attacks in Bahamian waters.
This may not seem like a huge number, but it’s enough to earn the Bahamas the dubious distinction of having the most dangerous, shark-infested beach in the entire Caribbean. For cruise visitors who plan to enjoy water activities like snorkeling, swimming, or diving, this adds another layer of risk beyond the normal concerns about theft or scams. While shark attacks remain rare, they represent yet another reason many cruise experts recommend thinking twice before choosing certain excursions in Nassau.
Constant harassment from vendors ruins the experience
Even if you manage to avoid crime and sharks, there’s another aspect of visiting Nassau that makes many cruise visitors wish they’d stayed on the ship – aggressive vendors. The moment you step off the gangway, you’ll likely face a gauntlet of people trying to sell you everything from taxi rides to hair braiding to counterfeit goods. These vendors can be incredibly persistent, following visitors for blocks and using high-pressure tactics that make it impossible to relax and enjoy the port.
A cruise passenger who visited Nassau last month described the experience as “exhausting and unpleasant.” She explained: “We couldn’t walk ten feet without someone getting in our face trying to sell something. When we politely declined, they would follow us and keep pushing. Eventually, we just went back to the ship three hours early because it wasn’t worth the stress.” This kind of harassment creates an atmosphere that’s the opposite of the relaxing vacation most cruisers hope for.
Cruise lines are creating safer alternatives
Cruise companies aren’t blind to the problems in Nassau and other risky Caribbean ports. That’s why many lines have invested millions in creating their own private islands in the Bahamas as safer alternatives. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney’s Castaway Cay, and MSC’s Ocean Cay are just a few examples of these controlled environments where passengers can enjoy beaches and activities without the safety concerns of public ports like Nassau.
These private destinations feature fenced perimeters, security staff, and carefully vetted employees. Visitors don’t have to worry about crime, aggressive vendors, or wandering into dangerous areas. One recent visitor to Perfect Day at CocoCay compared it to her experience in Nassau: “It was like night and day. In Nassau, I was constantly looking over my shoulder and clutching my bag. At CocoCay, I could relax, let my kids explore a bit, and actually enjoy myself. If I cruise the Bahamas again, I’ll choose an itinerary that skips Nassau and includes a private island instead.”
Stay on the ship and enjoy the empty pool
If your cruise does stop in Nassau and you’re concerned about safety, there’s a simple solution many experienced cruisers recommend: just stay on the ship. On port days, the ship becomes wonderfully empty as most passengers head ashore. This means you can enjoy the pool without fighting for a chair, visit the spa during prime hours, and dine without waiting in line. You can also take advantage of port-day specials that many cruise lines offer to entice people to stay onboard.
Tom, a cruise enthusiast who’s sailed the Caribbean over twenty times, says this is his standard practice in Nassau: “I used to feel like I had to get off at every port to get my money’s worth. Now I know better. Nassau day is my favorite ship day. I get the hot tub all to myself, find a quiet spot to read, and enjoy the ship I paid good money for while everyone else is dealing with the chaos in port. It feels like having a private yacht for the day!”
If you must visit, stick to organized excursions
If you’re determined to experience Nassau despite the risks, the safest approach is booking an organized excursion through your cruise line. These tours provide several important safety advantages. First, they’re run by operators who’ve been vetted by the cruise company. Second, you’ll travel in a group, which reduces your chances of being targeted. Third, the cruise ship won’t leave without you if your tour runs late (not guaranteed if you explore independently).
Another good option is to purchase a day pass to Atlantis Paradise Island resort. While expensive, this gives you access to a secure, upscale environment with beaches, pools, and water slides. Many passengers say this is the only way they’ll visit Nassau now. Sarah, who cruised with her family last year, explained: “We did the Atlantis day pass and had a great time. We were picked up right at the port, taken directly to the resort, and then back to the ship. We never had to deal with any of the safety issues we’d heard about, and we still got to experience something unique to that port.”
The Bahamas has better ports than Nassau
If you want to experience the beautiful waters and culture of the Bahamas without the risks of Nassau, consider looking for itineraries that visit other Bahamian destinations. Freeport on Grand Bahama Island has its own safety challenges but generally feels less threatening to visitors than Nassau. Even better are smaller ports like Half Moon Cay (Holland America’s private island) or Princess Cays (Princess Cruises’ private beach).
These alternative ports offer the white sand beaches and turquoise waters the Bahamas is famous for without the crime concerns of the busy capital. Many cruise fans specifically look for these itineraries when booking. Mike, who’s cruised to the Bahamas six times, says: “I now check itineraries carefully and choose ones that skip Nassau entirely. There are so many beautiful places to visit in the Caribbean that don’t come with warnings from the State Department. Why take the risk when you don’t have to? Your vacation should be about relaxation, not constantly watching your back.”
A cruise vacation should be about relaxation and adventure, not stress and worry. While Nassau remains a fixture on many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, the increasing safety concerns make it a port that many experienced cruisers now avoid. Whether you choose to stay on the ship, opt for a carefully organized excursion, or book a different itinerary altogether, prioritizing your safety will ensure your cruise memories are happy ones.
