Prince George Wharf
Prince George Wharf
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Docking point for cruise ships, where visitors can take glass-bottom boat cruises around the beautiful harbor.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.0
114 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
32
Average
46
Poor
11
Terrible
11
UncleDawg01
Mount Juliet, TN174 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Wow what a make-over. Rumor is that Nassau spent millions to renovate the port area and it shows. Now getting off the boat feels equally impressive as the fancy atmosphere on the boat. Bright colors, lots of shops. It won't be long before you don't really need to venture out into Nassau at all, which wouldn't be all bad given the drastic difference between shopping inside the port gates vs outside the gates. Maybe this is a sign that Nassau is about to invest in upgrades elsewhere in the city.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
USMC_Recon_2003
United States183 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Never once felt unsafe with my wife with me. Great, funny, nice locals with good fresh seafood and veggies for sale. We frequented this place during the week and had a great time! Highly recommended!
Written June 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ct-cruisers
Connecticut6,197 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We have sailed several times into Nassau and the ships dock here at the Prince George Wharf.
The cruise port can handle multiple cruise ships at the same times. As you leave your ship, you must walk through the cruise terminal before exiting out into the streets of Nassau. Before and after the terminal building, there are several people offering tours of the island. Inside, you will find counters for tours and information as well as vendors. Outside the terminal, you can rent scooters or take a horse and carriage ride. There are rows of taxis with fixed rates to destinations around the island.
From the wharf, you can take a water taxi over to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Resort.
There is plenty of shopping and dining available within blocks of the terminal. You can find a Hard Rock Cafe and a Señor Frogs nearby.
Also within walking distance are Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase. You can see the fort and the water tower behind it from the ships as you are docked. Fort Charlotte is a longer walk away.
The cruise port can handle multiple cruise ships at the same times. As you leave your ship, you must walk through the cruise terminal before exiting out into the streets of Nassau. Before and after the terminal building, there are several people offering tours of the island. Inside, you will find counters for tours and information as well as vendors. Outside the terminal, you can rent scooters or take a horse and carriage ride. There are rows of taxis with fixed rates to destinations around the island.
From the wharf, you can take a water taxi over to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Resort.
There is plenty of shopping and dining available within blocks of the terminal. You can find a Hard Rock Cafe and a Señor Frogs nearby.
Also within walking distance are Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase. You can see the fort and the water tower behind it from the ships as you are docked. Fort Charlotte is a longer walk away.
Written June 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GooseFan
Irvine, KY111 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
We got off a RC ship at the same time a Carnival ship was unloading. It was a rush to get through the check-in and then it really felt like the starting horn for the Hunger Games. Wall to wall people with 4 ships in port. Shopkeepers shouting and pawing (though not as bad as the straw market) and folks trying to simultaneously guide you to a taxi, sell you a boat ride, braid your hair and put "free" necklaces on you. It really was a rush of adrenaline. Not a fun start to the day, but a necessary evil, I suppose. On the other hand, leaving was a piece of cake!
Written January 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James F
Reidsville, North Carolina, United States42 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This massive quay was built during U. S. prohibition as an accommodation for the many vessels carrying rum and other distilled spirits to the United States. Today, it serves as the cruise terminal, the major tug station, the Bahamian Naval moorings and also has a substantial shopping area inside the gates.
The hustle of the vendors can be daunting to tourists who are not used to the level of huh-bub that having over 20,000 people being discharged from cruise ships at one time can create. While some of the shills for attractions can be a bit pushy, they are far from persistent, at least in our experiences.
The people who complain about the area by the quay are expecting everything to look like U. S. suburbia and this is not a Mall of America clone. It is hustle and bustle on an island that is known for a very slow pace in most areas of life. There are some shops that are outstanding and the higher end stores on the main drag are really impressive.
We enjoy digging our way through the vendors in the Straw Market to buy some Chinese made trinkets. Believe me, most everything in these stalls is not locally made anymore, but most tourist goods everywhere are like that.
We have been approached by several street urchins a few times. Make them stay together in a group or just walk off. Most of these kids are fun to talk to, some can sing and dance better than one would expect and we always give them a bit of cash as they sort of make a living this way.
Yes, walking is a bit of a chore if one is unsteady as the walks are not the best. Pay attention to where you put your feet and you will have no problems.
This is most important: WE HAVE NEVER BEEN APPROACHED BY ANY DRUG DEALER TRYING TO SELL SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!! If one does this, report them to one of the many provincial police who are always around and quite vigilant. Nassau depends on tourists, so the government wants to keep you safe. We are looking forward to our sixth visit in September. We are not one little bit intimidated by the locals. We are old, slow and perfect victims if one is so inclined. Yet, we find this port and interesting experience every time.
The hustle of the vendors can be daunting to tourists who are not used to the level of huh-bub that having over 20,000 people being discharged from cruise ships at one time can create. While some of the shills for attractions can be a bit pushy, they are far from persistent, at least in our experiences.
The people who complain about the area by the quay are expecting everything to look like U. S. suburbia and this is not a Mall of America clone. It is hustle and bustle on an island that is known for a very slow pace in most areas of life. There are some shops that are outstanding and the higher end stores on the main drag are really impressive.
We enjoy digging our way through the vendors in the Straw Market to buy some Chinese made trinkets. Believe me, most everything in these stalls is not locally made anymore, but most tourist goods everywhere are like that.
We have been approached by several street urchins a few times. Make them stay together in a group or just walk off. Most of these kids are fun to talk to, some can sing and dance better than one would expect and we always give them a bit of cash as they sort of make a living this way.
Yes, walking is a bit of a chore if one is unsteady as the walks are not the best. Pay attention to where you put your feet and you will have no problems.
This is most important: WE HAVE NEVER BEEN APPROACHED BY ANY DRUG DEALER TRYING TO SELL SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!! If one does this, report them to one of the many provincial police who are always around and quite vigilant. Nassau depends on tourists, so the government wants to keep you safe. We are looking forward to our sixth visit in September. We are not one little bit intimidated by the locals. We are old, slow and perfect victims if one is so inclined. Yet, we find this port and interesting experience every time.
Written July 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindervermont
South Burlington, VT527 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
We've been to several ports of call in the Caribbean and this was awful. We have loved all the others we've been too. The port has many uneven walking areas so it's difficult for anyone who is elderly, disabled, has walking difficulty, or is distracted by all the activity. There were garbage bags, overflowing trash cans and garbage on the ground. The taxi drivers and freelance local guides are totally in your face yelling at everyone to go with them. They are rude and aggressive. We even saw some of them grab tourists to get their attention which can be dangerous and scary. Between the ship and the main drag for shopping we had about 30 different guys approach us.
We had been warned by fellow passengers ahead of time to be aware of pickpockets so we took precautions and were more diligent than usual. We did notice many police in the tourist area of shopping and some soldiers in uniform.
The port building has little touristy shops but is dirty, dark and loud. The bathroom was disgusting. There were 5 ships in port that day so it was really crowded.
When you step to the street remember that they drive on the left so watch for cars.
The vans we used for our tour were very scary. They fill the van and then lower folding seats to be filled so the aisle is filled too. In the US it would be illegal. Our shuttle mates were not amused. Next time, we would just stay on the ship.
We had been warned by fellow passengers ahead of time to be aware of pickpockets so we took precautions and were more diligent than usual. We did notice many police in the tourist area of shopping and some soldiers in uniform.
The port building has little touristy shops but is dirty, dark and loud. The bathroom was disgusting. There were 5 ships in port that day so it was really crowded.
When you step to the street remember that they drive on the left so watch for cars.
The vans we used for our tour were very scary. They fill the van and then lower folding seats to be filled so the aisle is filled too. In the US it would be illegal. Our shuttle mates were not amused. Next time, we would just stay on the ship.
Written March 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wrigley1980
Kirkland, IL793 contributions
Prince George Wharf is a busy place when all the cruise ships stop in Nassau. There are few shops in the port building. As you are walking through the building go all the way to the end (the last set of doors) and there is a little food stand there selling conch fritters.....be sure to stop here to grab some. They are delicious and better than the ones you would find at the Fish Fry.
Prince George Wharf makes for some great photo opportunities when all the ships are in port. Be prepared for a long walk however when there are a lot if ships in port.
Prince George Wharf makes for some great photo opportunities when all the ships are in port. Be prepared for a long walk however when there are a lot if ships in port.
Written January 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fancyzookeeper
15 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
My best advice. Get off ship, take a few pics on the wharf, get back on ship.
If you choose to wander/shop/sightsee, be prepared to be hounded by vendors that don't take no for an answer. The best thing is to ignore them, don't let anyone stop you, just keep going, until you get out of downtown by bus or cab.
If you choose to wander/shop/sightsee, be prepared to be hounded by vendors that don't take no for an answer. The best thing is to ignore them, don't let anyone stop you, just keep going, until you get out of downtown by bus or cab.
Written July 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vabchtraveler
Virginia Beach, VA639 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Overall, I think the port pier and welcome area is pretty convenient. It is mostly clean and the area where the ships are is pressure-free. The paint on the buildings seems vibrant from a distance but could use some sprucing up. It's cool to see the school children on an outing to see one of the Bahamian Navy ships. Once you enter the 'welcome center' -- let the haggling begin. There are lots of shops with 'local' wares for sale, and lots of people who want to sell them to you. There have always been 5 ships in when I was there but they come and go at different times so that's not a big deal. As you leave the building, you are in downtown Nassau - it is literally across the street. Walking to areas of interest is pretty easy on the feet -- the straw market, shopping, Government House and the Queen's Staircase are all nearby. Be prepared to be bombarded with 'excursion offers' as you leave the building - you have to run the gauntlet to get past them all. Just keep smiling and moving forward, it doesn't take long!
Written December 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rockyjoe
Minneapolis, MN8,192 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Prince George Wharf is located on the northern side of the island near the center of downtown Nassau. The wharf leads directly to Festival Place Welcome Center where they have lots of shops and souvenir stands (and people selling city and boat tours). The wharf is the place where all the huge cruise ships dock and is big enough to hold seven huge cruise ships (which makes it a very popular cruise ship destination). You can also catch a ferry to Paradise Island from the wharf. The wharf was used by alcohol smugglers during prohibition and the wharf was greatly expanded at that time.
I arrived at Prince George Wharf from a cruise ship with my wife, children and some of their friends on a Thursday morning in mid-August. We were on the only cruise ship in port so it was not very busy. I was here a few years ago when there were four cruise ships in port and it was much busier then. There are also a few small Navy patrol boats parked near to the cruise ships. They were in the exact same spot the last time I was here and I am not sure if they ever leave the pier.
Although there is a lot of activity I felt perfectly safe in this area. There are lots of people trying to sell you something but they are not dangerous (they can be annoying though). I did not see any drug dealers like a previous poster mentioned. I found the area very interesting as there was a lot of activity with all the tourists and vendors.
Overall it is not a top tourist attraction as it is just a cruise ship dock. If you are arriving from a cruise ship you will naturally see it when you disembark the ship. If you arrived via an airplane you should stop by and check it out before leaving Nassau.
I arrived at Prince George Wharf from a cruise ship with my wife, children and some of their friends on a Thursday morning in mid-August. We were on the only cruise ship in port so it was not very busy. I was here a few years ago when there were four cruise ships in port and it was much busier then. There are also a few small Navy patrol boats parked near to the cruise ships. They were in the exact same spot the last time I was here and I am not sure if they ever leave the pier.
Although there is a lot of activity I felt perfectly safe in this area. There are lots of people trying to sell you something but they are not dangerous (they can be annoying though). I did not see any drug dealers like a previous poster mentioned. I found the area very interesting as there was a lot of activity with all the tourists and vendors.
Overall it is not a top tourist attraction as it is just a cruise ship dock. If you are arriving from a cruise ship you will naturally see it when you disembark the ship. If you arrived via an airplane you should stop by and check it out before leaving Nassau.
Written November 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far to the Water park at the Atlantis ? Cost of cabs ?
Written March 18, 2017
It is a short taxi ride, maybe 15-20 minutes because of traffic. It really depends on how many cruise ships are in port that day. It is $4. for a taxi to Atlantis, or it was last fall.
Written September 3, 2017
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