The Tribune

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) yesterday said it has been nominated as the Caribbean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 in the World Cruise Awards as it remains on target for a 600,000 year-over-year increase in passengers.

The Prince George Wharf operator, in a statement, said the nomination further recognises the port’s growing standing as a leading Caribbean gateway. The Bahamas has also been nominated as the Caribbean’s Best Cruise Destination 2026, highlighting the country’s continued strength and appeal within the global cruise industry.

“We are honoured to receive this nomination, and equally proud to see The Bahamas recognised among the Caribbean’s leading cruise destinations,” said Mike Maura, the Nassau Cruise Port’s chief executive and a director.

“These nominations reflect the collective efforts of our team, tourism partners, stakeholders and the wider Bahamian community to create memorable experiences for our guests. They also reinforce the significant role that cruise tourism continues to play in generating economic opportunities and showcasing the very best of The Bahamas to the world.”

Nassau Cruise Port is targeting a 9.8 percent year-over-year increase in cruise passengers for 2026. After receiving 6.1m in 2025, it said it is on track to welcome around 6.7m passengers this year, reflecting continued growth and strong demand for The Bahamas as a top cruise destination.

The Prince George Wharf operator added that it continued to invest in culture, hospitality, entertainment and guest amenities. Recent developments include a yacht marina capable of accommodating vessels 100 feet and larger, along with new food and beverage offerings such as Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant and Bahama Bay Pool & Day Club.

Nassau Cruise Port said it has also achieved milestones such as a record-breaking, single-day passenger count of more than 33,000 guests, underscoring the capital’s growing appeal and importance within the global cruise industry.

The World Cruise Awards recognise, reward, and celebrate excellence across the global cruise sector. Now in its sixth year, the annual awards programme honours leading cruise destinations, terminals, cruise lines, travel agencies, ships and other organisations helping to advance the industry.

Voting for the World Cruise Awards 2026 opened on July 13 and runs through August 21, 2026, with the nominees receiving the most votes in each category to be named the winners. The awards will be presented at the World Cruise Awards gala ceremony in Jamaica on October 14, 2026.