A Day in Nassau: Our Second Port Stop on the 2027 Good News Catholic Cruise

Day five of the 2027 Good News Cruise brings us to Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas!

We invite you to take a moment to experience the vibrant local scene, stunning shoreline, and incredible wildlife that make this island so special. As you step off the cruise ship and onto the island, you'll find a small but inspiring Catholic community, and plenty of opportunities to soak in the culture and beauty of the Bahamas.

Tag along for an unforgettable excursion with Holland America, or spend the day relaxing in the warm sand and soaking in the beauty and peaceful sounds of the island at your own pace.

If you’re looking forward to exploring the island, here are some sites you don’t want to miss:

Graycliff Heritage Village

Just a ten-minute walk from the port, you’ll find this colorful, cultural, historic, and culinary district that rests at the heart of Nassau. Centered around the historic Graycliff Hotel (a mansion dating back to 1740), the street features local artisan studios, museums, and hands-on experiences. It’s the perfect place to try some local cuisine, familiarize yourself with the Bahamian lifestyle, and maybe even find a souvenir to take home. While there, visit:

The Heritage Museum: Displays artifacts spanning prehistoric times through the colonial and piracy eras. See a billion-year-old meteorite and pirate-era treasures from the days when swashbucklers ruled the Caribbean!

Bahama Barrels: The first winery in the Bahamas. This unique wine-tasting experience is set inside a restored 1930s church where visitors can blend their own wine.

Graycliff Chocolatier: Just a 15-minute walk from the port, you can tour this working, artisanal chocolate factory. Taste liquid chocolate straight from the machines, and design your own custom candy bar with fun toppings!

Graycliff Cigar Company: Learn how to roll a cigar like an expert! Watch master rollers craft cigars using tobacco sourced from the Caribbean. While you’re there, discover the history of the 1740 mansion that now houses the cigar company, with ties to pirates, the American Revolution, and British colonialism. 

Catholic and Spiritual Highlights

Christ Church Cathedral (5-10 minute walk): Dating back to 1670, it was the first church built in the Bahamas. Inside, you'll find beautiful stained-glass windows, gothic architecture, and plaques and tablets that trace the difficult hardships endured by early Nassau citizens.

*While visiting, look for this fun architectural easter egg: a tiny church mouse carved into the wooden base of the baptismal font!

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (10-15 minute walk): The longest-standing Roman-Catholic church in the Bahamas. It serves as the mother church and seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nassau. The church is named after St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary and co-founder of the Jesuits known as the "Apostle to the Far East".

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church:

If you're looking to venture further out on the island, take a short taxi ride to St. Matthews; It's the oldest church still standing in Nassau. Built in 1802, St. Matthews still hosts regular Masses — and services will be available on the day we port. Visit the attached cemetery to see some significant colonial graves and monuments!

Sea Lion Encounter & Beach at Blue Lagoon Island

One of the most adventurous excursions available in Nassau. From the port, you can hop on a ferry and head to Blue Lagoon Island, where you’ll meet the playful sea lions that call it home. These creatures are gentle giants, and won't be afraid to hug, kiss, or high-five as you swim through the turquoise waters of the lagoon! Afterwards, take in the stunning surroundings of the island before heading back to the port. 

The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle 

Just half a mile from our ship, you’ll stumble upon the Queen’s Staircase. In the 1800s, it provided a direct path from downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle—serving as an escape route for soldiers to quickly access the fort and protect the harbor from invasion. It’s made entirely of limestone, and was constructed by approximately 600 enslaved people. Today, it remains a Nassau landmark and a symbol of resilience in the Bahamas. 

Use the staircase to get to Fort Fincastle, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of Nassau, the harbor, and Paradise Island. The fort is uniquely shaped like paddle-wheel steamer, with a bow pointing outward to protect Nassau Harbor. It once served as a functional lighthouse in the early 1800s!

John Watling's Rum Distillery 

Dating all the way back to 1789, John Watling’s Rum Distillery is a truly unique highlight of Nassau. As you sample a variety of their drinks and cocktails, you’ll learn about the rum-making process, which combines traditional English methods with local Bahamian craftsmanship.

With ingredients sourced from across the Caribbean and rum aged in the tropical heat, John Watling’s provides a spirit unlike any other—and the history makes the experience even more fascinating, with ties to Nassau’s days of bootlegging and rum-running.

More Historic Nassau

Rawson Square: The first landmark you’ll see when we arrive in Nassau. Here, you’ll find a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler (the first native Bahamian Governor-General) and a fountain dedicated to Sir Stafford Sands (the first Minister of Tourism). You can also join a walking tour in Rawson Square — or just enjoy it as a cultural hub. 

House of the Assembly: You can’t miss this distinct coral-pink building in Parliament Square! Dating back to 1729, it serves as the primary legislative body of The Bahamas, where elected members from across the islands gather to debate and pass national laws. 

Supreme Court: In a similar salmon-colored colonial building, you’ll find the Supreme Court. Inside its historic chambers, judges and barristers continue the traditions of centuries-old British law, complete with ceremonial attire. So, if you happen to see them deliberating, don’t be surprised by the horsehair wigs and black robes!

Just south of the courthouse, be sure to stop by the Garden of Remembrance. This serene memorial honors the Bahamian soldiers who gave their lives during World War I and World War II.

Booking Your Excursion in Nassau

For some of these opportunities, booking ahead of time is the best way to secure your excursion experience! Download the Holland America Navigator app prior to departure to schedule your island adventure—or visit the Shore Excursion Office aboard the Eurodam ship to book while we sail. We look forward to seeing Nassau with you!