Bahamas cruise arrivals reached 10.65 million in 2025, report says
Sea arrivals accounted for 86.5% of total visitor traffic as officials expanded passenger monitoring and public-health surveillance.
Cruise arrivals in The Bahamas climbed to 10.65 million in 2025, more than 850% above 2021 levels, according to the report. Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6 million, representing 86.5% of all arrivals and a 14% increase from 2024.
December was the busiest month in the report’s five-year dataset, recording 1,212,105 first-port arrivals. Nassau Cruise Port and downtown Nassau have also been incorporated into a Smart City program designed to reduce congestion and strengthen passenger tracking.
The report cited U.S. Department of State advisories identifying Nassau and Freeport as the main areas where crime is concentrated. The advisories recommend particular caution in Nassau’s Over the Hill area. Separately, analysis accompanying the report suggested that some watercraft operators may lack valid licenses or insurance.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed that the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System was implemented in The Bahamas in December 2025, the report said. The system combines information from cruise ships, laboratories and hotel surveillance to support rapid PCR diagnostics and earlier detection of public-health threats.