Major Fire Devastates Downtown Nassau Next to Cruise Port
It’s rare that a day goes by without multiple cruise ships docked in the capital of the Bahamas, but visitors to Nassau will need to be cautious in the next few days in the aftermath of a massive, devastating fire.
According to the Nassau Guardian, the blaze broke out shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Victoria Court near Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue, less than 500 yards east of the cruise ship pier.
Local residents and business owners shared frantic videos on social media as the fire advanced, pleading for fire truck responses and help.
“Where’s the fire trucks? It’s been an hour! More than an hour, no fire trucks!” one woman was yelling in a video shared by Manila Grill, a popular Filipino restaurant nearby. “We need help! Those who have connections, please call the fire trucks!”
Emergency sirens could be heard in the background, but by that time, the upper stories of the building were fully engulfed. Residents had evacuated as best they were able, bringing as many possessions as they could with them.
The massive structural fire gutted several buildings, including nearby apartments, and is believed to have started in an abandoned building. The cause of the fire is not yet known, nor is it clear whether or not any injuries resulted from the blaze.
Residents in the area reported several “loud booms” as the fire spread. This has not yet been explained, but is not uncommon as fires encounter transformers and other equipment.
Local firefighters battled the fire for several hours before it was contained. To assist the efforts, emergency resources were diverted from Lynden Pindling International Airport, 10 miles away.
At 6 a.m., the area was still burning, though much less violently, and firefighters continued to work to put out the remaining hot spots. The entire area remains closed.
Police have begun an investigation of the incident, and drivers are urged to avoid the area as that investigation is underway.
Are Cruises Impacted?
Five cruise ships from four different lines are planned to dock in Nassau on Friday, May 2 – Norwegian Gem, MSC Seascape, Disney Dream, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Freedom.
Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador, John Heald, commented on the fire early in the morning as Carnival’s ships were due to arrive.
“People are asking if this will change the itineraries to their cruise. Firstly, let me say how very sorry I am to read about this fire and I hope everybody is OK,” he said. “As far as any changes, there are none at the time of me writing this, but I’m sure if there are Chief Chris and his team will let everyone know.”
Just before 9 a.m. on Friday, satellite tracking data and port webcams show that Disney Dream, Carnival Celebration, and MSC Seascape have all arrived as planned, and Carnival Freedom is en route for a later arrival. The ship was not scheduled to arrive until 10 a.m., so this is normal.
Read Also: When Is the Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas?
Norwegian Gem, however, does not appear to be visiting Nassau on Friday after all, but her itinerary has been updated for a Saturday, May 3 visit.
In the meantime, Oasis of the Seas is shown docked in Nassau – a port change after Labadee was removed from the ship’s original itinerary.
It is unlikely that the fire will impact cruise itineraries, as the cruise port was not involved in the blaze and has not been damaged. Smoke is hanging over the area and will likely remain that way for several days.
Some shore excursions may be slightly impacted for city tours or driving routes, but such changes will likely be minimal. If tours are unable to be operated, booked guests will be notified as necessary.
Throughout the weekend, additional ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and Royal Caribbean are expected to call in Nassau.