The Great Depression did not affect John Bull, Ltd; the specialty shop has been a Nassau mainstay since 1929. The elegant and beautifully decorated Georgian style storefront offers one-a-of-a-kind Tiffany jewelry, Mikimoto pearls, David Yurman pieces, Greek and Roman coins, and a selection of perfumes and small leather goods. John Bull has been the Rolex authorized agent on the island for over 30 years, but you can also buy a Gucci or Cartier here if you like. John Bull also sells cameras. Brands include Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus and Fuji Film. There are nearly 20 locations in all; the flagship store is located on Bay Street.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Located on Bay Street, this jewelry store, best known for its selection of Rolex watches, also sells cameras.
Shannon's expert tip: Visit the John Bull, Ltd. Facebook page to discover discounts and special events happening during your visit.
After a devastating fire in 2001, Nassau's Straw Market moved up the street to temporary quarters. Whether a new permanent location will ever be built remains to be seen, but in the meantime the bustling market continues to thrive, with dozens of vendors selling handmade wares that range from straw hats and baskets to wood carvings and seashell jewelry. T-shirts are here in abundance, often at bargain basement prices, but be aware that some vendors try to sell cheap imported goods as "authentic Bahamian" crafts; look for tiny stickers that say things like "Made in Taiwan." Feel free to haggle for the best price.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: In the heart of downtown, close to the port, the Straw Market is the place to buy hand-made Bahamian products.
Shannon's expert tip: Practice your negotiating skills and bargain for the best price.
This 40-year-old Bahamian-owned company is the largest wholesaler of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the Bahamas. Lowe's Wholesale Drug Agencies Ltd has two divisions, pharmaceutical and consumer. There are four store locations serving consumers in the Bahamas: Harbour Bay Shopping Centre,Palmdale Shopping Centre, Southwest Plaza and Soldier Road North. The Solider Road location is also home to the company's headquarters. Each store has a registered pharmacist on duty at all times and sells over the counter medicines, vitamins, baby items, cosmetics, perfume, toys, gifts and household items. If you need to shop at a pharmacy while in the Bahamas, Lowe's is the one to visit.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: The Lowe's Pharmacy on Soldier Road North is the closest store to the cruise port for medicine or personal care items.
Shannon's expert tip: Shopping for bug spray? Try the Go Insect Repellant at Lowe's.
Bikini Bay is the place to buy a swimsuit in Nassau, Bahamas. They sell all types of swim wear in all sizes and styles from bikinis to tankinis and one-piece suits. If you forgot your bathing suit, or just want a new one from the Caribbean, this shop is for you. They also sell accessories and casual apparel like cover-ups, dresses, water shoes, hats, sunglasses, necklaces and other items that will add a little dazzle to your beach attire. Don't forget to pick up a beach towel and some sunscreen, too, and then enjoy your day on the beach in the Bahamas.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: This Bay Street shop is the place to buy a swim suit in Nassau.
Shannon's expert tip: Mix and match bikini tops and bottoms to create a look that's all you.
Carlo Milano offers high-end shopping from designers like Chopard, Versace, Hublot and Salvatore Ferragamo. The flagship store is located at Marina Village on Paradise Island. There are three other locations on Paradise Island and one on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, which is the closest shop to the cruise ships. Carlo Milano is a family-run business that has been in the Bahamas since 1921. They carry luxury items such as jewelry, watches, sunglasses, clothes and more. If you're looking for designer apparel, this is the place to shop in the Bahamas. If you just need a new pair of disposable sunglasses, you might want to try the Straw Market instead.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Carlo Milano's Bay Street location is convenient to cruise-goers shopping for designer duds near the port.
Shannon's expert tip: Check out the Tresor de la Mer jewelry collection.
From the casual to the formal, Bonneville Bones has menswear covered. Inside, you'll find sweaters, slacks, khakis, button-down shits, jackets, ties, socks and belts. Their stylish and sophisticated clothes create casual, preppy looks that are ideal for business casual events, date nights or for any occasion when you want to look your best. If you want to look sharp, shop here. There are two locations, one on Bay Street and one at the Marathon Mall. The mall location is enclosed inside the shopping center so, if you're in the Bahamas on a rainy day, its a good place to shop.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Bonneville Bones sells both casual and formal wear for men in two locations convenient to the port.
Shannon's expert tip: The attire at the Marathon Mall location is slightly more casual than at the Bay Street store.
Although Graycliff is well-known for elegant dining, it also boasts the largest selection of hand rolled cigars on the island. Cigar aficionados know the name Avelino Lara, who is famous for his experience with Cuban cigars, and created the blend of the original Graycliff cigar. There are seven blends in all: Original, Professionale, Crystal, Emerald, Chateau Grand Cru, Heritage Royale and Espresso. Graycliff also sells a more affordable line of cigars called G2. Visitors to Graycliff can tour the cigar factory, learn how to hand roll cigars, participate in a cigar and run tasting, and purchase their favorite stogie from the shop.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Visit the Graycliff Cigar Company to buy an original made-in-the-Bahamas ciagr.
Shannon's expert tip: Make the most of your visit with a cigar rolling lesson or a tasting. Book in advance.
What began in 1956 as a modest family-owned store has grown into the finest ladies' boutique shop with three locations in the Bahamas: downtown Nassau, Lyford Cary and Paradise Island. Cole's of Nassau sells just about anything that a fine lady would want to wear in the Bahamas,from swimsuits and sandals to evening wear and jewelry. Cole's carries clothing and accessories from almost 50 designers including Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. They share style suggestions on their Facebook page as their Look of the Day, pairing a swimsuit with a cover-up and designer flip-flops and a dress with heels and a purse.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Of their three locations, Cole's of Nassau on Parliament Street is closest to the cruise ships. Shop here for designer resort wear.
Shannon's expert tip: Follow Cole's of Nassau on Facebook for style inspiration.
Where island meets style, Pirana Joe sells t-shirts and souvenirs at several locations in the Bahamas: on Bay Street, at Atlantis and at the airport. Inside, you'll find a variety of items emblazoned with their logo, a distinctive pencil sketch of a piranha inspired by an encounter with said biting fish in the Amazon. Their line of clothing, food and accessories serves to capture the look of that wild experience. If you're looking for unique casual wear or one-of-a-kind accessories, you'll find it at Pirana Joe. Some of the more interesting items include a Pirana Joe football and laptop case.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: The Bay Street location is convenient to the cruise dock; shop here for casual wear and accessories.
Shannon's expert tip: Shop here for a souvenir t-shirt.
Classic Formal Wear has been a leading provider of formal wear in the Bahamas for almost 20 years. Locals and visitors alike shop here for attire for all occasions, from weddings to proms and even funerals. Men will find tuxedos (check out their line of grey suits). Women will find evening gowns and wedding dresses. There's even a collection of dresses perfect for prom or dressing to the nines for dinner on board a cruise ship. Featured brands include Jean Yves, After Six, Precious Formals, Jovani, Tiffany Designs, Christina Wu, Quinceanera Collection and Mary's Bridal. Advice on color combinations also available, free of charge.
Recommended for Shopping near Cruise Port because: Located across from Marathon Mall, this bridal shop has formal wear for men and women for all occasions.
Shannon's expert tip: Ask about rental packages.