The wharf that leads into Rawson Square is the first view that cruise passengers encounter after they tumble off their ships. Up to a dozen gigantic cruise ships call on Nassau at any one time, and passengers spill out onto downtown, giving Nassau an instant, and constantly replenished, surge of life. A new addition to the wharf is Festival Place, designed by Bahamian architect Jackson Burnside in the style of a Bahamian village. Here you'll find booths for 45 Bahamian artisans; Internet kiosks; vendors selling diving, fishing, and day trips; scooter rentals; and an information desk offering maps, directions, and suggestions for sightseeing. You can also arrange walking tours of Old Nassau here. A new café and bar on the second floor with seating on an outdoor balcony offers a sweeping view of the harbor.
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