If you’ve cruised more than once in the Caribbean, odds are fairly high that you’ve had a stop at the port in Nassau. With nearly 4.5 million passengers being welcomed to port last year, this small island in The Bahamas has certainly seen its share of tourists.

For those who have visited the stop more than once, it may start to lose its appeal. It did for us. After numerous sailings that included Nassau on its itinerary, we had gotten to the point where, unless we were traveling with others who had never been, we often stayed on board the ship to enjoy a less-crowded day.

That all changed one day about a year-and-a-half ago when we met a couple at one of the cruise ship’s bars following one such “stay on the ship while in Nassau” days. We were chatting about how we had spent the day when this couple told us something that changed our typical Nassau plans. “We usually get off just to visit Marshall.”

Intrigued, we wanted to know more. “Hmmmmm…. Marshall? Who’s that?”

Turns out Marshall is of “Marshall’s World Famous” fame. Marshall’s is a little drink shack on Junkanoo Beach, currently painted yellow, where the owner has been serving up adult beverages for 17 years from the same location. We were dubious about the “world famous” part but after hearing that he makes some of the best frozen cocktails in Nassau, we vowed that we would go look for him the next time we were in port.

We have since discovered that Marshall mixes up not only the Bahama Mamas for which he is notorious, but several other tropical delights, including the most incredible Banana Colada we’ve ever had! His drinks certainly pack a punch, too, as Marshall doesn’t skimp on the rum.

More than just his delicioust cocktails, though, Marshall himself is reason enough to go. He’s a character – sort of a Caribbean Soup Nazi (extra points for those of you old enough to recognize a Seinfeld reference). So when you go, don’t be timid about what you want to order; decide what you want before you get up to his open air window. And don’t ask too many questions, either. Doing either will likely earn you a bit of razzing.

To be fair, so will ordering one of the more “difficult” drinks. I often get scolded by Marshall when I order something with mango. That’s part of the charm. No matter how he ribs his customers, there are many like us who return again and again. He’s like that cranky uncle who is still way cooler than your other relatives because you know he doesn’t mean it and he’s really kindhearted underneath it all.

Whatever you order, know it will be fresh, delicious, and strong! Everything is made to order with fresh ingredients so don’t expect the transaction to be completed in 30 seconds. Take that time to chat with Marshall. He enjoys talking and can tell you about the history of the island, as well as its current events.

Things you should know before you go:

• Marshall’s is roughly a 15 minute walk from the ship depending on where you’re docked. His shack is beachside of Bay Street, sort of diagonal from the Holiday Inn Express (you can see it on the lefthand side just past his place).
• Bring cash. Marshall doesn’t take credit cards.
• Frozen cocktails will typically run you from $12 to $16 per drink but you can also purchase bottled water, soft drinks, or beer.
• Read the menu board out front for the drink options before ordering.
• Seating is limited. There are only a few mismatched chairs outside his service window.
• There are lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent on the beach in the front of his shack, if you want to stay for awhile.
• Use caution. The Marshall’s experience can become addicting.

So the next time you’re in Nassau and are looking to simply get off the ship and get some exercise, take a stroll to Junkanoo Beach and say hello to Marshall. Tell him Cheryl & Steve sent you!