Bahamas Shares Latest Projects at Seatrade

View of Nassau from MSC Grandiosa
(Photo: Gerry Barker)

(Bahamas News)-- At the just-concluded Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Bahamas Tourism Director General Latia Duncombe shared updates on a sweeping portfolio of investments, developments and destination upgrades that collectively represent the most ambitious period of cruise infrastructure growth in Bahamian history, with a focus on in-destination experiences and growth of overnight on-island visitation. The Bahamas is generally considered the biggest cruise destinations in the Caribbean, ranking as the busiest cruise port destination with major, high-traffic ports in Nassau and its surrounding islands, showcasing the varied islands within the archipelago.

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These announcements build on a historic 2025 performance in which The Bahamas welcomed 10.6 million cruise arrivals, representing a 14 percent increase year-over-year and nearly double 2019 levels. This impressive trajectory has been driven by strategic investment, public-private partnership and a commitment to product diversification.

Among the most significant announcements delivered at the press conference were:

•         MSC Cruises to Develop $450 Million Cruise Terminal in Freeport Harbor. The Bahamas revealed MSC’s plans for a landmark new cruise terminal to be constructed on an existing man-made island in Freeport Harbor, Grand Bahama. The facility will feature multiple cruise ship berths, food and entertainment areas, and a transportation logistics center designed to support shore excursions and independent island exploration.
•         MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve to Receive Major Upgrades by Late 2027. MSC Cruises’ beloved private island destination in The Bahamas is set for a significant expansion. Four new dining venues will be added across the island, and the popular SeakersCove Family Beach area will be comprehensively reimagined with new features including a children’s playground, splash pad with fountains, a ropes course with slides, towers, and water elements. A pier extension is already under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2027, enabling multiple vessels to call simultaneously.
•         Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Now Open.
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island officially opened on December 23, 2025, in Nassau, delivering an exclusive 17-acre, all-inclusive beach experience to Royal Caribbean guests and local residents alike. The destination features three pools, two beaches, seven bars, and locally inspired dining options.
•         New Cruise Port and Cargo Facility Confirmed for Mayaguana.
As of January 2026, the Government of The Bahamas has finalized a public-private partnership to develop a new cruise port and cargo facility on Mayaguana, the easternmost island in the archipelago, opening a previously untapped island to the global cruise market.
•         Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay Completes $150 Million Expansion.
Great Stirrup Cay has debuted sweeping enhancements following a $150 million pier expansion now fully operational for 2026, accommodating two large vessels simultaneously. New offerings include the Great Life Lagoon—a striking 1.4-acre pool area—the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, a new welcome center with island-wide tram service, and Splash Harbor, a dedicated play area for younger guests.
•         Carnival’s Celebration Key Surpasses One Million Guests and Announces Expansion.
Carnival Corporation’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island welcomed its one-millionth guest in just five months following its July 2025 opening. An expansion is underway that will add two additional berths, ultimately enabling four Excel-class ships to call simultaneously by 2026–2028, effectively doubling the destination’s capacity.
•         Grand Lucayan Resort Redevelopment Advances with New Partnership.

The Government of The Bahamas announced a new partnership between Concord Wilshire and CTL Maritime, a subsidiary of MSC Cruises, to advance the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort property in Grand Bahama. The investment supports the island’s ongoing tourism recovery, job creation, and deepens MSC’s already significant partnership with The Bahamas across multiple concurrent developments.

These initiatives reflect a destination operating at full strategic capacity ensuring they attract the world’s largest cruise operators, open new islands to development and ensure the passenger experience across The Bahamas continues to evolve. Director of Investments Phylicia Hanna also addressed attendees, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to facilitating the investment environment that has made The Bahamas the preferred partner for the cruise industry’s most ambitious projects. This momentum is further evidenced by landmark land-based developments, including the recent groundbreaking of Amancaya, a $260 million ultra-luxury resort and the residences in the Exumas featuring 36 pavilions and world-class diving. Additionally, the new Paradise Breeze Nassau, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now under development on West Bay Street, set to offer an 11-story resort and residential property with extensive spa facilities and an infinity edge pool.
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