Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Bahamas Cruise Ports: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

grand bahama island cruise port

You can either join a sunset catamaran cruise, a family-friendly snorkeling adventure, or a party cruise. This waterpark is perfectly situated on the coast, which allows for ocean activities such as banana boat rides, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Renting a car or a scooter might be the best way for those wanting to be independent and travel to more off-track attractions.

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But it is a marvelous cruise port if you appreciate botanical gardens, nature parks, and scenic sights. The 2-year, USD 195 million project includes Grand Lucayan Resort's purchase (USD 65 million) plus USD 135 million for development works. The new (RCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring to annually an additional 2 million cruisers to Grand Bahama island. The project includes the construction of a theme park and a new 5-star hotel. Grand Lucayan Resort suffered significant damages during Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) and was forced to close 2/3 of its property. Construction on Carnival’s Grand Bahama Cruise Port, which began in earnest on the southern side of the island on Thursday, is estimated to be completed in November 2024.

Royal Caribbean cancels Freeport shore excursions after reported attack on two women - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean cancels Freeport shore excursions after reported attack on two women.

Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of its 4th EDGE class ship Celebrity Ascent

Notably, close to the United States – approximately 50 miles off US territory – it offers easy access for those embarking on cruise vacations from American ports. Cruise ships dock at Freeport Harbour (also referred to as Harbour Village and Lucayan Harbour), a medium-sized cruise port that can accommodate up to 3 cruise vessels at a time. Port Lucaya Marketplace is a nice shopping and restaurant district, although not nearly as big as the one in Nassau and other major ports. Still, visitors will find plenty to see and do both in the marketplace and at nearby attractions within walking distance such as Lucaya Beach and Windsor Park. The close distance makes Freeport a common stop for short-term cruises to the Bahamas. It is 185 miles northwest of Nassau on Paradise Island, which is why cruises to the Bahamas often include both ports.

grand bahama island cruise port

Cruise Terminal Information

This means you don’t have to worry about transportation or extra costs just to get to a picturesque beach. For adventure-seekers, go island hopping and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Encounter fascinating wildlife at Lucayan National Park, where hiking trails lead to stunning caves and mangrove forests. Rainfall begins to climb in May to four inches and eventually reaches the highest point of more than eight inches in August and September.

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Carnival Announces 'Celebration Key' as Its New Bahama Cruise Port Destination - Cruise Industry News

Carnival Announces 'Celebration Key' as Its New Bahama Cruise Port Destination.

Posted: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Grand Bahama port in Freeport is known for not having attractions nearby the cruise terminal where cruise ships dock. The cruise terminal has many amenities and excellent services, which many cruise passengers passionately enjoy. But the top things to do and the best attractions in the port of Freeport are between 20 and 40 minutes away.

Carnival’s Celebration Key will be featuring a retail destination called Lokono Cove, named by Grand Bahamian Deidre Ramhming, who sent in the winning name in an island-wide contest. Freeport is known for its duty-free shopping opportunities, The Port Lucaya Marketplace being the most frequented. Be sure to know your duty-free shopping laws before you begin your spending spree. There are a number of ATMs including an RBC and CIBC ATM in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

grand bahama island cruise port

The shipyard has three floating dry docks, as well as mechanical and steel workshops (updated in 2016 with new equipment). It is served by Grand Bahama International Airport and also by domestic ferries with regularly scheduled itineraries to other Bahamian islands. Regular fast ferries connect to USA (Fort Lauderdale FL) operated by the Spanish shipping company Balearia Eurolinias Marítimas SA. Port Lucaya Marketplace is home to over 80 duty-free shops and specialty boutiques.

The next year, the cruise industry took a massive hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 207, RCCL-Royal Caribbean signed an agreement with The Bahamas Government to increase its employment of Bahamian citizens. By this agreement, Royal Caribbean also has joint ownership of the Freeport shipyard where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works on many RCCL ships take place. Freeport Bahamas is also famous with its ship-repair yard often used by Bahamas-flagged cruise vessels for regularly scheduled repairs, maintenance and drydock refurbishment works.

Here you can keep yourself cool from the hot sun while having fun splashing around with your family. There are trampolines to play on, a long zipline to ride, and plenty of on-shore activities to be enjoyed. If you are keen on discovering the best snorkeling spots, there is not much better than checking out Paradise Cove. You can either book an excursion with your cruise ship, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a taxi there instead. Freeport is one of the most popular cruise getaways because there are so many things to do in Freeport that you cannot do anywhere else.

To make your cruise to Grand Bahama Island even more enjoyable, having all the necessary booking information is important. Booking a cruise to The Bahamian Islands can be an excellent vacation option, allowing you to explore this beautiful island getaway. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at various water sports like snorkeling and diving to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the waves. At this relatively large harbor, you’ll find six berths for cargo and cruise ships. Freeport boasts beautiful golf courses and golf is generally popular in the Bahamas. A visitor center, gift shop and restrooms are available within the complex.

Explore the park’s extensive sea cave system if you’re feeling adventurous. Paradise Cove is a great destination for snorkeling and is about a 25 minute drive from the cruise port. One must-try dish is the freshly caught conch, which can be enjoyed in various forms, such as conch fritters and conch salad. When it comes to local culinary delights, you’ll find that many restaurants on the island offer island-inspired cuisine with authentic Bahamian flavors. Ships find their docking homes at the Freeport Harbour, a 10-minute drive from downtown Freeport.

Additionally, it is advised to avoid cruising during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season from August to October. Grand Bahama Island is a paradise for food lovers, with its delicious array of local cuisine and best places to eat. The island is renowned for its traditional Bahamian dishes and seafood specialties. Explore the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Grand Bahama Island through a range of exciting activities.

Its ships make numerous stops in Nassau, and the cruise line operates the private islands of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. Partnering with the Bahamian government solidifies Carnival’s commitment to expansion on the island. Carnival plans to have its ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration make stops at the new cruise port, starting in late 2024.

Fortune Beach is located a 30-minute drive from the Freeport Harbour cruise terminal. Within walking distance, you can visit the Bahamas Maritime Museum and stroll around Port Lucaya Marina dotted with colorful buildings, boats and yachts. Count Basie Square is where you can enjoy some live music and performances. This bustling place is a shopping paradise and one of the highlights of Freeport.

The new (RCCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring an additional 2 million cruisers to Grand Bahama island annually. Freeport Bahamas cruise terminal is in Lucaya Harbour - approx 10-min drive distance from downtonw. Port's tourist centre (Port Lucaya Marketplace) is at approx 25-min walking distance from the terminal. In October 2023 was announced a USD 600 million expansion project aiming to make the facility the world's largest cruise ship repair yard.

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