MSC Cruises is setting its sights firmly on Grand Bahama, announcing plans to invest $450 million in a brand-new cruise complex in Freeport.
The project is one of the largest cruise-related investments ever announced for the island and signals MSC’s long-term commitment to the region.
The development was confirmed by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, who described the agreement as a serious expansion with real economic weight.
The new cruise complex will be built on Billy Cay, a site expected to transform Freeport’s role in Caribbean cruising.
A New Cruise Hub Taking Shape
At the heart of the project will be new cruise berths and modern docking infrastructure, designed to welcome ships from multiple brands.
MSC plans to pair the port facilities with commercial and guest-focused spaces that make arrival in Freeport smoother and more enjoyable.
Plans include a visitor center, welcome plaza, retail shops, food and beverage venues, entertainment areas, and transportation zones. The idea is to create a cruise terminal that works efficiently for ships while also encouraging guests to spend time and money onshore.
Of the total investment, $400 million will go toward building the new cruise port at Billy Cay. Another $50 million will be used to upgrade Freeport Harbour, including improvements to the existing port area and the addition of a new beach club.
What This Means for Freeport’s Future
Officials say the new complex is designed as a multi-user facility, giving Freeport the flexibility to host different cruise lines and larger passenger volumes.
The goal goes beyond cruise calls, aiming to support local transportation, hospitality businesses, cultural attractions, and small enterprises.
Grand Bahama is already seeing renewed cruise interest. Carnival Corporation opened its Celebration Key private cruise destination in 2025, bringing fresh momentum to the island.
MSC’s investment adds another strong pillar to that growth. While Royal Caribbean previously explored a private project in Grand Bahama that did not move forward, MSC is now stepping in with a large-scale plan.
The company is also continuing upgrades at Ocean Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, with pier extensions and new guest features planned for late 2027.
Together, these projects show that MSC is betting big on the Bahamas, especially Grand Bahama, as a key part of its Caribbean future.
For Freeport, the new cruise complex could be a turning point. If delivered as planned, it could reshape cruise tourism on the island for years to come.
The move follows a broader wave of investment in the region, including MSC’s recent plans for new cruise infrastructure in the Caribbean, underscoring the company’s long-term growth strategy.
