MSC Planning New $450 Million Cruise Complex in Freeport

MSC Cruises will invest £450 million in a new cruise complex on Grand Bahama Island, according to a report by the Nassau Guardian[1]. The local news source said that the company is planning to build a new pier and berthing infrastructure, which will be complemented by commercial areas and a visitor center. The project, which was announced by Prime Minister Philip Davis on Tuesday, will be developed on a property known as Billy Cay in the city of Freeport.

Davis was quoted as saying that the local government has "signed and advanced" the investment while calling the development a "serious expansion with real scale." The Prime Minister added that MSC will also invest in Freeport Harbour, carrying out upgrades to the existing port and its retail village area. While £400 million will be used to build the new port complex at Billy Cay, £50 million will be allocated for the updates, which are said to include the construction of a new beach club.

"The project is designed as a multi-user facility, supporting operational flexibility and positioning Grand Bahama to capture greater cruise activity, higher passenger volumes and wider economic spillover into transportation, hospitality, culture and small business," Davis was quoted as saying. MSC's project includes new cruise berths, a welcome plaza, retail, food and beverage outlets, as well as entertainment areas, transportation staging, and other supporting infrastructure. In addition to hosting cruise ships of various brands in Freeport, Grand Bahama currently welcomes Carnival Corporation vessels at Celebration Key[2].

The private cruise port was built for the Carnival Cruise Line brand at a cost of £500 million and hosted its first call in July 2025.

The Royal Caribbean Group also planned a private destination in Grand Bahama in the past[3], but the project did not advance.

In related news, MSC Cruises also announced further investments in its private island of Ocean Cay, which is getting an extended pier and new features in late 2027[4].

References

1. ^ according to a report by the Nassau Guardian (www.thenassauguardian.com)
2. ^ Grand Bahama currently welcomes Carnival Corporation vessels at Celebration Key (cruiseindustrynews.com)
3. ^ The Royal Caribbean Group also planned a private destination in Grand Bahama in the past (cruiseindustrynews.com)
4. ^ which is getting an extended pier and new features in late 2027 (cruiseindustrynews.com)