MSC Plans $450m Cruise Port Investment in Grand Bahama

MSC Cruises is set to invest $450 million in a new cruise development on Grand Bahama Island, according to reporting from the Nassau Guardianl).

The news outlet said the project will include construction of a new pier and berthing infrastructure, along with commercial facilities and a visitor center.

The investment was announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Philip Davis and will be developed on a site known as Billy Cay in Freeport. Davis said the government has “signed and advanced” the agreement, describing the initiative as a “serious expansion with real scale.”

He added that MSC will also commit additional funding to Freeport Harbour, including upgrades to the current port facilities and improvements to the existing retail village.

Of the total investment, $400 million will support construction of the new cruise complex at Billy Cay, while $50 million will be directed toward enhancements at the existing port. These upgrades reportedly include 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.

Plans for the new development include additional cruise berths, a welcome plaza, retail and dining outlets, entertainment spaces, transportation staging areas, and other supporting infrastructure.

Grand Bahama is already seeing cruise investment, with Carnival Corporation currently welcoming ships at its new Celebration Key destination. Built for Carnival Cruise Line at a cost of $500 million, the private port hosted its first ship visit in July 2025.

Royal Caribbean Group previously explored plans for a private destination on the island as well, though that proposal did not move forward.