MSC's $400 Million Bahamas Cruise Port Plans Include Theme Park Rides
MSC Cruises is planning to transform a port that some cruisers consider a stay-on-the-ship destination into a potential highlight for passengers sailing with multiple cruise lines.
Today, cruise travelers visiting Freeport on Grand Bahama Island can find a small retail and restaurant complex at the port, but options for things to do in the immediate area are limited. My family enjoyed exploring the island during our last visit, but found that planning a shore excursion or renting a car is the best way to experience more of what Grand Bahama offers.
For cruisers who prefer to spend the day closer to the ship, however, a proposed new cruise terminal complex at Billy Cay in Freeport Harbour could offer a new reason to get off the ship and stay awhile.
The development would turn the terminal into more than a place to disembark for an excursion. Preliminary plans call for water attractions, rides, zip lines, and an entertainment district within walking distance of the pier.
MSC's Freeport Plans Go Beyond a Traditional Cruise Terminal
MSC Cruises in investing $400 million in a new Freeport cruise terminal designed to accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. The facility would be open to multiple cruise lines, not just MSC.
The plans are outlined in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) revised in October 2026 by JSS Consultants and reported by The Tribune on Oct. 19.
The proposed 54-acre development would combine cruise ship berths with retail, dining, and entertainment areas, a local vendor market, green spaces, and a theme park-style attraction zone.
According to the EIA, the planned attractions fall into three categories: wet, dry, and unstructured experiences. Preliminary plans allocate approximately eight acres of the site to park attractions, although the final design could change.
Proposed water features include pools and fountains, while other planned attractions could include rides and zip lines. Nearly 15 acres are designated for retail, dining, and entertainment, with shops, restaurants, bars, and food stands planned.
MSC Cruises opened its private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay, in late 2019, and is now investing in additional Bahamas destinations. Alisha dos Santos / TravelHost
New Freeport Cruise Terminal Could Handle 20,000 Passengers a Day
The project's scale could significantly change cruise traffic in Freeport. With up to four ships able to dock at once, including next-generation megaships, the terminal could accommodate approximately 20,000 passenger arrivals per day. The EIA estimates that Freeport could eventually welcome more than 3.3 million cruise visitors annually.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, subject to permits and approvals. The first cruise ship berth and initial shoreside development are targeted for completion in September 2027, with the first phase expected to open by mid-2028. Full project completion is targeted for 2029.
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New Freeport Terminal Would Upgrade Bahamas Cruise Itineraries
For many Bahamas cruises, a visit to Freeport or Nassau is often paired with a stop at a cruise line's private beach destination. Freeport's proposed transformation could give travelers another reason to look forward to a Bahamas port call beyond the beach and traditional shore excursions.
The project also reflects a wider push by cruise lines to invest in purpose-built destinations and expand what passengers can do ashore. Royal Caribbean has developed Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, while Carnival's Celebration Key offers a dedicated beach experience in Grand Bahama. MSC's Billy Cay project, in contrast, is proposed as a multi-user facility that could benefit the entire cruise industry.
"While there have been operations of private cruise destinations in Grand Bahama, development of this cruise terminal seeks to provide berthing facilities for use by multiple cruise line operators making the destination regain competiveness within the tourism market, strengthen regional and global connectivity and contribute to long-term economic diversification," the EIA explains.
Related: New Luxury Private Island for Cruises Breaks Ground in The Bahamas
A recent visit to MSC's private island, Ocean Cay, showed me how the line's thoughtful approach to destination development showcases the beauty of The Bahamas while offering a comfortable place to relax. While the Billy Cay project promises a different kind of vibe for Grand Bahama, it represents an intentional approach that blends high-energy entertainment and direct access to local culture.
The big question is how the completed development will balance its planned attractions with opportunities to explore Grand Bahama beyond the cruise terminal. With designs still subject to change and construction not yet underway, cruisers will have to wait to see exactly what the new Freeport experience will offer.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Oct 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
