NYCruiseInfo Blog

Grand Lucaya Resort Today Will Be Transformed into a Resort and Shore Excursion for Cruises Calling at Freeport in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean's new joint venture, Holistica Destinations, announced on 3/2/2020 a $300 million investment in Freeport, Grand Bahama that will redevelop the Freeport cruise ship terminal to bring a new world-class destination with a one-of-a-kind hotel, convention center, water adventure park and more. The new project will span two locations including the enhancement and expansion of the port terminal, to be called Harbour Village, and the Lucaya Property, which will be situated at the current Grand Lucayan resort. The first phase of the Lucaya Property will be a world-class beachfront destination with a 526-room hotel, shopping village, spa and wellness center, water-based family entertainment including a massive water and adventure theme park, a 40,000-square-foot convention center, adventure activities such as zip lines and off-roa...

Royal Caribbean in Negotiations to Purchase the  Grand Lucaya Resort in Freeport in the Bahamas Here is a news story that I had missed. It appears that Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence in the Bahamas and has made an offer to purchase the Grand  Lucaya Resort in Freeport. It appear that the negotiations began before Hurricane Dorian hit Freeport hard and the resort remains closed today due to storm damage. As of this time, It is uncertain where negotiation sit today. Royal Caribbean hinted that they intended to covert the resort into an experience very close to the "Perfect Day at Coco Cay". It is unclear if the amenities of the renovated resort will be available to hotel guests only - or be offered to cruise passengers and sold as part of a shore excursion. Here are some additional details on the negotiations from March 27, 2019. Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd. today signed a Letter of Intent with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) and the ITM Group to beg...

Carnival Cruises to Develop a Private Island Like Port in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island In a deal that was inked before Hurricane Dorian, Carnival Cruises came to an Agreement to develop a private-island like experience for cruise passengers. This port, because of its proximity to New York, will definitely be added to New York Itineraries when completed. Available details are below. Carnival Cruise Lines has agreed a deal to build a $100 million cruise port in Grand Bahama, according to Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. Minnis made the announcement on Friday at a youth convention, saying, “I am pleased to announce that after many months of negotiations, we have delivered … a massive project for the people of Grand Bahama …. the Carnival port development is going full steam ahead.” He said the government would provide more details of the deal in upcoming days. A spokesman for Carnival confirmed to the Compass that an agreement has been reached. Earlier new...

Grand Bahama Shipyard Re-Opens for Business (Photo Prior to Hurricane Dorian) Grand Bahamas Shipyard is the major shipyard capable of refits and major renovations for the cruise line industry. Its proximity to Florida and short trip from the northeast and Gulf of Mexico, makes it strategically located and  helps to reduce the time required for a refit. Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) reports that it has officially resumed operations, welcoming back its first commercial vessel, the 57,062-ton Agathonissos . Owned by Greece-based Eletson, it returned to the shipyard yesterday to complete repair work that began before Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas. The shipyard, located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, says it remains on track for the next planned cruise ship visit, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Ecstasy, scheduled to arrive on October 5. Grand Bahama Shipyard says damage it incurred in the storm was limited primarily to some erosion, with no effect on berths. The shipyar...

Carnival Cruises To Develop New Cruise Destination on Grand Bahama Island/Freeport. Expected to be a cruise port visited as part of Carnival Cruises itinerary from New York and Baltimore, Carnival Cruises has entered into an agreement with the Government of the Bahama to develop a cruise port on Grand Bahama Island. The port will be similar to a private island experience and offer a wide array of attractions. Here is a statement issued by the Finance Minister of the Bahamas concerning the announcement (Source Bahamas.com). Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. We have gathered here today for the signing of an historic Agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the establishment of a cruise port and destination in Eastern Grand Bahama. In order to achieve this, it took painstaking and lengthy negotiations between my Government and the principals of the Freeport Harbour Company to negotiate a Waiver of Exclusivity Agreement of their Exclusivity Rights on all ports in Gran...