Bahamas Planning New Cruise Port Far From Nassau

The Authorities of the Bahamas has introduced intentions to develop a model new cruise port within the island nation, however removed from essentially the most acquainted locations cruise company know.

The Workplace of the Prime Minister introduced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 that they intend to develop the brand new port on Mayaguana, the easternmost of the Bahamian islands, by means of a public-private partnership.

The undertaking will serve not solely the cruise trade, however may also work as a cargo port for ships heading for the Panama Canal.

As a result of Mayaguana is near worldwide delivery lanes, it’s a pure location for such a facility and the brand new port would offer an financial increase to the usually ignored area of the southeastern Bahamas.

The undertaking is to be collectively owned by the Authorities of The Bahamas, the Mayaguana Island Improvement Fund, and International Lead Advisor Group Restricted, with growth in three phases:

• Part 1 – Short-term services to help development and a deep water port
• Part 2 – Cruise ship terminal
• Part 3 – Deep water enhancements, bigger terminal, and landside help services

Whereas this announcement comes as a welcome look ahead to a brand new cruise vacation spot within the Bahamas, there may be not but any timeline for when the brand new cruise port might open.

Earlier than development may even start, there have to be acceptable environmental assessments, stakeholder collaborations, regulatory approvals, design growth, and extra.

The place Is Mayaguana?

Mayaguana is the southeasternmost island of the Bahamas archipelago, roughly 350 miles southeast of Nassau.

This places the small island midway between Miami and Puerto Rico, a great location for a port for Japanese Caribbean itineraries.

The brand new port may be an awesome different vacation spot when poor climate might impression Nassau or the Bahamian personal islands, all of that are positioned nearer to the Bahamian capital or Freeport, which is even additional north.

Learn Additionally: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

Mayaguana is simply 110 sq. miles, with a 2010 census report of a inhabitants beneath 300 residents. The brand new port undertaking is anticipated to create roughly 2,000 jobs from conception till the brand new port opens, and undoubtedly much more jobs will likely be created as cruise ships start to go to.

What Would possibly the Cruise Port Embody?

Whereas additional particulars concerning the new port will likely be introduced as they’re confirmed within the months to come back, there are some features of the undertaking which will appear apparent.

It will be advantageous for the brand new cruise port to be constructed to accommodate bigger ships, comparable to each Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis lessons, Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class, and MSC Cruises’ World class.

This is able to guarantee flexibility to herald ships with the best financial impression, in addition to present loads of area to work with smaller vessels.

Environmental flexibility may also be important, probably together with shore energy hookups in addition to LNG-fueling capacity to service the wants of various vessels as environmental rules change within the years to come back.

Cruise company will definitely be serious about quite a lot of tour choices, significantly these that concentrate on the pure magnificence and tradition of the Bahamas. Snorkeling, wildlife interactions, and water sports activities are all the time common, as are pristine seashores and genuine experiences.

An area buying and artisan retail area will undoubtedly be included, in addition to eating choices.

For the time being, time will inform what will likely be developed for the brand new cruise port, however keep tuned to Cruise Hive for all the main points as they’re confirmed within the months and years forward.