The Bahamas is riding a powerful wave of tourism growth, propelled by ambitious port developments and the expansion of high-end hospitality offerings. With 2024 marking a historic year for visitor arrivals and cruise ship traffic, the country is quickly transforming its travel infrastructure and redefining its place on the global tourism map. These advancements are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also creating new opportunities for sustainable economic development across the islands. With new ports and hotels, Bahamas tourism is booming. Plan your trip today and apply for your Bahamas eVisa online for a smooth entry into this exciting destination.

Record-Breaking Year for Bahamian Tourism

The Bahamas welcomed an all-time high of 11.2 million visitors in 2024, representing a 17% increase over the previous year. This surge reflects growing international interest and robust investment in the nation's tourism sector. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Chester Cooper, announced that the cruise sector alone contributed $1 billion in direct cruise expenditures, fueling jobs, local businesses, and government revenue.

The momentum continued into 2025, with nearly 1 million cruise arrivals in January alone—an astonishing 55% increase compared to pre-pandemic figures. The Bahamas is now firmly positioned as one of the world’s premier cruise destinations.

Port Expansions Reshape Cruise Experience

Currently home to 25 ports, including Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, and exclusive cruise line destinations like Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas is undergoing a major upgrade to accommodate rising demand.

Carnival's Celebration Cay

One of the most significant and eagerly anticipated additions to The Bahamas’ cruise infrastructure is Celebration Cay, located in Grand Bahama. This ambitious $600 million project by Carnival Cruise Line is poised to become a game-changer for the region’s tourism. Scheduled to open in July 2025, Celebration Cay is envisioned as an exclusive, purpose-built destination catering specifically to Carnival’s guests. With an expected capacity to accommodate up to four of Carnival’s Excel Class ships simultaneously, it will hold the distinction of being the largest Carnival port in the world.

The development is designed with long-term scalability in mind, aiming to welcome 2 million visitors annually, with projected growth reaching 4 million guests by 2028. Beyond size and capacity, Celebration Cay will feature a range of immersive experiences including beaches, entertainment venues, shopping areas, and culinary attractions. It’s also expected to create hundreds of jobs for local residents and significantly boost economic activity on Grand Bahama Island, which is already seeing rapid growth and transformation. Carnival’s commitment signals strong confidence in The Bahamas as a premier cruise destination and a focal point for Caribbean travel.

Royal Caribbean & MSC Developments

Royal Caribbean International is also making waves in the Bahamian cruise industry with the development of a new luxury beach club near Nassau Port. Scheduled for completion by late 2025, this high-end retreat will offer an upscale, resort-like atmosphere for cruise passengers looking to relax in style. Amenities are expected to include private cabanas, fine dining options, swimming pools, and curated entertainment, all designed to offer an exclusive escape within easy reach of the capital.

In addition, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have announced a joint venture at Freeport Harbor, where they are planning a new cruise facility that aims to increase docking capacity and modernize port services. While the project is still in the planning stages, it represents a strategic collaboration between two of the world’s biggest cruise brands. This partnership is expected to drive significant traffic to Grand Bahama, diversify the island's offerings, and further establish Freeport as a key node in the region’s cruise network. These projects together are expected to improve both the logistics and luxury dimensions of Bahamian cruise tourism.

Upgrades at Half Moon Cay

Another exciting development is the forthcoming transformation of Half Moon Cay, a long-standing favorite among cruise passengers for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Set to undergo significant upgrades by summer 2026, the island will soon feature a new pier capable of docking Carnival’s largest ships, including its Excel Class vessels. This will mark the first time such ships will be able to access the island directly, a move that promises to substantially increase passenger numbers and enhance convenience.

In addition to the new pier, Half Moon Cay will also benefit from an expanded beachfront, providing more space for sunbathing, beach games, and relaxation. New dining venues and bars will be introduced to enrich the culinary offerings, while new entertainment areas and guest amenities will improve the overall experience. These enhancements reflect a broader trend of integrating modern infrastructure with eco-conscious design, preserving the island’s charm while meeting the expectations of today’s cruise travelers. The upgrades are expected to solidify Half Moon Cay’s status as a must-visit destination within The Bahamas’ growing cruise ecosystem.

Norwegian’s Expansion at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is making a substantial investment in its Bahamian operations with a hundreds of millions dollars upgrade at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island. The focal point of this development is the construction of a new cruise pier, which will allow two large ships to dock simultaneously, a critical improvement over the current tendering process. This enhancement will not only streamline passenger transfers but also improve safety and efficiency, enabling guests to spend more time enjoying the island's attractions.

The pier will serve vessels from Norwegian Cruise Line as well as its sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, expanding the island's appeal across a broader spectrum of travelers. Once operational, the upgraded facilities will elevate the island experience, offering guests easier access to its beautiful beaches, water sports, cabanas, and gourmet dining options. The project underscores Norwegian’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in The Bahamas while improving service quality and overall guest satisfaction.

Nassau Cruise Port Goes Green

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the expansion. Nassau Cruise Port plans to incorporate a hybrid LNG-hydrogen power plant by the end of 2026. This facility will enable shore power for docked ships, reducing emissions and advancing green energy goals.

The CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, emphasized that the port is “the single largest tourism gateway to the country,” expecting to handle 6.1 million visitors in 2025. With over 51% local ownership, Bahamian shareholders have already seen a 40% return on their three-year-old investments.

Luxury Resorts on the Rise

Complementing The Bahamas' booming cruise industry is a parallel surge in luxury resort development, signaling a strategic move to cater to high-end travelers seeking world-class accommodations and personalized experiences. Renowned global hospitality brands—including Four Seasons, Rosewood, Park Hyatt, and Bulgari—are making substantial investments across various Bahamian islands, reaffirming the country’s growing appeal in the ultra-luxury travel market.

One of the most anticipated additions is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve set to break ground in Cotton Bay, South Eleuthera. This exclusive resort will offer a boutique-style experience with bespoke service, serene beachfront settings, and architecture that blends harmoniously with the island’s unspoiled landscape. The project is part of a broader vision to reposition The Bahamas as a premier destination for affluent, experience-driven tourism, combining privacy, natural beauty, and luxury in one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking settings.

This influx of luxury properties not only diversifies The Bahamas’ hospitality offerings but also brings opportunities for job creation, local business growth, and enhanced global prestige. As these resorts come to life, they are expected to attract discerning travelers from North America, Europe, and beyond—those who value exclusivity, elegance, and immersive cultural experiences. Together with the expanding cruise infrastructure, these luxury developments are helping to redefine The Bahamas as both an elite getaway and a multi-dimensional tourism powerhouse.

Grand Bahama's Remarkable Growth

Grand Bahama Island is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising destinations within The Bahamas. Once known primarily for its industrial base and laid-back charm, the island is now witnessing a major transformation driven by targeted investments in tourism, maritime infrastructure, and leisure development. According to the Bahamian Minister, Grand Bahama claimed the title of the fastest-growing Bahamian island in terms of visitor arrivals in 2023, and maintained strong momentum in 2024, ranking second only to one of its sister islands.

This impressive growth is underpinned by several landmark developments:

• Freeport Harbor Cruise and Water Park Project: A joint initiative between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, this major project includes the construction of a new cruise port and water park, designed to elevate Freeport’s appeal to family travelers and adventure seekers alike. Once completed, it will significantly boost cruise traffic and inject new energy into the island’s tourism sector.
• Grand Bahama Shipyard Transformation: Already a global leader in cruise ship repair, the Grand Bahama Shipyard is undergoing a massive renovation. The plan includes the installation of two new floating dry docks, enhancing its capacity to service the world’s largest cruise ships. Upon completion, the shipyard is expected to solidify its status as the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world, providing high-value maritime services while generating skilled employment opportunities for Bahamians.

These projects reflect a deliberate and strategic approach by the Bahamian government and its international partners to diversify Grand Bahamas’ economy, create sustainable jobs, and position the island as a key hub for both tourism and maritime excellence. The ongoing developments signal not just recovery but a renaissance for Grand Bahama, reinforcing its role in the nation’s long-term vision for inclusive, island-wide growth.

Strategic Investment and Vision of the Government

In recent years, The Bahamas has drawn substantial foreign direct investment, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s tourism potential. The government's strategic focus is on developing and enhancing all 16 of its unique island destinations, each celebrated for its distinct cultural charm, natural beauty, and recreational appeal. Authorities continue to emphasize inclusive growth by ensuring that every island benefits from tourism-driven development.

The Future of Bahamian Tourism

The Bahamas is more than a tropical getaway—it’s an evolving hub for sustainable tourism, luxury travel, and global cruise excellence. With new ports and luxury developments creating a dynamic tourism landscape, the country is well-positioned for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond.