Royal Caribbean’s new joint venture, Holistica Destinations, has announced a $300 mill investment in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
This will be used to redevelop the Freeport cruise ship terminal into a destination which will include a hotel, convention centre, 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 consist of a beachfront destination with a 526-room hotel, shopping village, spa and wellness centre, water-based family entertainment, including a large water and adventure theme park, a 40,000 sq ft convention centre, adventure activities, such as zip lines and off-roading, restaurants and bars, entertainment and nightlife.
Harbour Village will be located nine miles west of the Lucaya Property, at the cruise terminal in Freeport Harbour. The new project is due to be finished in the Winter of 2022.
“Great destinations are a vitally important part of the recipe to deliver unforgettable cruise vacations. With our partnership in Holistica Destinations, we believe that this new development will create a world-class experience for guests and deliver renewed hope for the rebirth of Grand Bahama,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
“We thank the government of The Bahamas for its continued partnership and shared vision to create a premier attraction which will be a catalyst for economic growth in the destination.”
Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group (Bahamas Port Investments Ltd) added: “By the time we are finished in the winter of 2022, the port will be ready to host the largest cruise ships in the world.”
With the participation of Bahamian companies, development plans for Freeport also include a multi-modal transportation hub with infrastructure for water ferries and ground transportation, including buses, vans and jeeps. Holistica Destinations will work closely with local business owners and entrepreneurs as partners with opportunities both at Harbour Village and the Lucaya Property, as well as additional shore excursions in Grand Bahama.
In March, 2019, Royal Caribbean signed a letter of intent with The Bahamas Government to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort and for the redevelopment of the Freeport Harbour.
