Cruise Guide for Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Freeport and Lucaya are often referred to as if they were one city. Together they make up the development on Grand Bahama Island, but they actually started off as two separate places. Freeport is the landlocked business center of the island, where you'll find offices, banks, shops and hotels. Lucaya is the waterfront development a few miles/kilometers to the east, where the newest hotels, shops and restaurants line a strip of land between the sea and a salt pond.
Visitors who haven't been to Freeport in a few years may have trouble recognizing the city. Those who arrive by ship will be met by the modernized cruise-passenger terminal, the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility, and its landscaped retail village. Old Bahama Bay on West End, the island's original tourist site, is now home to a world-class marina, resort and residential community. Large resorts, such as the Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, and the Pelican Bay Hotel have revitalized Port Lucaya.
Yachters seek out the beautiful ports and outstanding marinas of Freeport and Lucaya. The cities also attract couples, as the scenery is perfect for weddings in a tropical paradise.
Location
The Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility is an attractive port area, 6 mi/10 km west of Freeport, at Freeport Harbour. Pastel colors are the order of the day. You'll need transportation to reach the major shopping centers and attractions from the port. The ride into town is through Freeport's industrial area.
Tourist information is available at the Lucayan Harbour, Grand Bahama International Airport, Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar. Representatives of the Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism are available when ships call. There is a tourism-information booth in the International Bazaar. Open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line and are not included in the cost of your cruise. Typical shore excursions on Grand Bahama Island include shopping expeditions, snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours, kayak excursions, eco-tours, dolphin encounters and golfing. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for more information.