Key Aspects:
- The Bahamas has announced a new cruise port to be built on Mayaguana.
- The tiny island is 350 miles southeast of Nassau, halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico.
- The new port will be built in three phases, but no timeline is yet confirmed for completion.
The Government of the Bahamas has announced intentions to develop a brand new cruise port in the island nation, but far from the most familiar destinations cruise guests know.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 that they intend to develop the new port on Mayaguana, the easternmost of the Bahamian islands, through a public-private partnership.
The project will serve not only the cruise industry, but will also work as a cargo port for ships heading for the Panama Canal.
Because Mayaguana is close to international shipping lanes, it is a natural location for such a facility and the new port would provide an economic boost to the often overlooked region of the southeastern Bahamas.
The project is to be jointly owned by the Government of The Bahamas, the Mayaguana Island Development Fund, and Global Lead Consultant Group Limited, with development in three phases:
- Phase 1 – Temporary facilities to support construction and a deep water port
- Phase 2 – Cruise ship terminal
- Phase 3 – Deep water enhancements, larger terminal, and landside support facilities
While this announcement comes as a welcome look forward to a new cruise destination in the Bahamas, there is not yet any timeline for when the new cruise port may open.
Before construction can even begin, there need to be appropriate environmental assessments, stakeholder collaborations, regulatory approvals, design development, and more.
Where Is Mayaguana?
Mayaguana is the southeasternmost island of the Bahamas archipelago, approximately 350 miles southeast of Nassau.
This puts the small island halfway between Miami and Puerto Rico, an ideal location for a port for Eastern Caribbean itineraries.
The new port could also be a great alternative destination when poor weather may impact Nassau or the Bahamian private islands, all of which are located closer to the Bahamian capital or Freeport, which is even further north.
Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?
Mayaguana is just 110 square miles, with a 2010 census report of a population under 300 residents. The new port project is expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs from conception until the new port opens, and undoubtedly even more jobs will be created as cruise ships begin to visit.
What Might the Cruise Port Include?
While further details about the new port will be announced as they are confirmed in the months to come, there are some aspects of the project that may seem obvious.
It would be advantageous for the new cruise port to be built to accommodate larger ships, such as both Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis classes, Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class, and MSC Cruises’ World class.
This would ensure flexibility to bring in ships with the greatest economic impact, as well as provide plenty of space to work with smaller vessels.
Environmental flexibility will also be essential, potentially including shore power hookups as well as LNG-fueling capacity to service the needs of different vessels as environmental regulations change in the years to come.
Cruise guests will certainly be interested in a variety of tour options, particularly those that focus on the natural beauty and culture of the Bahamas. Snorkeling, wildlife interactions, and water sports are always popular, as are pristine beaches and authentic experiences.
A local shopping and artisan retail space will undoubtedly be included, as well as dining options.
At the moment, time will tell what will be developed for the new cruise port, but stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the details as they are confirmed in the months and years ahead.
