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The second-largest city in the Bahamas and just a short distance from Florida, Freeport is a popular stop on cruising itineraries. While, yes, it’s not as popular as Nassau Cruise Port, some cruisers think this is a benefit.

You get fewer crowds and a more low-key vibe while still enjoying all the amenities you expect from a port visited by the major cruise lines. So, what can you expect if your cruise is stopping in Freeport, Bahamas? Here’s what you need to know.

Freeport Cruise Port Location

Freeport is situated on Grand Bahama Island. It’s the island’s main city. The Freeport cruise port, though, is not located within Freeport Harbour.

Instead, it’s in Lucayan Harbour. The Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility can be found by searching for “Freeport Cruise Port, Wild Goose Town, Bahamas” in any navigation app.

Both harbors are on the southwest portion of the island, about six miles from Freeport city center and 20 miles from Carnival’s new Celebration Key. They’re also about a 10-minute drive from the nearest beaches. 

As it stands now, with no further development (more on that below!), the area that the cruise port is in is rather industrial and you’ll need to leave this immediate area in order to find something to do.

However, most visitors plan to visit a beach or book an excursion in Freeport, rather than simply wander around the city, as they might do in some other ports.  

Freeport Cruise Terminal and Piers

The Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility is rather basic, with some colorful buildings, outdoor space and room for up to three cruise ships to visit. 

At the terminal, you’ll find a range of services and amenities, including restrooms, a tourist information kiosk, places to get food, drinks and souvenirs, as well as tour and car rental providers. There’s also an outpost of popular chain Senor Frog’s. 

Keep in mind that you will need some sort of taxi or car rental in order to see much of Freeport and Grand Bahama in general, and rideshare services are not available. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Freeport and Where They Dock

You can visit Freeport with a large number of different cruise lines, including:

Carnival Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

Norwegian Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Princess Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Margaritaville at Sea

Of course, some cruise lines visit the port more often than others. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Margaritaville at Sea stop into Freeport fairly regularly.

While the cruise port can accommodate multiple ships, it’s rare that you’ll see multiple ships visiting on the same day. Additionally, it’s fairly predictable that fewer Carnival Cruise Line ships will visit the Freeport cruise port once the nearby Celebration Key opens up.

Parking at Freeport Cruise Port

The Freeport cruise port is very rarely an embarkation or debarkation point. As such, you’ll not find an abundance of parking options near the port. The closest, most readily available public parking lots are a short drive away, at the Grand Bahama International Airport. 

Traveling From Nearby Airports

Speaking of airports, the Grand Bahama International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the Freeport cruise port. If you fly into the airport, you can take a rental car or a taxi service from the airport to the port. Unfortunately, ride-sharing services are not an option on Grand Bahama. 

Passenger airlines that fly into Grand Bahama International Airport include American Eagle, BahamasAir, Flamingo Air, Silver Airways, WestJet and Western Air. Private aircraft also fly into the airport. 

How to Get to Freeport Cruise Port

You can get to the Freeport cruise port from elsewhere on the island by taking a rental car, public transportation or taxi. 

If you’re driving a private or rental car, take the Queen’s Highway or Grand Bahama Highway until you reach Freeport and then follow the signage for the cruise port.

Again, you can find the port’s location on Google Maps and similar navigation apps by searching for “Freeport Cruise Port, Wild Goose Town, Bahamas.” Rental providers include Avis, Hertz, and Dollar Rent-a-Car.

If you’d prefer to take a taxi, you won’t have much trouble finding one throughout most of the island. A taxi will cost you around $20–$30, depending on where you’re coming from.

Worth Reading: Nassau Cruise Port – Piers, Getting Around and What’s Nearby

Overall, the government-set rates are $3 for the first fourth-a-mile, plus $0.40 for each additional mile. You’ll also pay $3 per each additional passenger after the first passenger (excluding infants). The port features convenient drop-off, pick-up areas, so your taxi can get you as close to your ship as possible.

Taxi companies include Freeport Taxi Company and Grand Bahama Taxi Union. 

Lastly, local bus service is available to the port from Lucaya and Freeport. Public buses will not take you directly to the port’s drop-off, pick-up areas, but it’ll get you pretty close. Bus fare is $1.50 for adults and $0.50 for children. 

Previously, shuttle service was available from the port, but that is no longer the case. 

Best Beaches Near Freeport Cruise Port

Xanadu Beach

The closest beach to the cruise port is Xanadu Beach, about a 10-minute drive away. It’s a perfectly nice beach for spending a day off the cruise ship, with few crowds, calm waves and the opportunity for water sports. 

Taino Beach

Another, similarly close beach is Taino Beach, which has amenities such as beach bars and picnic areas. You can likewise enjoy water sports here and it’s a popular pick for families.

Silver Point Beach and Lucayan Beach

If you’re willing to travel a bit further away from the port, though, you can find even more great beaches on Grand Bahama.

Silver Point Beach and Lucayan Beach are both just a little further away than Xanadu Beach. Popular with tourists, these beaches may be a bit more crowded, but with more visitors come more amenities and activities. 

Gold Rock Beach

For something more secluded, try Gold Rock Beach, which is more of a locals spot (though you might recognize it as a setting from “Pirates of the Caribbean”!).

It’s also right next to Lucayan National Park, so if you want to visit this landmark during your day on Grand Bahama, you can combine both into one excursion. 

The national park, which is 30 miles from the port, is one of the top things to do and see while you’re on the island. With 40 acres, it’s small by national park standards, but it packs a lot into that small space.

There are three different ecosystems and, the park’s main attraction, one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. 

Paradise Cove

Lastly, Paradise Cove is a good pick for those specifically wanting to snorkel during their port day. Many cruise ships offer snorkeling excursions here, but other water sports are also on tap, such as paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing.

Dining Options Near Freeport Cruise Port

If you’re a traveling foodie, you can’t miss out on the chance to explore authentic Bahamian cuisine. Bahamian staples include conch fritters and conch salad, fried fish, fried plantains, johnnycake, peas and rice, and rum cake.

So where can you go to try foods like these? 

Robinson’s Seafood Delight

You don’t have to walk far at all. Robinson’s Seafood Delight is right inside the cruise ship pier and it offers homemade bites from a walk-up window.

Place your order from the small menu — expect plenty of shellfish and conch, plus some tacos, wraps and sandwiches — and then sit down at one of the outdoor tables to chow down. 

Senor Frog’s

As mentioned, you’ll also see a Senor Frog’s location at the terminal. If you’re not familiar with Senor Frog’s, this is a popular Mexican food chain that can be found in many cruise destinations around the Caribbean. 

The restaurant is known for its large cocktails, party-centric atmosphere and accessible menu filled with items like nachos, wings and quesadillas. 

Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience

If you’re already making plans to visit Taino Beach, be sure to stop by Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience, where you can try a variety of conch-based dishes, plus other fresh seafood. 

Billy Joe’s Restaurant

Another beachside spot is Billy Joe’s Restaurant on Lucaya Beach. This is a good option for those with a pickier eater in their midst, as the restaurant serves the classic conch dishes that the island is known for, but also classic American fare like burgers, fries, hot dogs and wings. 

Flying Fish GastroBar

If you’re seeking something a little more upscale than a casual restaurant at the cruise port or a beach-side eatery, head over to Flying Fish GastroBar, an award-winning restaurant on the water that offers appetizers like the signature grilled calamari; lots of tapas options; wings; burgers; and the signature 72-hour beef short rib. Save room for dessert, such as the creamsicle bread pudding.

Bahamian Brewery

Want to enjoy both a drink and an experience? Visit Freeport’s Bahamian Brewery, where you can take a brewery tour and taste some of the local beer. The brewery is just a short drive away from the cruise port. 

Shopping Near Freeport Cruise Port

There are some shopping options right within the cruise terminal (namely, the port’s straw market), but those who like to more thoroughly explore the local wares during their cruises often travel a bit further afield, to the Port Lucaya Marketplace. 

Here, you’ll not only find lots of shopping options, with souvenirs and locally produced items galore, but also dining, drinks and entertainment such as live music. 

The marketplace stretches out over nearly 10 acres next to the water. The open-air market features more than 40 specialty stores, more than 120 vendors, 11 restaurants and seven bars. In short, no matter what it is that you’re hoping to find while you’re shopping, you can probably find it at Port Lucaya Marketplace. 

Lucaya Beach is also nearby, so you can pair visits to both in one afternoon.

Best Time to Visit Freeport

The best time to visit Freeport is all about what you’re looking for! Peak visitor season is in the winter and early spring, December to April, just as it is all over the Caribbean. This is when you’ll find the best weather. Lots of cruise ships will take you to Grand Bahama during this period.

Read Also: When Is the Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas?

However, if you’d rather avoid the crowds, and maybe even get a great deal on your cruise fare, consider looking for a cruise that visits Freeport in the late spring or late fall. Think May or November. 

It’s usually best not to visit Freeport during mid-summer or early fall, June through October, as this is hurricane season and the weather just in general is a little less agreeable, with extra-high temperatures and high humidity.

Freeport, Bahamas Cruise Port: Amenities and Getting Around

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