Cruise News and Beyond from The Bahamas this May

The month of May in The Bahamas bears a special kind of magic—beaches stretch wide, warm breezes drift through the islands, and the flora is at its lushest. The ocean invites long days of diving, snorkeling or simply floating beneath expansive blue skies.

From expanded cruise facilities and new private island upgrades to tranquil beachside mornings and festive fishing tournaments, read on for all the reasons to visit The Bahamas this May.

New Developments
Several exciting announcements from The Bahamas emerged from the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 conference in April. The island nation continues to lead the region in cruise-related investment and private destination developments, including the following:

• Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises – Freeport Cruise Development (Grand Bahama): MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for a new $450 million cruise terminal in Freeport Harbor. The development, to be built on an existing man-made island, will feature cruise berths along with food, entertainment and retail offerings designed to enhance the visitor experience. A key component will be a transportation logistics center to better organize shore excursions and independent tours.
• MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve – Expansion Updates: MSC’s private island destination continues to evolve, with several major upgrades planned through 2027. Four new dining venues will expand food options, while Seakers Family Cove Beach will receive a full refresh with new amenities. Younger travelers will benefit from a new playground and splash pad, while thrill-seekers can enjoy a ropes course with slides and water features. A pier extension, already underground, will allow multiple ships to dock at once and is due for completion next year.
• Royal Caribbean – Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Nassau): Opened in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island introduces a 17-acre, all-inclusive beach experience in Nassau. The destinationfeatures three pools, two beaches and seven bars, along with a variety of local dining options. Notably, the club is also open to Bahamian residents, creating a shared tourism space.
• Mayaguana – New Cruise Port Development: The Government of The Bahamas has finalized a public-private partnership to develop a new cruise port and cargo facility on Mayaguana. As the easternmost island in the archipelago, this project represents a strategic move to expand tourism to the Out Islands.

• Norwegian Cruise Line – Great Stirrup Cay Enhancements: With this expansion, NCL has introduced a suite of new features at Great Stirrup Cay—now open—the centerpiece being the 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon, one of the largest pools in the region. Additional upgrades include the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, a new welcome center, and an island-wide tram service. Families can also enjoy Splash Harbour, a newly added children’s play area.
  • NCL – Great Stirrup Cay Pier Expansion: A $150 million pier expansion at Great Stirrup Cay is set to be fully operational in 2026. The upgrade allows the island to accommodate two large ships simultaneously,addressing previous capacity limitations. This improvement is expected to increase visitor flow and reduce tendering times. It also supports NCL’s broader growth strategy in the Caribbean.
• Carnival – Celebration Key Expansion (Grand Bahama): Since opening in July 2025, Celebration Key has quickly gained traction, welcoming 1 million guests within its first five months. Carnival is now moving forward with an expansion set to begin in 2026, which could significantly increase cruise traffic to Grand Bahama. Those plans include adding two additional berths, enabling the destination to host up to four Excel-class ships at once.
• Grand Lucayan Resort Redevelopment (Grand Bahama): A new partnership between Concord Wilshire and CTL Maritime, a subsidiary of MSC Cruises, is set to redevelop part of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama into an exclusive destination for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests. While specific amenities have not yet been detailed, the development is part of MSC’s reflection, nearly $1.5 billion investment in The Bahamas, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to enhancing the destination’s appeal and competitiveness in the cruise market.

A reminder…
Breeze Airways: Tampa to Nassau Starting June 11th
Beginning on June 11, Breeze Airways will operate a nonstop service from Tampa to Nassau. The premium leisure carrier’s expansion enhances seasonal access from Florida’s Gulf Coast, with introductory one-way fares starting at $99, offering travelers an affordable and convenient gateway to the destination’s capital.

Events

• Custom Shootout (13-16 May): The Custom Shootout Fishing Tournament is a prestigious, invite-only event that celebrates the craftsmanship and innovation of custom sport fishing boats. Held in the stunning waters of The Abacos, the tournament draws anglers and boating enthusiasts from across the globe.
• Annual Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Invitational (May 14-17): The legendary Walker’s Cay hosts its 3rd Annual Blue Marlin Invitational this month. This tournament draws elite anglers worldwide to compete for a grand prize of $15,000 in the northern Bahamas’ top-tier fishing grounds. Expect thrilling blue marlin catches, a festive marina scene and a nod to Walker’s Cay’s storied angling legacy.

Looking ahead…

• 36th Annual Pineapple Festival (June 5-6): Held in Gregory Town, Eleuthera—the birthplace of the sweetest pineapples in The Bahamas—the annual Pineapple Festival brings together local farmers, artisans and vendors for a vibrant celebration of island culture and community. Visitors can sample a variety of pineapple-inspired dishes, drinks and desserts while enjoying traditional games and live music from Bahamian artists and fire dancers. A highlight of the festival is the Junkanoo Parade, where rhythmic drumming, horns and cowbells accompany dancers in elaborate costumes. Guests can also browse arts and crafts and shop with local vendors—supporting Eleuthera’s farmers and their families while experiencing one of the tastiest and most spirited events of the summer.
• Regattas in The Abacos (20-28 June): Featuring a colorful array of sailboats and powerboats competing in exhilarating races, regattas in The Abacos is set upon crystal-clear island waters. Amid the stunning backdrop of white sand beaches, visitors and locals come together to enjoy thrilling competitions, live music, delicious Bahamian cuisine and a festive atmosphere—the perfect blend of sporting excitement and cultural immersion.

• The Cove Eleuthera – $300 Spa Credit
  Tucked away on a secluded stretch of pink-sand coastline, The Cove Eleuthera offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path resort where spacious suites and private villas open onto some of the island’s most breathtaking views. With the Caribbean Bliss package, guests can fully lean into the resort’s serene pace, enjoying a $300 spa credit when staying three nights or more. It’s an invitation to unwind on your own terms—whether through restorative treatments or a personalized aromatherapy experience, where therapists craft a scent journey tailored to your mood.
• Rosewood Baha Mar – 30% off select suites when you stay two nights or more
  Set along the pristine shores of Nassau, Rosewood Baha Mar offers a relaxed take on island luxury, where expansive suites, ocean views and attentive service create a true sense of retreat. With the Suite Sojourn offer, guests can enjoy up to 30% off when staying two nights or more, along with additions designed to elevate the experience, such as personalized butler service, champagne upon arrival and other resort credits.
• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach – Save up to 50% when you bundle hotel and air
  Located in Freeport, Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham offers a laid-back, all-inclusive escape where the rhythm of the island meets easygoing adventure. Surrounded by lush tropical grounds and crystal-clear water, the resort invites days filled with snorkelling, kayaking, beachside lounging, and lively entertainment—all seamlessly included—from unlimited dining and cocktails to daily activities and themed evenings. With its Summer/Fall offer, the experience becomes even more effortless: enjoy up to 50% off when you bundle hotel and air for travel between 1 Aug. and 30 Nov. 2026, along with perks like early room selection and flexible “book now, pay later” options.

Island Focus: The Berry Islands

A cluster of cays that total no more than 12 square miles, The Berry Islands are truly a secluded paradise. Bordered by the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep underwater trench that draws abundant marine life, the waters of The Berry Islands are some of the most beautiful in The Bahamas. For experienced fishermen, a visit to Chub Cay, known as “The Billfish Capital of The Bahamas,” is a must, as it holds record-breaking catches of blue and white marlin. Adventure seekers can explore the Chub Cay Wall, home to Caribbean reef life that will captivate even the most experienced divers, or head to Hoffman’s Cay Blue Hole, where adventurous travelers can jump into the water from a 20-foot cliff. Those looking for a more relaxing beach getaway can enjoy miles of secluded beaches including Shelling Beach, home to crystal-clear water and all the stunning seclusion of The Bahamas’ Out Islands.

Looking for a place to stay? Chub Cay Club sits at the southern tip of The Berry Islands and at the edge of “The Pocket” of the ocean, where a variety of dolphins, wahoo, marlin, tuna and sailfish are often spotted. Chub Cay has miles of untouched beaches and offers full resort amenities, including beachfront cabanas, a full-service marina, pool, pickleball courts, restaurants, bars, and boat charters offered onsite for scuba diving or snorkeling tours.