Making the most of Freeport
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Every cruise ship visiting Freeport, Bahamas, docks at Lucayan Harbour on the western side of Grand Bahama Island. The harbour is not near hotels or activity departure points, so most passengers continue to Port Lucaya, the centre of Freeport's visitor activity.
Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility, on Freeport Harbour's waterways, received a $10.9 million redevelopment to improve its passenger terminal. Facilities now include covered pick-up and drop-off areas, a retail centre, a craft market selling local straw work and other indigenous crafts, extensive new tropical planting and a more efficient ground-transport arrangement.
Reaching Port Lucaya requires a 10-minute taxi journey. Cabs are metered but often apply a fixed price; expect around US$15 into town. A shared van with other cruise passengers is considerably cheaper at about $5 per person each way.
Freeport occupies Grand Bahama Island, one of the 700 islands making up the Bahamas. The chain's northernmost island lies about 60 miles south-east of Florida. Freeport is heavily Americanised and differs little from neighbouring Florida, with white powdery beaches, large coastal resorts and expensive yachts in the harbour.
Getting around
Taxis are plentiful, but always settle the fare before travelling.
Port Lucaya Marina is conveniently positioned in Freeport, Grand Bahama's shopping centre, with many choices for diving, dolphin encounters, retail and other activities.
Nearby places
At Port Lucaya, water sports take place along a beautiful 4 mile sweep of soft, white, powdery sand enjoyed by swimmers and sunbathers. Eco-tourism is also important to Grand Bahama. Lucayan National Park is renowned for underwater limestone caves, while Rand Memorial Nature Center offers over 100 acres of twisting paths through the area's native plants and wildlife.
Food and shopping
Duty-free goods are the Bahamas' most popular shopping category.
The Bahamas is also known for Androsian batik textiles made by a small workshop in Andros Town on a remote Out Island. Its factory is fascinating to tour, but batik products are widely sold in Nassau, Freeport and major Out Islands such as Abaco and Eleuthera.
Money
The Bahamian dollar (B$) is the local currency. Its value is equal to the US dollar, and both currencies are accepted across the country.
Staying connected
English is spoken.
Opening Hours and
Bahamian retailers may open on Sunday, but almost all choose not to, making it a particularly quiet commercial day. Otherwise, morning is best for shopping, when temperatures are mild and crowds are small.