Following the smashing success of Royal Caribbean's new beach club in Nassau, MSC Cruises seems to be following suit.
The cruise line plans to build a private beach club in The Bahamas, acquiring and developing a 20-acre portion of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island, according to a press release. The area is currently occupied by The Reef Village.
This new project is in addition to MSC's previously announced pier complex in Freeport and will be purpose-built for MSC and Explora Journeys passengers.
"This agreement represents a defining moment for Grand Bahama and the future of our island," said the Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
"The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism and investment destination."
MSC Group, the parent company of MSC Cruises, expects that the MSC Beach Club will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs both during construction and throughout the club's operations.
The press release adds that development work is expected to begin on April 12, depending on whether MSC can obtain the required environmental and regulatory permits.
"This project marks the next phase of our long-term investment strategy in the Bahamas and as a family-owned company, we take a long term view and when we commit to projects of this nature, we do so with the intention and capability to deliver," remarked Gianluca Suprani, President of CTL Maritime, an entity of MSC Group.
"When completed, this transformational investment will help to elevate Grand Bahama into one of the region's most competitive and attractive cruise destinations."
Not the first cruise line to invest in private beach clubs
Private cruise destinations aren't exactly a new concept, with Norwegian Cruise Line first acquiring an island, which is now known as Great Stirrup Cay, in 1977.
However, Royal Caribbean definitely set a new standard for private cruise destinations with its transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019.
With its massive Thrill Waterpark, adult-only beach, private cabanas, upscale beach club, and more, CocoCay is now a sought-after vacation experience, rather than just another port of call.
The cruise line didn't stop there, either. In 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it was transforming a 17-acre strip of land on Paradise Island into a private beach club.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island finally welcomed passengers in December 2025 and quickly became a highlight for cruise-goers seeking an exclusive, resort-style experience in Nassau. Amenities include private pools, local cuisine, and access to pristine stretches of Bahamian beaches.
Royal Caribbean has plans to open private clubs in Cozumel, Santorini, and the South Pacific, too.
Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
MSC wants a slice of the action with its new club on Grand Bahama Island
Like Nassau, Grand Bahama Island isn't the most desirable cruise destination.
"Freeport Bahamas is quite literally the most overrated place if you don’t have some extravagant excursions planned. And even then, might still not be worth it," wrote one Redditor.
Another chimed in, "I don't know that this is an unpopular opinion. I completely agree. My husband and I stay on the ship on Freeport day and enjoy a mostly empty ship."
"Freeport is a flea market at best. We often don’t get off the ship if that is one of the ports on our itinerary," someone else said.
Not only is MSC planning on building a private beach club on Grand Bahama Island, but they're also investing in the development of a new cruise port in the Freeport Harbour, along with upgrades to the existing facilities.
"This is designed not only as an infrastructure upgrade but as a complete destination enhancement, improving the visitor experience while expanding opportunities for Bahamians in commerce, culture, and tourism services," the press release states.
"When completed, the cruise port will be available to all cruise lines, positioning Freeport as one of the region's premium cruise gateways and supporting broader national and economic growth."
The new cruise port area, together with the MSC Beach Club, is poised to transform Grand Bahama Island into a more appealing, sought-after destination for travelers — much like Royal Caribbean achieved with the success of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.
