Royal Caribbean Group, through its premium brand Celebrity Cruises, has finalized the purchase of the long-dormant Xanadu Beach Resort in Freeport, Bahamas.
The $300 million deal, confirmed by the Bahamian government and port officials, includes 40 acres of oceanfront property and marks a major milestone in Royal Caribbean’s redevelopment plans for Grand Bahama Island.
According to statements made during the Central Bank’s quarterly economic briefing, the site has sat empty since 2011 and will be transformed into a new recreational and entertainment hub.
The move follows more than a year of negotiations and builds on Royal Caribbean’s earlier interest in the site, which was publicly listed in 2023.
According to local media, the deal includes a 75-slip marina and surrounding land parcels.
The redevelopment is expected to inject new energy into Freeport’s economy, with officials urging Bahamians to prepare for job and investment opportunities.
Royal Caribbean previously abandoned a $65 million acquisition of the Grand Lucayan Resort in the wake of the pandemic.
Still, this new commitment—alongside Carnival’s Celebration Key and MSC’s ongoing shipyard investment—signals confidence in Grand Bahama’s tourism potential.
A spokesperson for the cruise line said the company is continually evaluating its portfolio to enhance guest experiences and drive economic growth.
