Updated December 24, 2019

Hurricane Gilbert stunned the port towns of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in 1988.  Due to the devastating damage, our ship’s itinerary quickly changed to include the Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport over the next couple of months.

Our first stop was Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island.  This port offered many of the same amenities as our Yucatan Peninsula ports, so it was a perfect choice.   It was such a great stop for visitors who were interested in watersports, sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Recent Hurricane Dorian, touching down in the Bahamas on August 24, 2019, was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Bahamas in over 65 years.  Information provided throughout this post may require updating due to the recent event, so check for updated information online.

Since the early days of cruise vacations, the islands of the Bahamas have been a popular destination.  During my days of working with the cruise lines, Freeport was a shopper’s paradise and offered a variety of activities in addition to its international restaurants.

One of Freeport’s most popular shopping plazas was the International Bazaar consistently bustling with  tourists.  I was surprised to learn that today, the Bazaar has become a ghost town, with limited shopping and dining, quite different than my past experience.  Much of the change has been attributed to a history of hurricanes that have left the island in need of repair.  A new shopping area has been developed near downtown Freeport and is much more visitor-friendly.  For shoppers who are into haggling for a deal, check out the straw market to practice your bartering skills for souvenirs and merchandise.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

The bazaar, in keeping with the international theme, was divided into sections based on countries of the world.   The architecture of each designated location included France, America, the Orient and Scandinavia.  It remains one of the oldest shopping regions on the island.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

In front of the International Bazaar was the Bavarian Beer Garden which provided a wide range of lunch and dinner items.   Continuing the tradition today, the menu highlights the following options:  Conch salad, crab salad, fried chicken, lobster and French fries.  With the best prices in the Bazaar, they also offer deals on tropical cocktails.  Outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sunshine.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

Outside of the International Bazaar is a brightly colored directional sign that shows the distance from Freeport to popular worldwide destinations.   It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it, so I thought it clever to know how far I was from some of the other islands as well as major cities including, New York:  1015 miles, Bimini: 53 miles, Montreal:  1323 miles and San Salvador:  285 miles.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

A nearby attraction to the International Bazaar and Straw Market was the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino.  Built in the 1970’s the resort was later named the Bahamia Royal Oasis Resort.  Sitting on close to 1,000 acres, which included a hotel with pools and casino, the property eventually closed due to hurricane and tropical storm damage.

The most recent information regarding the property came from a 2010 news story which reported that there was a fire at the Princess Towers, which started on the 7^th floor.

Another shopping area is the Port Lucaya marketplace and seems today to be much more popular than the International Bazaar.   Activities from this port include scuba and snorkeling, boat tours and rentals, as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins  There is a shopping mall nearby which includes a drugstore and offers duty free deals on perfume and watches.  If you are searching for cheaper prices for alcohol, your best bet is to head downtown.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

In the Port Lucaya shopping area, you can also find restaurants, but downtown is where you will find Bahamian local dishes and fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

While in Port Lucaya, stop by to see the lighthouse.  It has since been painted with red and white stripes and visible from the shopping area.

The town of Freeport has not been without its own natural disasters over the years.  And although they have faced many challenges, they have worked together to make a huge comeback in the tourism industry.  It was just a matter of time.  I look forward to returning again soon to see how things have changed since my last visit to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

Have you visited a port that has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes? Have you since had an opportunity to see its restoration?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below and wishing you many  Happy Travels!

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