Carnival welcomes Grand Bahama business community to cruise port development

Carnival Cruise Line hosted more than 500 local business representatives and residents during a two-day series of informational sessions regarding its Grand Bahama Cruise Port development currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2024.

Held at the Grand Lucayan Hotel and Resort, the introductory session updated the community about progress on the cruise port project and the jobs and business opportunities it will bring. A series of breakout sessions also took place to provide both individuals and business owners with further details on construction, retail, food and beverage and shore excursion opportunities.

“The Grand Bahama Cruise Port represents a tremendous opportunity as we partner with the local community to create jobs and build a business relationship that will have both immediate and long-term benefits,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The Bahamas has been a valued partner and vibrant destination for Carnival for 50 years, and we are grateful for the ongoing support from the government of The Bahamas, Ministry for Grand Bahama and Grand Bahama Port Authority. We look forward to seeing the new port come to life, generating an estimated 1,000 local jobs throughout its development, construction and ongoing operation, and ultimately creating a one-of-a-kind experience for Grand Bahama visitors from around the world.”

The Carnival Grand Bahama cruise port destination broke ground in May on the south side of the island, where it will serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama. Representing an investment of $200 million, the port destination will offer guests a uniquely Bahamian experience with exciting features and amenities, including a one-mile stretch of white-sand beach, a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, as well as Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for Carnival guests to enjoy.

Upon completion, the cruise pier will be able to accommodate two of Carnival’s Excel-class ships simultaneously, such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras, which debuted in 2021 as the line’s largest and most innovative ship and North America’s first cruise ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, which will begin sailing from PortMiami later this year.