Up to one million cruise passengers a year will be transported to a new cruise port in The Bahamas to be developed by Carnival Cruise Line.
Claimed to be the largest purpose-built cruise facility in The Bahamas, features will include one mile of beach, food, drink and shopping outlets, water-based amenities and other recreational facilities.
The as yet unnamed planned port is to be funded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line and will be capable of handling two of the line’s largest ships simultaneously.
The project is subject to a detailed public discussion process, environmental studies and permits.
The multimillion-dollar project is expected to provide a significant economic benefit for the country of The Bahamas, including many employment and economic opportunities throughout the development, construction and ongoing operation, the company claims.
President Christine Duffy said: “Carnival Cruise Line is the leader in year-round cruising to The Bahamas and this new development will not only provide a truly extraordinary and one-of-a-kind destination experience for our guests but it will further solidify our partnership with the people of The Bahamas.
“In 2017, along with Carnival’s sister lines, Carnival Corporation will bring close to three million guests to The Bahamas via calls to Nassau, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, the latter two of which were developed and are operated by Carnival Corporation brands Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
“Collectively, we represent the single largest cruise company investor in The Bahamas.”
Carnival Corporation president and chief executive Arnold Donald said: “When Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival and the modern day cruise industry, embarked on his first cruise, it was to The Bahamas.
“From that day until now, The Bahamas continues to be one of the most strategic and important destinations for our company.
“Signing this agreement today is especially meaningful to me, as we strive to further contribute to the prosperity of the people of The Bahamas through providing experiences that continue to exceed our guests’ expectations.”
Bahamas prime minister Perry Christie said: “This new cruise port initiative in East Grand Bahama will deliver a cruise port in the traditional sense, but more than that, its shore project will create a new ‘destination’ with a distinctive flavour and characteristics that offer the broadest Bahamian entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, representing another phase in the development of Grand Bahama as a viable tourist centre.”