Carnival, in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Government of The Bahamas, held a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday for its new cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island.

Expected to open in late 2024, the new Grand Bahama cruise port destination is being developed on the south side of the island and Carnival says it will continue to serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama while also offering guests a uniquely Bahamian experience.

The cruise port development includes a pier able to accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously, welcoming guests to a stunning white-sand beach. Guests will be able to explore and enjoy Grand Bahama by way of sea, via a dedicated shore excursion dock, or by land, via a dedicated ground transportation hub.

The cruise pier will allow Grand Bahama to welcome guests from Carnival’s larger ships, including 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 sister ship Carnival Celebration, which will begin sailing from Miami later this year.

The cruise port itself will feature an area designated as a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, along with many Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for guests to enjoy.

Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy; Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis and Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper were among those on hand to officially mark the beginning of construction.

“With the start of this Carnival project, Grand Bahama is now on the better side of reaching its true economic potential,” said Davis. “This investment will provide much needed jobs but will also signal new hope for the island’s recovery.”

“As we celebrate our 50-year partnership with The Bahamas, today’s ground-breaking on our incredible new Grand Bahama destination represents an opportunity to collaborate with the government and people of Grand Bahama – to contribute to the local economy through job and business opportunities, meaningfully engage with local communities, and further expand our experience offerings for our guests who will have a breathtaking new port of call to enjoy,” said CCL’s Duffy.

“Our guests already love The Bahamas, and we are certain this new project will give them even more reason to want to visit.”

The Grand Bahama Port Authority Acting Chairman Sarah St. George commented: “The new Carnival cruise port destination will have a monumental impact on our island’s economy, including a panoply of new business opportunities, a huge surge in tourist visitors, as well as increased activities for established businesses. It is transformational in the true sense of the word.”