Carnival briefs Grand Bahama community on $200m port development

The $200m project is under construction and planned for late 2024 completion.

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

Attendees learned about business development opportunities the port is expected to generate

1,000 jobs projected

Carnival President Christine Duffy said the Grand Bahama Cruise Port represents a 'tremendous opportunity' to partner with the community to create jobs and build a business relationship that will have immediate and long-term benefits.

'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,' Duffy added.

Ground was broken in May on the south side of the island, where the port will serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama. The facility will offer cruisers a Bahamian experience with 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 and food and beverage options.

Capacity for two Excel-class ships

The pier will be able to accommodate two of Carnival’s Excel-class ships simultaneously, such as the Port Canaveral based Mardi Gras, which debuted in 2021, and sister Carnival Celebration, set to begin sailing from PortMiami later this year.

Carnival said it will continue to keep local businesses informed about progress and opportunities via the project website.