Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Bahamas Port
by Daniel McCarthyCarnival Cruise Line is partnering with the Bahamian government to install the region’s largest-ever cruise port on Grand Bahamas Island.
The port, which has not yet been named, will be able to accommodate Carnival’s two largest ships simultaneously. The cruise line said it expects the port to host up to a million guests a year.
The multimillion-dollar project includes a one-mile stretch of beach with eateries, shopping outlets and recreational facilities.
Construction will officially begin after a detailed public discussion process and after authorities complete studies to gauge the project’s environmental impact. There is no date yet for when the port will welcome its first guests.
Carnival said it will sail almost 3 million guests to the Bahamas this year, with calls at Nassau, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. The new port, along with the addition of Havana and other Cuban stops, opens up a variety of new Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries for Carnival.
Half Moon Cay, a private island run by Carnival Cruise Line’s parent Carnival Corp., just celebrated its 20th anniversary with several new upgrades added including a new Lobster Shack and watersport offerings.
