Carnival Cruise Line, in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the government of the Bahamas, has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cruise port.

The Carnival Grand Bahama cruise port destination is being developed on the south side of the island. It is expected to open in late 2024.

It will be able accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously and will feature an area designated as a nature reserve.

The cruise pier will allow Grand Bahama to welcome guests from Carnival’s larger ships, such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras, and Carnival Celebration.

Carnival Cruise Line: ‘Expanding guest experiences’

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “As we celebrate our 50-year partnership with the Bahamas, today’s groundbreaking 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.

“Our sincere thanks to the government of the Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority for their continued support as we begin construction.

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

Grand Bahama Port Authority acting chairman Sarah St George added: “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. We are immensely grateful to Carnival for choosing Freeport and Grand Bahama for this flagship project.”