Carnival Cruise Line and the Grand Bahama Port Authority have broken ground on the cruise line’s new destination on Grand Bahama Island.

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

It will serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama while also offering guests what the cruise line calls a Bahamian experience with many exciting features and amenities.

Rendering of the development plan for Carnival Grand Bahama

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

The cruise port development will include a pier capable of accommodating up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously, such as Mardi Gras and her sister ship Carnival Celebration.

There will also be white sand beaches, as well as a dedicated shore excursion dock, giving passengers the opportunity to explore and enjoy Grand Bahama by way of sea, or land via a transportation hub.

The cruise port itself will also 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.

Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line, and Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, break ground on the new development, alongside other officials.

“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,” said Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line.

“Our sincere thanks to the government of The Bahamas and The Grand Bahama Port Authority for their continued support as we begin construction,” she added. “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 has been described as having a monumental impact on the island’s economy, including a panoply of new business opportunities, a huge surge in tourist visitors, as well as increased activities for established businesses.

The cruise port joins Carnival Cruise Line’s existing cruise destination in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. Although Half Moon Cay is a private island destination, Carnival Grand Bahama will be a semi-private enclave on the main island near Freeport.