A new major cruise port is set to be built in The Bahamas in what is undoubtedly an exciting development for the cruise industry. Famous the world over for their pristine beaches, vibrant and authentic Caribbean culture, and clear, deep blue waters, The Bahamas are a spot that’s already popular with cruise tours and regular holidaymakers, and the exciting new cruise port development could see even more travelers getting the opportunity to experience their beauty for themselves.
The new port development – which will also come with a luxury resort – could change the face of cruising in the region, making up for years of inactivity at the hands of the pandemic. Here’s a look at everything we know about the planned development so far, including when it is expected to be completed, how many passengers it will be able to handle, plus a look at what we know about the resort set to be built alongside it.
New Bahamas Cruise Port – What Travelers Should Know
The Bahamas is well-known for being one of the most scenic ports in the world, with millions visiting each year to sample its delights. In 2019, prior to the pandemic putting cruise travel on the world for more than a year, the scenic island nation welcomed a staggering 3.8 million cruise guests to its beach, bays, and lively backstreets, with the country generating a substantial amount of revenue from tourism-related trade. With cruising very much back in vogue now, the country is hoping to return to such figures once more – and a new cruise port looks like a great way to do it.
Just this week, the government of The Bahamas signed off on a new deal to bring a mega port to the country, a move that will boost the number of travelers able to visit the islands significantly. Azul Destinations Ltd and Calypso Cove Destinations Ltd are working to deliver the project at a cost of $250 million, with the port set to have a suitably tropical name – Calypso Cove. Fortunately for travelers, the project is set to be much more than just a place to sail into, but a top destination in its own right.
The exciting new construction will be located on the country’s Long Island, which is located to the south of both the capital city and current cruise port of Nassau and Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive private island of Half Moon Cay. The Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Chester Cooper, stated that the port will play host to a large variety of different attractions, which will help solidify the country as a favorite cruise destination amongst cruise enthusiasts.
Along with a port, the construction will also include a 200-room hotel to host both cruisegoers and regular vacationers alike. The hotel will feature a water park with both indoor and outdoor pools, whilst the planned casinos and shopping center will provide guests with more than enough leisure activities to keep them occupied during their stay. As if that’s not enough, there will also be an 18-hole golf course at the port, where guests can enjoy a round of the famous old sport in almost unparalleled natural surroundings.
Construction is set to begin on the project late next year or early 2024, with an estimated completion date not yet known. Once completed, the port will be capable of handling 13,000 cruise passengers per day, which will go some way towards helping the country reach its goal of welcoming 4 million passengers per year. The government will also be working on upgrading the local airport’s facilities to meet the expected demand.
The project will be overseen by former Carnival Corporation Vice president for Global Port and Destination Development, Carlos Torres de Navarra, who stated that choosing a location in close proximity to the cruise capital of the world, Florida, was a major factor in selecting Long Island for the new port. The port will feature a pier large enough to welcome two Oasis-class ships, which are amongst the largest in the world.
