FREEPORT, Grand Bahama –When Carnival Cruise Line opens its new port in East Grand Bahama, the cruise industry titan promises to not only create 1,000 jobs and generate new opportunities for local businesses, but also deliver on one of the biggest cruise ports in the world with up to one million visitors a year, The Nassau Guardian repoted on August 2, in an article written by Barbara Waulkin.
Carnival broke ground on its multi-million-dollar cruise port at Sharp Rock, East Grand Bahama, on May 12.
On Thursday evening (July 28), D, the cruise line’s vice president of global ports and destination development, opened a two-day cruise port development information confeavid Candibrence, giving a business overview to share the various components of construction as well as opportunities for residents.
The two-day event was held at the Grand Lucayan Resort.
Carnival’s 329-acre port project is expected to provide a variety of short and long-term opportunities for Grand Bahamians.
In its initial phase, however, which is mostly dredging and maritime work, Candib said international contractors will be engaged to carry out the specialty work in 60 to 90 days.
“We wanted to provide an update on when you will start to see various elements of construction on the site, both from a maritime and a landside, and more on the opportunities we are going to provide at the port – retail, food and beverage, as well as employment,” he said.
“The idea is to give more visibility of the timing because, as we’ve mentioned, the goal is to open the port late 2024. So, from now until then, there are several phases of construction and opportunities for companies to take advantage of.”
The entire property will not be developed; 30 percent will remain as a natural reserve and another 20 percent as green space.
Carnival’s goal, according to Candib, is to feature all things Bahamian – art, culture, food and Junkanoo – while providing the guests with a unique experience, such as the shore excursion dock.
“This will, for the first time in Grand Bahama, provide guests a vessel that will pick them up right at the port and bring them back,” he said.
“This is something that we want to do collaboratively with the Grand Bahamian community, with the government and with the Ministry of Grand Bahama. So, it is especially important for us.”
Candib added that Carnival will hire companies to support construction in areas of plumbing, road work, fencing, landscaping, electrical and roofing, among many others. Additionally, offerings for business will include general souvenirs, crafts, arts, apparel and jewelry.
He said with the new port, Carnival is committed to growing cruise arrivals to the island.
“The port is designed to accommodate two of the largest ships we have sailing today, like the Mardi Gras, with 6,500 passengers, but times two,” Candib said. “So, that is pretty amazing.” See complete Nassau Guardian article in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE at https://thenassauguardian.com/carnival-outlines-opportunities-new-port-will-provide-for-gb-residents-%ef%bf%bc/?fbclid=IwAR2leUVm8V3qiSjbLjcFEvzNjrbCJ5NmW-TOdlqMf5voKNVG0PE_gIR7RsU
