NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Carnival Cruise Lines executive said yesterday that the company is moving “full steam ahead” on the uplands and marina component of its Grand Bahama Cruise Port development, which is expected to welcome its first passengers in the second quarter of 2025.

Juan Fernandez, Carnival’s vice president of port operations, told the Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference yesterday that the company estimates that by the second year of operation, up to 1,000 new jobs will be created.

“Since our inauguration in May 2022, we are very proud of the progress we have made. We are moving full speed ahead on the marina and upland components of the project. We have completed all clearing work and are now in the process of dredging and reclaiming the land,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez noted that Carnival is “very close” to selecting a company to design and build the cruise port pier that is expected to welcome its first passengers in the second quarter of 2025. He also noted that over the next few months Carnival will begin hiring for key operational positions.

“This project is just one of the many ways Carnival Corp continues to show our commitment and partnership with the Bahamas in general and Grand Bahama in particular,” Fernandez said.

The cruise port represents an investment of more than 200 million for Carnival. Fernandez noted that there will be Bahamian-operated retail businesses as well as food and beverage options.

Fernandez noted that 80 Bahamians are currently working at the site through various vendors, with new employment opportunities to come.

“We estimate that by the end of the second year of operation, no less than 1,000 new jobs will be created,” he said.