Cruisers will soon be able to explore more of The Bahamas. The island is building a massive new ship port that promises endless fun for visitors.
Calypso Cove
The $250 million port called Calypso Cove will be able to welcome two large cruise ships, plus mega-yachts at the separate marina. The port will also house a hotel, golf course, waterpark, and casino. It’s expected to generate hundreds of jobs for its construction, which is slated to begin sometime late in 2023 or early 2024. Once completed, the project is expected to employ thousands of locals and help boost the Bahamian economy.
“We are pleased to say that the project will employ thousands of Bahamians and independent Bahamian firms, so this is good for employment, but also good for entrepreneurship and the empowerment of Bahamians,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister of the Bahamas.
Azul Destinations is spearheading the development, which will have a large focus on Bahamian culture.
“We want to build a destination with culture, music, and art in the port, so when people get off the ship, they immediately know they’re in the Bahamas,” said Carlos Torres de Navarra of Azul Destinations.
Once completed, Calypso Cove can welcome up to 13,000 cruise passengers a day. It will also accommodate visitors from elsewhere on the island and locals looking to stay in the 200-room hotel or partake in one of the many daily activities.
Bahamas Development
Calypso Cove is being developed on Long Island, which is south of New Providence and near Carnival Cruise Line’s private island Half Moon Cay. The area is closer to the popular cruise departure ports in Florida than it is to Nassau. The port’s developers hope that close proximity will lure major cruise lines to the area.
In addition to the new development at Long Island, Carnival Corporation is building a new cruise port on Grand Bahama Island. That $200 million project is set on nearly 400 acres of land and will be able to house two large cruise ships simultaneously. Cruises are expected to start sailing to that new port in late 2024.
These new developments are a clear sign that the cruise industry is bouncing back after its COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and losses.
As you prepare to set sail once again, here’s our ultimate cruise packing guide, plus our top six cruises of all time.
