For immediate release
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce board members and Carnival Corporation & plc
executives aboard the Carnival Dream on Tuesday, June 4.
Carnival Corporation hosts Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce aboard the
Carnival Dream
MIAMI (June 10, 2024) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest
cruise company, and Carnival Cruise Line hosted the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce aboard
Carnival Dream on Tuesday, June 4. During the visit, the island’s business community was provided with
the latest updates on Celebration Key, the transformative cruise destination project that is set to bring
millions of travelers to Grand Bahama Island every year starting in 2025.
Juan Fernandez, VP Destination Operations for Carnival Corporation, told around 150 members and
directors of the Chamber about the huge response from Grand Bahamians to the latest Request for
Proposals (RFP) to operate outlets at Celebration Key. Carnival Corporation received hundreds of
applications for spots in the initial retail and dining sectors. These included applications to operate food
trucks, ice cream or coffee stands, a teen club, and a staff cafeteria, among others.
Carnival Corporation is currently in contract negotiations with several Grand Bahamian-owned
businesses and expects to announce final partnerships very soon. After finalizing these initial
agreements, Carnival Corporation will consider another short RFP to fill any remaining opportunities in
the first retail and food and beverage (F&B) sector. In the future, the company also plans additional RFPs
for the artisan & straw market vendors, food cart operators, car rentals, lockers and more.
Fernandez also explained that to date, more than 200 Bahamians from various islands are actively
engaged in the construction phase of the project, with 29 of the 32 construction companies onsite being
wholly Bahamian-owned and operated.
He said the work is progressing well, with foundations already completed for several of the buildings and
vertical works construction proceeding for the main F&B and retail outlets, as well as restrooms and back-
of-house facilities. In addition, around 70% of the utilities supply has already been installed. Work is also
well underway on the pools, with the sites 100% excavated and about 60% of the plumbing and electrical
conduits installed.
Philcher Grant-Adderley, Director, Public and Community Affairs for The Bahamas, said: “We are always
excited to provide updates to the business community and share news to help keep everyone informed.
Carnival Corporation remains committed to working closely with community leaders, businesses, and
residents in Grand Bahama and across the country, to ensure that our projects benefit as many
Bahamians as possible.”
With its recently announced $100 million pier extension, the now $600 million Celebration Key cruise port
is poised to make a significant economic impact on the community of Grand Bahama.
As part of Carnival Corporation’s continued partnership with The Bahamas – which dates back to Carnival
Cruise Lines’ maiden voyage more than 50 years ago – at least 75% of outlets at Celebration Key will be
owned and operated by Bahamians. This represents a substantial opportunity for local businesses, with
up to 70 restaurants and retail outlets of various sizes planned in the development. The project will
generate over 700 permanent jobs in Grand Bahama, including approximately 400 Bahamians hired
directly by Carnival Corporation to help welcome 2.2 million guests each year to Grand Bahama starting
in 2025.
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President James Carey said: “Carnival Corporation reached out
to us to provide an update to our members on the progress of Celebration Key and were more than happy
to accommodate. The business community believes in this partnership, and in Carnival Corporation’s
commitment to working with the island in a spirit of true collaboration. We are optimistic about the many
opportunities outlined during the ship tour visit and will work to ensure that as many Grand Bahamians as
possible are able to take full advantage.”
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About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel
companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa
Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises,
and Seabourn.
Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com,
www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com.au,
www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com.
For information on Carnival Corporation’s industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit
www.carnivalsustainability.com.
Carnival Corporation Media Contacts:
Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation & plc, jventuroni@carnival.com
Caroline Slaton, LDWW, caroline@ldww.co