The event was attended by the line’s president Christine Duffy, Bahamas prime minister Philip Davis, deputy prime minister Chester Cooper, Grand Bahama minister Ginger Moxey and The Grand Bahama Port Authority acting chair Sarah St George.

Outgoing Carnival Corporation chief Arnold Donald, representatives from Carnival Corporation and the local community used ceremonial shovels to officially mark the beginning of construction.

Davis said the start of the project positions Grand Bahama on "the better side" of reaching its true economic potential. "This investment will provide much needed jobs but will also signal new hope for the island’s recovery," he added.

The new Carnival Grand Bahama cruise port destination, expected to open in late 2024, is being developed on the south side of the island and will continue to serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama.

"As we celebrate our 50-year partnership with The Bahamas, today’s groundbreaking on our incredible new Grand Bahama destination represents an opportunity to collaborate with the government and people of Grand Bahama," said Duffy.

The cruise port development includes a pier able to accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously. It will also feature an area designated as a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, along with Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options.

The cruise pier will allow Grand Bahama to welcome guests from Carnival’s larger ships, such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, which will begin sailing from Miami later this year.