Following a four-year transformation mission to revitalize and increase the cruise port on Prince George Wharf in Nassau, the groups behind the Nassau Cruise Port and International Ports Holding have introduced section certainly one of reviving Nassau’s cruise port has been accomplished.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for later this month, however development will proceed all through 2023 and 2024 as builders finalize the initiatives outlined in Part 2.

A New Period for Nassau Cruise Port

Nassau Cruise Port, which has undergone a major rejuvenation effort over the last four years, is about to formally open to the general public on Could 26, 2023. 

The $300 million mission consists of the addition of a brand new berth and refurbishing and repairing all piers. Nassau Cruise Port can now accommodate six cruise ships, per day, together with three Icon or Oasis-class ships.

The growth of the port facilitates an elevated capability from 20,000 cruise passengers per day to over 30,000 cruise passengers per day – leading to an anticipated 4 million cruise guests by the tip of 2023.

While still less than Cozumel in Mexico, it places Nassau firmly in second place on the record of busiest cruise ports, and probably primary later this yr.

Mike Maura Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port Ltd., expressed his pleasure: “After three years of planning, and three years of growth and development, we’re so thrilled to have the ability to unveil the brand new Nassau Cruise Port to cruise passengers, vacationers, and the Bahamian neighborhood.”

The revitalization of Nassau Cruise Port has been a joint mission between the Bahamian Authorities and International Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise operator, which operates ports in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of International Ports Holding Plc: “We’re so happy with what we now have achieved at Nassau Cruise Port. This revitalization journey means a lot extra than simply the development of latest buildings and delightful design aesthetics, but additionally the promotion of Bahamian heritage and tradition and numerous new alternatives for the folks of The Bahamas.

Specializing in Native Tradition

The brand new port guarantees to be a middle for cultural expression and leisure, celebrating the heritage and historical past of the 300-year-old metropolis of Nassau.

“Nassau Cruise Port will proudly showcase the very best of The Bahamas over its 11 acres of reimagined waterfront growth, creating a brand new downtown Nassau vacation spot. We wish every customer to have a outstanding, memorable expertise in Nassau, and we’re excited to proudly show Bahamian items, tradition, and heat hospitality to our company,” stated Mike Maura.

Company will probably be welcomed by a contemporary arrivals plaza, a Junkanoo museum that includes immersive experiences, genuine Bahamian retail and meals and beverage shops, an organized floor transportation space, a theater, and leisure venues, state-of-the-art safety expertise, an artwork gallery, and new inexperienced areas. 

On the arrivals plaza and across the whole port space, distributors will promote distinctive, locally-produced merchandise that pay homage to the traditions of The Bahamas. 

Venture to be Totally Accomplished by 2024

Whereas Part 1 has been accomplished, works are persevering with on the port underneath Part 2, with upcoming enhancements forecasted to be accomplished by 2024. Additional additions embody opening a signature restaurant and several other different family-friendly sights.

The 2-stage strategy of the Nassau Cruise Port Venture, executed by Turkish development and mission administration firm ENKA, ensured the port remained absolutely operational all through the construct course of. 

Part 1 centered on accommodating bigger cruise vessels, upgrading current constructions, and creating extra docking capability. This ensured the port enjoyed multiple record-breaking visitor days within the final couple of months.