Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian government celebrated the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence on September 11, 2023 aboard the Mardi Gras while she was docked in Nassau.
Guests aboard Mardi Gras were treated to a special Junkanoo experience including a special luncheon, performances and other activities. Junkanoo, a cornerstone of the nation’s culture, is the national cultural festival for The Bahamas. It is celebrated with spectacular parades with Bahamians in vibrant and colorful costumes performing cultural dances.
About 150 Bahamian government, community, and business leaders joined Carnival officials as they enjoyed performances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and a local Bahamian Junkanoo troupe.
“Carnival has partnered with The Bahamas since we first started sailing more than half of a century ago, and we are honored to celebrate the country’s 50 years of independence, resilience, strength and progress,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “As we commemorate the anniversary, we look forward to our future together, bringing millions more visitors to experience all the beauty and culture the country offers.”
Several distinguished leaders joined the celebration including The Honorable John H.W. Pinder II, Parliamentary Secretary of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Chair of The Bahamas Independence Secretariat; and Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
Parliamentary Secretary Pinder said, “We are a paradise nation that is known for our pristine natural resources, culture, diversity and world-class hospitality. Partners like Carnival have helped showcase all we have to offer the world and contributed to our country’s flourishing economy over the last five decades. I thank them for their longstanding commitment now and in the future.”
The celebration took place as work is continuing on Celebration Key, the first port destination designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests on Grand Bahama island. The destination is promising a unique experience complete with a mile stretch of white sandy beach and experiences that showcase Bahamian foods, shopping, culture and nature.
Carnival will be announcing more details surrounding Celebration Key later this month along with opening bookings for the first cruises that will call on the destination in July 2025.