Beginning 2025, Celebration Key will offer rest and relaxation across five portals. These portals feature the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, a white sand beach, an exclusive adult-only private club, and multiple dining and drink venues. The exclusive destination is currently offered on more than 500 of Carnival Cruise Line’s itineraries across 18 Carnival ships setting sail from nine US homeports.
Throughout the entire construction process, Carnival Corporation has remained dedicated to working with the Bahamian government and officials to ensure the preservation of the culture and environment of Grand Bahama along with employing local companies, construction workers and entrepreneurs for the many job opportunities being created.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Carnival Corporation disclosed that over 85% of the workforce taking part in the construction of Celebration Key is composed of Grand Bahamians. To date, more than 180 Bahamians from various islands are actively engaged in the construction phase with 29 of the 31 construction companies onsite being Bahamian.
Lionel Jervis, project manager for KFL Construction, said, “Carnival has really demonstrated its belief in Grand Bahamians. Local companies are working on all aspects of this development, giving us a unique opportunity to employ so many local people. We are all gaining invaluable experience on a groundbreaking project, working together to build something that will be extremely impactful for the future of Grand Bahama.”
With at least 75% of the 70 restaurants and retail outlets being owned and operated by Bahamians, Celebration Key is expected to continue making a significant economic impact on the community. The completed port will generate over 700 permanent jobs in retail, food and beverage, shore excursions, transportation and more. 300 of those workers will be Bahamians hired directly by Carnival to welcome the 2.2 million guests expected to visit Grand Bahama annually beginning summer 2025.
Armando Corpas, Carnival’s Associate Vice President of Destinations Development, stated, “The Grand Bahama community has simply amazed us. There is such a wealth of talent and skill on the island. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to maximize the participation of Bahamians in general, and Grand Bahamians in particular, in every aspect of this project.”