Nassau Cruise Port Limited (NCP) still expects a one million increase in cruise passenger visits to Nassau between 2024 and 2028, the company stated in a press release yesterday.

The press statement, which was released following a critical breakdown of the cruise port deal by Minister of Labor and Immigration Keith Bell, added that forecasts of between five million and 5.4 million are based on cruise passenger bookings for the next two years, coupled with future estimates.

"Notwithstanding the addition of berth number six and the expansion of berth number one, passenger capacity and revenue generation is limited by the number of berths available and the ship size each berth can accommodate. It is also impacted by The Bahamas' tourism seasonality," the statement said.

Bell contended during his contribution in the House of Assembly that his criticism of the port deal was not about Global Port Holdings or its domestic partners, but was a criticism of the deal in general.

However, the redevelopment of the port has allowed more ships to berth and has been the catalyst for the growing numbers of cruise passengers that have been forecast.

"The development of the new Nassau Cruise Port is the envy of the Caribbean," the NCP statement said.

"During the grand opening of May 26th, 2023, cruise executives from the five top companies made a point of congratulating the good people of The Bahamas for opening this wonderful, new Downtown Nassau waterfront and associated cruise piers.

"The Nassau Cruise Port is increasing the earnings potential for the government of The Bahamas and the thousands directly and indirectly dependent and/or invested in cruise tourism."

Royal Caribbean International (RCI), which brings some of the largest ships in the world to Nassau, expects to bring one million more people to The Bahamas in the next five years.

RCI also plans to build a beach club on the western end of Paradise Island, to accommodate the growth of cruise ship passengers to Nassau, where visitors have complained of having nothing to do.

"The cruise project consists of a new, uniquely designed cruise arrivals terminal, home to Bahamas Customs, Bahamas Immigration, RBPF [Royal Bahamas Police Force], RBDF [Royal Bahamas Defence Force], Port Department personnel, Ministry of Tourism, and Nassau Cruise Port Ltd. staff," the statement said.

"The project also includes the largest outdoor amphitheater in the country, shops, restaurants, a Junkanoo museum, an additional sixth cruise berth, along with dredging to support the addition of an Oasis Class ship; the extension of berth one, a new ferry terminal for water taxi and marine tour excursions, and a marina."

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