Carnival Cruise Line is in the process of developing a major new cruise destination on the island of Grand Bahama, and now the company has revealed more details on the project.
Carnival’s Celebration Key will be featuring a retail destination called Lokono Cove, named by Grand Bahamian Deidre Ramhming, who sent in the winning name in an island-wide contest.
Lokono Cove will put Bahamian culture in the spotlight, with local music, sweeping murals painted by Bahamian artists and local bites.
The name Lokono means “the people,” and comes from the Lucayans, the first inhabitants of The Bahamas.
Lokono Cove will also be a the departure point for guests who take shore excursions in Grand Bahama.
“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally-inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Duffy said in a statement obtained by Caribbean Journal. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove. It’s a special honor that locals from Grand Bahama have contributed already in an impactful way, giving this portal its name.”
The Lokono Cove announcement was made during this week’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, which is bringing together the worldwide cruise industry for a week of talks and meetings.
Carnival first announced its plans for Celebration Key last year. It is planning to open the new cruise destination in the summer of 2025.