The region’s most popular cruise destination is getting a major new port, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

Azul Destinations and Calypso Cove Destinations have broken ground on a new cruise port on the island of Long Island. 

The new Crystal Cove Cruise Port project will feature what Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis called an “expensive port facility” capable of handling two large ships at the same time. 

That would mean the capacity for up to 13,000 guests per day. 

“While in talks with the developers, we have ensured that we are all on the same page when it comes to highlighting Bahamian food, culture, music, and art as a central focus of this venture,” Davis said.  “We expect major retail spending on clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts, and local tours and excursions.”

Davis said the developers had pledged to build the port “in a way that complements the natural beauty of the Long Island landscape.”

“The goal is to create a port that disturbs the natural environment as little as possible,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “We must strike a balance between economic development and preserving our environment.”

Accordingly, the port will also be green, with most of the energy coming from solar power, officials said. 

The project will mean an estimated investment of $200 million.