The Bahamas, regarded as the region’s most popular cruise destination is getting a new port facility on Long Island.

Ground was recently broken for the new Crystal Cove Cruise Port project, which is being developed by Azul Destinations and Calypso Cove Destinations. The new 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.

This would increase the capacity for up to 13,000 guests per day. The project will see an estimated investment of US$200 million.

The port will be green with most of the energy coming from solar power.

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

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

The Bahamian prime minister concluded by indicating that, “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. We expect major retail spending on clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts, and local tours and excursions”.