NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Carnival executives say they have been “blown away” by the hundreds of applications for spots in the initial retail and dining sectors of its Celebration Key cruise destination, with at least 75 percent of outlets to be owned and operated by Bahamians.
The new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama is scheduled to open in July 2025.
The latest Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate outlets at Carnival’s new exclusive destination, which will welcome more than two million guests during its first full year of operation, drew hundreds of applications for spots in the initial retail and dining sectors. Applications were submitted for a range of opportunities, including food trucks, an ice cream parlor, a coffee shop, a staff cafeteria, and various retail stores.
“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from Bahamian businesses – especially business owners and entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama,” said Bertrand Piller, Senior Manager of Destination Operations Concessions & Business Development. “We said from the beginning that we planned to curate a distinctly Bahamian dining and shopping scene, so we are thrilled with the interest we’ve received from Grand Bahamians eager to be part of creating the magical Celebration Key experience.”
According to Piller, applications were reviewed for Bahamian flair, creativity, viability, and, for food and beverage (F&B) outlets, strong food safety procedures. Finalists were selected based on their qualifications and alignment with the Celebration Key concept; the diversity of offerings throughout the development was also considered. Finalists were then interviewed by a team from Carnival Corporation that is now contacting applicants to explore potential terms and conditions for ongoing business agreements. “We are currently in contract negotiations with several Bahamian businesses and hope to announce these partnerships very soon,” said Piller.
After concluding contract discussions with initial applicants, Carnival Corporation will consider future RFPs to fill any gaps remaining in its lineup of operators for this first retail and F&B sector. The company also plans to issue additional RFPs in the future for artisan and straw market vendors, food cart operators, car rentals, lockers, and more.
“There are so many ways for Grand Bahamian businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents to be part of the Celebration Key experience and to help us welcome millions of guests to this island paradise every year,” said Juan Fernandez, VP of Destination Operations. “Even if applicants aren’t selected in one proposal cycle, we encourage them to keep applying for the many other opportunities across a range of categories and business types. An applicant who isn’t chosen for a retail shop or F&B outlet in this initial process may be a perfect fit for a retail kiosk, a spot in the artisan market, or a food cart. Stay tuned for more opportunities we plan to announce later this summer.”
With its recently announced $100 million pier extension, the $600 million Celebration Key destination is poised to significantly impact the community of Grand Bahama. At least 75 percent of outlets will reportedly be owned and operated by Bahamians.Up to 70 restaurants and retail outlets of various sizes are set to be established.
In addition to being an onsite retail or F&B vendor, there are numerous potential employment opportunities for Bahamians to work in tours and shore excursions, transportation, subcontracting services, and more. Already, more than 180 Bahamians are employed in the construction on the Celebration Key site. Overall, the project is expected to generate over 700 permanent local jobs, including approximately 400 Bahamians hired directly by Carnival Corporation, to help welcome 2.2 million guests each year to Grand Bahama starting in 2025.
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