The Bahamas: New Airline Partnerships, Cruise Destinations, and Luxury Expansions

Stand Number: S6-335

The Emirates Airline (EK) and Bahamasair (UP) Interline Agreement

Key Detail: Emirates and Bahamasair have established an interline partnership.
Significance: This is a major connectivity boost, especially for the high-end, long-haul market. It allows passengers flying Emirates to Miami (MIA) or Orlando (MCO) to book a seamless, single-ticket connection onto Bahamasair flights to destinations like Nassau (NAS), Freeport (FPO), and San Salvador (ZSN).
Impact: It opens The Bahamas to Emirates’ vast global network, making it an accessible destination for travellers from the Middle East, Asia, and other long-haul markets. The agreement also reportedly includes a generous baggage policy for Emirates passengers and will explore future cargo and frequent flyer program cooperation.

Air Canada Increase in Flights

Key Detail: Air Canada has significantly boosted its winter service to Nassau (NAS).
Significance: This nearly doubles Canadian airlift to Nassau, providing more flexibility for connections via the primary hub, Toronto (YYZ), as well as new direct options.
Impact:
- Toronto (YYZ) to Nassau (NAS): Expanding from daily service to as many as 12 flights per week during the winter season.
- Montreal (YUL) to Nassau (NAS): Increasing service to four flights per week.
- New Direct Service: Introduction of new non-stop flights from Ottawa (YOW) and Halifax (YHZ), typically once weekly on Fridays starting in December. This makes The Bahamas one of the most accessible Caribbean escapes for Canadian travellers

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (RCL development on western PI)

Key Detail: Royal Caribbean’s development of its first-ever Royal Beach Club, set on 17 acres at the western end of Paradise Island.
Significance: This marks a new public-private partnership model in The Bahamas, as Bahamians will have the opportunity to own up to 49 percent equity in the project.
Status/Timeline: The club is scheduled for an opening around December 2025. It is expected to create hundreds of local jobs, rely on local vendors, and bring an anticipated 2.5 million visitors annually to Nassau by 2027. The project emphasises environmental sustainability with plans for no waste to local landfills, no dredging, and a long-term goal of running on renewable power.

Opening of Carnival’s Celebration Key

Key Detail: Carnival Corporation’s new, exclusive cruise port destination on Grand Bahama.
Significance: This is a major investment in Grand Bahama and a key driver for Carnival’s future itinerary planning. It is designed to be an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience for Carnival Cruise Line guests.
Status/Update: The destination has successfully opened and has reportedly exceeded its anticipated return on investment in early performance metrics, driving higher premiums on cruises that include a visit. This is a significant success story for the sector.

Goldwynn Cable Beach Phase 2

Key Detail: The Goldwynn Resort & Residences is a new, luxurious property on Cable Beach, with the possibility of a Phase 2.
Status/Update: The existing Goldwynn Resort & Residences has successfully opened on the eastern end of Cable Beach, offering luxury hotel rooms and residences. While there may be “building works happening next door,” general commentary suggests a successful operation of Phase 1. A Phase 2 update would likely confirm plans for expansion, new residences, or added amenities to build upon the current success, which is often seen as a key component of the revitalised luxury tourism segment on Cable Beach alongside Baha Mar.

Baha Mar & Atlantis Food Festivals

Key Detail: Major culinary and cultural festivals hosted by the country’s two largest resorts, driving luxury and niche market tourism.
Significance: These high-profile events draw international celebrity chefs, art talent, and a high-net-worth audience, bolstering The Bahamas’ reputation as a premier culinary and arts destination in the Caribbean.

Update:

Baha Mar Culinary & Arts Festival: Confirmed for October 22nd – 26th, 2025, headlined by major international talent (e.g., Lenny Kravitz, Daniel Boulud, Marcus Samuelsson). The festival offers luxury packages, chef demos, and the FUZE Art Expo.
Atlantis’ Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival (NPIWFF): Typically held earlier in the year (e.g., February), this festival also features a star-studded lineup of chefs and vintners, further establishing Paradise Island’s high-end culinary appeal. Updates would focus on the success of the most recent event and a preview of the next one.