Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Princess, Seabourn, Windstar, Cunard and Holland America) has just signed an agreement with the island of Roatan, Honduras to build and operate a cruise terminal.

"The Caribbean remains the world's number one cruise destination and Carnival Corporation & plc is always looking for ways to capitalize on many distinct attributes that make the region so attractive to consumers. Mahogany Bay - Roatan is designed to build upon the success of our other projects by providing cruise ship guests with an unparalleled landside experience, with modern facilities and wide range of shore excursion choices, along with opportunities to explore this fascinating and beautiful island," said Giora Israel, Carnival Corporation Vice President of Strategic Planning.

What does this mean for us cruise lovers in plain english?

The new "Mahogany Bay - Roatan" facility will give cruisers to the Caribbean a chance to visit a new and improved port. It will be built with a 35,000 square foot Welcome center to include restaurants, bars, and of course, shopping. The 20 acre facility will be adjacent to the Coral Cay Resort, a 60-foot lighthouse, a lagoon with cascading waterfalls and a nature trail. Sounds absolutely exotic doesn't it?

Shore excursion opportunities are being developed with local tour operators to tour this beautiful tropical island of rugged mountains and beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs. Carnival will also be building a transportation hub to accomodate taxis, rental cars and tour buses.

The development of the "Mahogany Bay - Roatan" is expected to start in fall 2007 and completed by summer 2009. The new cruise terminal will be capable of accomodating super post-Panamax vessels and up to 7,000 passengers daily. Within five years of operation, it is expected to host 225 cruise ship calls and 500,000 passengers annually.


Source: PR Newswire