Fire Devastates Princess Cays, Carnival Pride rerouted to Half Moon Cay

Jan 29, 2019

Princess Cays, the popular tourist resort in the Bahamas owned by Princess Cruises was devastated by a massive fire last night, reports Eleuthera News. The fire started at around 10:00 pm in the generator house and quickly spread to the center of the resort. 

Shortly after police and fire services arrived at the scene and the fire was contained within several hours to the Princess Cays mid-section. Authorities say that four structures were completely destroyed including reverse osmosis water plant, generator house, mechanic shop, and tool shed on property. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Princess Cruises said that they are currently evaluating the damage and determining the effect on upcoming itineraries. Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line will inform guests if there is any impact to their itineraries of the future voyages. Until now there is a change in the itinerary of the cruise ship Carnival Pride, who was scheduled to visit Princess Cays on Wednesday, January 30. The vessel will instead call upon Carnival Cruise Line private island Half Moon Cay.

In the aftermath of the fire at Princess Cays member of the Bahamas parliament released the following statement “Last night a massive fire erupted at the Princess Cays Cruise Port in South Eleuthera. The extensive damage to the property will undoubtedly lead to an increase in unemployment for residents already struggling with underemployment and over taxation.”

The popular cruise destination Princess Cays, is the largest employer of the island, with its employees, independent vendors, taxis, and tour operators. The 40 acres resort at the southern tip of island Eleuthera hosts about five Princess and Carnival cruise ships each week. Last year Princess Cruises has completed the multi-million renovation project on Princess Cays private island, adding a new marina, and a new channel, construction of a new water sports rental, and other facilities.