Calypso Cove: A New Gem in Long Island's Crown
Carlos Torres de Navarra, MBA
Principal, AZUL DESTINATIONS (dba CALYPSO COVE, Cruise Port Destination)
Last week, my partner and I had the opportunity to visit Long Island, where a new Bahamian cruise destination, Calypso Cove, will soon be developed. The day was stunning—a perfect “Chamber of Commerce Day,” as we say in the USA. But such beautiful weather is typical for Long Island, Bahamas. The skies were clear, the temperature warm, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Although our trip was for work, it was impossible not to be captivated by the island's natural beauty and the warmth of its people.
This brings me to the essence of this article: no matter where you travel and the attractions you visit, the combination of people and natural settings leaves the most lasting impressions. These elements are the sustainable pillars that define a destination and will be our focus as we develop Calypso Cove.
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As developers of The Bahamas' newest multi-branded cruise destination, we feel incredibly fortunate. In my extensive experience with port development across The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, it’s rare to find a location that meets all development and guest experience criteria without needing major fixes. Long Island is an exception.
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From a maritime perspective, we chose the cruise pier location to ensure safe docking with minimal environmental impact. We were fortunate to modify and finalize the pier's location while considering these factors.
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Our true fortune, however, lies in the island's people. We met Omar Daley, a long-time resident who established a tour operator business years ago. His passion for Long Island, shared through his stories, convinced us that this enthusiasm will shine in every interaction with cruise guests. Omar’s passion is not unique; many Long Islanders, even those living elsewhere, share a deep love for their home and are eager to tell their own stories.
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Long Island’s natural beauty is exceptional. The west-side beaches, which will be part of Calypso Cove, are some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen, featuring a spectrum of blue that is unparalleled. Beyond the beaches, Long Island offers unique experiences: diving into the world’s second-deepest blue hole, visiting the oldest churches in The Bahamas, and exploring ancient caves once inhabited by the Lucayan Indians over 1,500 years ago. These natural wonders, along with world-class water sports, fishing, and diving, promise to deliver many “bucket list” experiences for our guests.
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Calypso Cove will be a comprehensive cruise destination, boosting tourism to Long Island like no other port in The Bahamas or the Caribbean. We believe cruise guests will fall in love with Long Island just as the locals have. However, we recognize our role as guests of The Bahamas and Long Island and are committed to developing an economic model that nurtures a self-reliant local community, transforming it into a vibrant destination.
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We look forward to sharing Long Island’s beauty and culture with the world, creating lasting memories for all who visit Calypso Cove cruise port.
Priscila D'Brito Design Inc.
6 个月Stunning! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.?
President at Wirth Associates
6 个月Long Island is going to have enormous challenges..... one critical people...the population is growing a little but..... a port without retail.... attractions....tours.amenities fails passengers stay on-board and everyone is happy for the ship arrival numbers....failure. destinations must have inter-reaction with on-land residents.... in case of Long island small might be the best consideration....high end yachts and high end mid-sized cruise.....mass cruise too overwhelming.
Member of the HSRP (Hydrographic Services Review Panel at NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
6 个月Impressive! Keep going!
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Retired)
6 个月I‘m ready! Let’s go!
Experienced Strategic Planner, Government and Community Liason, Real Estate Professional
6 个月Beautiful! Best of luck with it Carlos. I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park. When does it open?