Marie McKenzie underscores opportunities for local businesses as cruise company anticipates increased activity
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, October 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The world’s largest cruise operator, Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL), is signaling a major uptick in its southern Caribbean scheduling, with Bonaire set to see a significant jump in cruise traffic by 2027. The projection reinforces the island’s critical role in the company’s regional itinerary planning.
Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs for Carnival Corporation, delivered the news during her presentation, “A Global Fleet, A Local Partner,” at the annual Bonaire Tourism Summit, held Sept. 24 at Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort. The forum served as a platform to outline the company’s forward-looking strategy for the island.
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According to current deployment schedules, Carnival Corporation anticipates double-digit growth in cruise capacity in Bonaire between 2025 and 2027. This projected expansion highlights the need for continued collaboration with destination partners to ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable. A total of seven Carnival Corporation cruise lines are scheduled to make calls on Bonaire in 2027, a clear signal of the island’s growing appeal.
McKenzie stressed that the influx of cruise tourism must translate into tangible economic gains for local entrepreneurs and residents. She pointed to shore excursions, transportation services, restaurants, retail establishments and cultural experiences as key areas where local participation in the visitor economy can be strengthened, ensuring the benefits are widely shared across the community.
“As our presence in Bonaire grows, strong local partnerships become increasingly important. We want cruise tourism to create opportunities for businesses and communities while respecting the natural environment and the qualities that make Bonaire unique,” McKenzie said.
The executive also laid out Carnival Corporation’s sustainability framework, which is organized around five core areas: climate action; circular economy; sustainable tourism; biodiversity and conservation; and well-being, inclusion and belonging. These pillars guide the company’s operational decisions and community engagement efforts.
Specific initiatives she highlighted include food-waste reduction programs, the expansion of shore-power connection capabilities and onboard freshwater generation systems. Other efforts on the ground involve support for reforestation projects, partnerships with local organizations and guest education programs designed to promote responsible tourism practices among travelers.
Bonaire is a staple on southern Caribbean cruise routes, often paired with Aruba and Curaçao, and is known for offering visitors a distinctive experience centered on marine environments, nature, ecotourism and outdoor exploration.
For more information about Carnival Corporation’s sustainability initiatives, visit Our Impact.
About Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation is the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines: AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Carnival Corporation Ltd. trades under the ticker symbol CCL on the NYSE and is a member of the S&P 500.
For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruises.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com and www.seabourn.com.
Natalia Lopez
Marketplace Excellence
+1 201-861-2056
Why it matters: This projection signals a major economic opportunity for Bonaire’s local tourism sector, but also underscores the need for sustainable planning to preserve the island’s natural assets. As Carnival Corporation’s presence grows, the success of this expansion will hinge on how well local businesses can integrate into the visitor economy.
