ELEUTHERA ISLAND — Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ private destination in the Bahamas, has been damaged by a fire that ravaged the area, according to local media.

According to an article in The Bahamas Press, the fire started shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday night. The fire reportedly started in the generator and spread rapidly to the centre of the island. Beyond that, few details are available regarding the fire and the damage done to the island.

Émilie Giguère, Business Development Manager for Princess Cruises, told Travelweek’s sister publication Profession Voyages that she has no more information. “The only press release we have announced is that teams are currently assessing the damage on site and will make the necessary decisions to know, temporarily close the island and / or modify our routes,” said Giguère.

The 20-hectare Princess Cays at the southern end of Eleuthera Island is used by Princess Cruises as well as sister cruise line Carnival when Holland America ships are at Half Moon Cay.

Princess Cays’ facilities were renovated last year with the addition of several shore excursions, the construction of a new water sports rental service and the enlargement of the marina.

The first ship to arrive at Princess Cay after the fire is Carnival Pride, scheduled to arrive Jan. 30. According to a statement from Carnival’s headquarters, “Carnival Pride will be traveling to the private island of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, Wednesday following a fire at her scheduled stopover, Princess Cays.”