Tag Archives: Nassau

Nassau Cruise Port Welcomes Icon of the Seas with Performance

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Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) welcomed the Icon of The Seas on its inaugural call to Nassau on Thursday, January 18, according to a press release.

Passengers onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship were greeted with a Junkanoo performance by the Music Makers Junkanoo Group.

A special inaugural ceremony took place aboard the ship, attended by Mike Maura Jr., CEO and director at NCP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley and local dignitaries and industry executives. Maura celebrated the strength of the partnership between Royal Caribbean and Nassau Cruise Port and their commitment to strengthening the Bahamian economy further.

“Icon of the Seas is truly in a class of its own, and the Royal Caribbean team should be immensely proud of the result of this incredible seven-year endeavor,” said Maura.

 “We appreciate the confidence that Royal Caribbean continues to show in Nassau Cruise Port and in The Bahamas to deliver a superior tourism product, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Royal Caribbean team in ensuring that its guests enjoy fun, memorable experiences in Nassau.”

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper added: “This is magnificent for the Bahamas. It is a great day for Royal Caribbean but a magnificent day for Nassau Cruise Port and The Bahamas. [We are] on the verge of greatness for 2024. The numbers are expected to be significant coming from RCCL but also from the entire industry. We are looking forward to another banner year.”

The Icon of the Seas is currently sailing its maiden voyage which departed from Miami on Jan. 27. 

MHA Symposium at Sea Starts from New Norwegian Viva

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The Marine Hotel Association’s (MHA) 2023 Symposium at Sea has kicked off from the just-christened Norwegian Viva, which sailed from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pearl of Miami terminal on Saturday, Dec. 2 on a four-day Bahamas cruise.

Sailing from PortMiami’s Terminal B, MHA members were quick to move from curb to ship, with a priority access security line and dedicated check in area. The four-day cruise features one day at sea and port calls in Nassau and Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

The 3,215-guest ship will serve as the host of the MHA’s event, which features sessions with cruise line decision-makers in the hotel operations, food and beverage and supply chain arena from a variety of big-ship, luxury, expedition and niche lines, plus vessel management companies.

In addition to the panel sessions, the ship is offering MHA members a look behind-the-scenes at the operation for over 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew members.

MHA attendees can also look forward to a full schedule of speed networking with cruise lines in attendance, with key personnel on hand from all four major cruise corporations: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC.

There are more companies too, including but not limited to adventure brands such as Lindblad Expeditions and vessel management company Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, which is overseeing multiple vessels in the polar market.

Having entered service this summer after delivery from Fincantieri, the Viva is a sister to the Norwegian Prima. Four more similar but upsized Prima ships are set to follow, with the Norwegian Aqua poised to start service in 2025.

Sailing from Miami, the Viva will reposition in December to San Juan, where she will sail week-long Eastern Caribbean itineraries through March. An April trans-Atlantic crossing positions the ship in the Mediterranean for summer 2024.

Carnival Elation Resumes Service After Drydock

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The Carnival Elation is welcoming guests back today following a routine drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

After two weeks out of service, the 1998-built cruise ship is departing on a short cruise to the Bahamas.

Sailing from Jacksonville, the five-night itinerary features visits to Nassau and Princess Cays, as well as two full days at sea.

Now one of the oldest ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, the Elation underwent routine maintenance during the shipyard visit.

Work carried out in the period included class inspections, technical overhauls and upgrades, as well as hotel upkeep and minor updates to public areas and cabins.

The vessel also became the latest to receive the Carnival’s new hull livery, which includes a stately navy-blue hull along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the entire ship. First introduced by the Mardi Gras, the new colours are being added to the entire fleet.

In 2020, during its previous drydock, the Elation received several new venues, such as Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café and Alchemy Bar.

A few years before, in 2017, the 70,367-ton vessel had also seen the addition of other signature venues and experiences of Carnival Cruise Line, including the company’s WaterWorks aquapark and new dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.

The Elation also received new cabins during both refits, with 38 extra cabins added in 2017 and 30 more added in 2020. Private balconies were also added to a total of 98 existing staterooms during the first refurbishment.

Sailing year-round from its homeport in Jacksonville, the 2,040-guest vessel offers a series of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

In addition to Nassau and Freeport, the itineraries feature visits to Bimini and Princess Cays – a private island destination owned by Princess Cruises.

Along with the Carnival Paradise, the Elation is one of the original eight Fantasy-Class ships that remains in service.