Nassau Cruise Port made history on Saturday, June 12, 2021, as The Bahamas welcomed guests boarding Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas. Passengers were greeted in grand Bahamian style by vibrant Junkanoo performers and free dancers and treated to complimentary cans of Kalik beer. Swashbuckling pirates from the infamous tour vessel, Blackbeard's Revenge, added more interactive Bahamian history to the celebratory launch.
Students from the LJM Maritime Academy provided even more entertainment by performing drills for the cruisers while Bahamian artist Stefan Legend created a painting while on the pier that was inspired by the day's events.
“This was a huge undertaking, and the entire operation truly could not have gone better,” confirmed Mike Maura Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. “From the efforts of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the LPIA team, Customs and Immigration, the British Colonial Hilton, Executive Tours, and all the other players involved, it was an excellent start to cruising again. Everyone went above and beyond, and they all did a stellar job.”
“The Nassau Cruise Port team ensured that the passenger arrival experience at the port was safe, efficient, fast, and distinctly Bahamian.,” he continued. “We've been in touch with the Royal Caribbean team, who affirmed that the launch was a 'great success' and we have received very positive feedback from passengers aboard the ship.”
Allen, a passenger traveling on Adventure of the Seas with his wife, Charlene, said that he felt “comfortable that every precaution had been taken” by Bahamian partners and by Royal Caribbean to keep passengers as safe as possible throughout the check-in process.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands more home port and transit passengers over the next few months as the industry rebounds.” Mr. Maura Jr. added. “We're confident that now that we are cruising again, our partners and community will continue to maintain the health protocols and safety measures that made this possible. Our goal is to bring the business back to pre-COVID levels as soon as we can to everyone's benefit.”
