The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

FAMILY Island businesses yesterday voiced optimism that the first cruise line to home port in The Bahamas will provide a much-needed “economic boost” that spreads the tourism wealth.

Entrepreneurs on islands not normally visited by cruise ship passengers said Crystal Cruises’ plan to launch seven-night round-trip voyages that call on multiple Bahamian destinations with effect from July 3, 2021, should enhance economic empowerment just when they need it most due to COVID-19.

Betty Miller, owner of Long Island’s Hillside Food Supply, told Tribune Business that whatever Crystal Cruises brings to the island will be a “good thing”. She added: “Even if they only spend $50 a head that would help. This is going to help the people in the car rental business for sure. If they come into my store and spend $50, and there is 100 of them, that would be fantastic for me.”

Long Island, together with Harbour Island, Great Exuma and San Salvador, will be the weekly ports of call for the Crystal Serenity, which will use Nassau and Bimini as its home ports.

However, Yan Turnquest, owner/operator of Yan Turnquest Fishing and Eco Tour Charters, said he recalled how passengers were not allowed off the ship when cruise lines last visited Long Island.

“If they come on the shore that would be great, but if they don’t come on the island and don’t spend anything then it wouldn’t benefit us any,” he added.

Sonia Jones, owner/operator of Simply Bahamian Souvenir shop on San Salvador, said Club Med’s closure meant there is little economic activity on the island presently. Revealing that she sometimes does not brother to open her store, Ms Jones said the arrival of Crystal Serenity’s passengers will be a “big boost” for the island and her business.

She said: “We really need this right now. Since the Club Med closed there is nothing here right now. But as a souvenir shop this will definitely help me.”

Raymond Russell, owner/ operator of Island Distributors on San Salvador, said: “All of this depends on if the passengers come off the ship or if they stay on the ship.

“They may come off the ship, but they only come off the ship to hang out on the beach and not necessarily go around. The last two cruise ships that stopped in San Salvador that I know of didn’t make such a big impact.”

Mr Russell also noted: “For the most part, people didn’t know when these ships were coming to the island so people couldn’t plan. Maybe if people knew ahead of time they could meet the tourists on the beach or wherever the cruise line allows the passengers to land on island.”