The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Bay Street and downtown Nassau could potentially receive a 6,000 passenger boost after two cruise ships were diverted to New Providence due to Hurricane Isaac.

Carla Stuart, director of cruise development, said yesterday that more cruise ships could be switched to the Bahamas depending on the storm’s path.   

As of yesterday there were two diversions, the Carnival Liberty and the Carnival Valor, according to Ms Stuart.

The Carnival Liberty is expected to be in port in Nassau today from 9am to 6pm, and the Carnival Valor is expected to be in Nassau on Saturday from 7am to 5pm. The two cruise liners could bring in a combined 6,000 passengers, Ms Stuart said.

She added that the Norwegian Sky may  possibly arrive on Saturday, as opposed to Sunday, and the Disney Dream is expected in on Monday as opposed to Tuesday.

“Given the fact that the weather is headed in our direction as well, there may possibly be diversions away from the Bahamas. The information will perhaps change on a daily basis based on the direction and changes in the weather system,” said Ms Stuart.

“Some of the vessels that would have called on the private islands usually call on the port of Nassau as well. Because we are one of the closer islands to Florida in the Caribbean itinerary a lot of them tend to come between Nassau, Grand Bahama and the private islands.”