The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Charles Kinnear, president of Celebration Cruise Lines, announced that the company has signed a new two-year contract with the Grand Lucayan Resort.

The announcement was made aboard the Celebration on Wednesday. Minister for Grand Bahama Michael Darville, tourism officials and hotel executives were present.

Mr Kinnear reported that this year, the cruise line will supply more than 50,000 room nights and bring 200,000 passengers to the island.

“We at the Celebration Cruise Lines are very excited about the future and our partnership with the government, businesses and the people of Grand Bahama Island,” he said.

“Just two and a half years ago we came to this island with the hopes of helping to restore some of its former glory.”

The cruise ship began sailing to Grand Bahama in March 2010. The vessel, which can carry 1,500 passengers, sails from West Palm Beach to Grand Bahama.

Mr Kinnear said the future success of the venture depends greatly on continued support from the government, hotel management and the public.

“With the new government in place, we look to the future with even greater enthusiasm,” he said.

He noted that during recent meetings with Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville, the cruise line was ensured of continued government support in the form of instant rebates for hotel stays and joint marketing efforts.

“Without these programmes, we would not able to provide the island with the much needed revenue that is fuelling the voyage back to recovery or the future growth we are all hoping for,” he said.

“Under the leadership and management of Ben Davis we now see the resort heading in a good direction and believe that our passengers will continue to enjoy everything Grand Lucayan Resort has to offer.”

Dr Darville said the government is willing to work hand-in-hand with Celebration Cruise Line to ensure its success on Grand Bahama.

He said government is in the process of redefining its model for tourism on the island and sees Celebration as a part of the plan.

Dr Darville said the cruise line has explained its concerns about the island, and he will meet with his colleagues to address them.