The Tribune

ROYAL Caribbean Cruise Lines’ Serenade of the Seas ship will run Nassau itineraries from the end of next year through April 2014, the Ministry of Tourism announced yesterday.

Carla Stuart, director of cruise development, said the Serenade’s calls are scheduled to begin December 24, 2013 and run through April 22 of the following year.

It is estimated that the total of 10 calls on Nassau will bring at least 24,900 passengers to New Providence.

“The ship sails out of New Orleans and should generate new interest and easy access for many persons who live in the southeastern and eastern United States. The vessel will call on two ports in the Bahamas,” Ms Stuart said.

The new route for the Serenade will feature an itinerary with three days at sea and three days in port at Key West, Nassau and Coco Cay.

“During the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, RCCL brought 925,206 passengers to the Bahamas,” Ms Stuart said.

“The additional calls of this passenger vessel should  bring at least 24,900 passengers to Nassau and Coco Cay.

“Potential head tax to be generated is estimated at $359,000. Most recently, the spend (per passenger) in Nassau increased from $73 in 2010 to $111 in 2011.

“The additional 24,900 passengers will indeed provide increased revenue opportunities for persons who work directly with the cruise lines and cruise passengers. Potential passenger spend from the additional calls to Nassau is projected at $2.7 million.”

Ms Stuart pointed out that tour operators, Bay Street merchants, restaurants, ground and water transportation providers, straw market artisans, hair braiders and surrey operators will all benefit directly from the spending of these cruise passengers.