The Tribune

A German-registered cruise liner brought more than 300 passengers to Nassau during its first voyage to the Bahamian capital.

The MS Hamburg, which travels all over the world to places like New York, Chicago, Greenland, the Amazons, the Middle East and throughout Europe, is owned by the Conti Group and operated by Plantours Kreuzfahrten.

During a special inaugural ceremony in the ship’s bridge – rarely seen by passengers – director-eneral of tourism, Joy Jibrilu, gave a “warm welcome” to the Bahamas.

“We are delighted that the MS Hamburg, a luxury cruise liner in the Conti Group, is making its inaugural call in Nassau as well as Matthew Town, Inagua,” she said.

“I am also pleased to note that going forward the Hamburg will be making calls to Nassau on an annual basis, and it will include visits to other islands in the Bahamas chain.”

Ms Jibrilu added: “I am advised that 70 per cent of all cruise ship passengers that arrive in the Bahamas are on Bahamas-only cruises. This only gives greater credence to what we have said all along; that every and anything that you could possibly want in an ideal tropical vacation can be found right here - 700 destinations in one country.”

Festival Place is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to better serve the millions of cruise ship passengers that are welcomed into the Bahamas.

“These renovations are necessary improvements to enhance our visitor experience, and when you return next year, or hopefully sooner, you will sail into a revitalised welcome facility,” Ms Jibrilu said.

“While Festival Place undergoes this transformation, I want to assure you that there is still so much for your passengers to enjoy in this historic city of Nassau – known for swashbuckling piracy, old British forts and rum running legends.”

The ship’s master, Captain Joao Simoes, said: “We are coming from the north, from the really cold places where we had some snow and a lot of swells, and we are very pleased to arrive here to the Bahamas because it is a warm place and a beautiful place.

“We have been welcomed to many places but not like what we have received here. What counts more to a passenger is the first impression. That first impression is very important for them, and very important for you. We have enjoyed it not only because of the sun or the sand, but because of the welcome we received.”

The MS Hamburg will also be travelling to Matthew Town, Inagua. Captain Simoes said it was a top choice for his passengers.

“We normally ask the passengers what they want to do because we have a lot of repeat passengers. The same passengers that book now are guaranteed to book next year. Normally, they chose the Bahamas,” he said.

After leaving the Bahamas, the MS Hamburg will head to other Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica, Cuba and Martinique.

CAPTION

The Ministry of Tourism presents officials of the MS Hamburg with a plaque to commemorate its inaugural voyage to Nassau. (L to R: Director-general in the Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu; Captain Joao Simoes; and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Harrison Thompson. (BIS Photo)