The Tribune

CRYSTAL Cruises, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, will host a homeporting inaugural ceremony in Nassau to celebrate the first sailing of the Crystal Serenity on Saturday.

“This momentous event follows Crystal Cruises’ earlier announcement that several cruises in its fleet will sail throughout the islands of The Bahamas this summer with a series of 16 seven-night, round-trip cruises from Nassau,” the Ministry of Tourism said.

On July 4, the award-winning ship will make its way to Bimini where there also will be grand homeporting festivities.

Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes cruises will depart from the ports of Nassau and Bimini and make calls on the Exumas, Cat Island, Long Island and San Salvador.

President of Crystal Cruises Jack Anderson said the choice to create an itinerary in The Bahamas was an easy one.

“When we started to think about the future of cruising, once the pandemic subsided enough that travellers were allowed back on ships, two of our top priorities were to offer guests an option that was close to home, while also driving economic growth in the various ports of call,” said Mr Anderson.

“The islands of The Bahamas drew us in because of how close they are to the US and the fact that many of these stops aren’t offered on any other cruise line. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has been an excellent partner in the development of our Luxury Bahamas Escapes itinerary. As the first time a Crystal ship homeports in The Bahamas, we can see how beneficial this will be for all of the islands. Workers, businesses and residents of the destinations we call on have echoed that sentiment. While we’re operating at a reduced capacity, we know every guest who comes on the ship is excited to get back to cruising, and we can’t wait to show them the beauty and culture the islands have to offer,” he added.

Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said the homeporting inaugural ceremonies signal a new era in The Bahamas.

“We have a lot to celebrate because we in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation have been working tirelessly to ensure that our country is safe for visitors and locals. Crystal Cruises has shown that it has a deep interest in The Bahamas and is assisting to reinvigorate our economy by making stops in numerous islands. Each stop will give visitors an unforgettable, authentic experience, while stimulating the national economy through more businesses reopening,” he said.