The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has brought its Grand Classica vessel back to its Port of Palm Beach home port as it begins to prepare for the July resumption of cruises to Grand Bahama.

The vessel has not sailed for more a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cruise line said in a statement that its main priority is to begin fully vaccinating the ship’s crew - a process that has already begun. The ship’s arrival was greeted by cruise line executives, as well as employees and partners.

Oneil Khosa, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s chief executive, said: “This past year has been extremely difficult for the cruise industry and, as a family-owned cruise line, we faced a number of obstacles that, at times, seemed insurmountable.

“Our team worked tirelessly during the pandemic, making difficult decisions and working with an innovative, solutions-oriented mindset, to ensure the future safety and enjoyment of those who cruise with us. I am so proud of the collective effort that has brought us all here today.”

He added: “I want to specifically thank our partners at the Palm Beach Health Department and the Port of Palm Beach for their support during some very trying times. I also want to thank each and every member of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line team, our dedicated crew, our travel advisor partners and the many others who have helped us navigate uncharted waters over the past year.

“To those who have been waiting so patiently for us in our home-away-from-home, Grand Bahama, please know how much we have missed you and how excited we are to see you again very soon. We are delighted to welcome Grand Classica home and cannot wait to welcome our guests back onboard in just a few weeks.”

Manuel Almira, the Port’s executive director, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to see Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line prepare for the resumption of sailings from the Port of Palm Beach. Before the pandemic, the cruise line was credited for generating more than $100m in local and state revenue and supporting more than 1,300 cruise-related jobs. It’s time to get crew members, cruise line support staff and parking attendants back to work.”

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line said it was working closely with The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure all guidelines are met prior to receiving passengers.