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Last Updated: Nov 18, 2018 - 3:29:49 PM |
World’s Largest Cruise Ship Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas makes Inaugural call on Nassau to Chorus of Applause
By Diane Philips & Associates
Nov 16, 2018 - 3:03:43 PM
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Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s new Symphony of the Seas, sailed into Nassau November 14 to a chorus of applause, bringing with her a highly anticipated economic boost for the historic city and new technology designed to make the super ship environmentally friendly.
On board for the inaugural cruise of the sleek white-hulled ship were a handful of invited guests including 200 members of international media who joined dignitaries, local VIPs and sailing guests for a lively ceremony in the ship’s iconic amphitheater at the stern.
Traditional key and plaque exchange – The ships get larger and fancier but the tradition of key and plaque exchange remains. Pictured l-r, Symphony of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead and Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar. Not pictured here is the key exchange between United Shipping, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Captain Rob Hempstead.
Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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“We are very excited to welcome you onboard Symphony of the Seas,” said Royal Caribbean International President & CEO Michael Bayley. “It’s the newest ship in our fleet and of course the largest cruise ship in the world. Today marks Symphony’s inaugural visit to Nassau, Bahamas, a destination that we visit also with the three sister ships of Symphony, that’s Oasis of the Seas, Allure and Harmony.”
Mr. Bayley cited Royal Caribbean’s strong ties to The Bahamas, recalling that the cruise line’s first ship made Nassau its first port of call in 1970.
“Today 25 of our ships are registered here in The Bahamas. We bring over 1.2 million vacationers to your beautiful islands so thank you for hosting us. We plan on keeping coming back to The Bahamas. Our plan by 2021 is almost 1.75 million visitors to The Bahamas coming with Royal Caribbean. We also plan to extend the amount of time spent in port so our guests can do, see and spend more in your beautiful islands.”
Traditional key and plaque exchange – The ships get larger and fancier but the tradition of key and plaque exchange remains. Pictured l-r, Symphony of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead and Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar. Not pictured here is the key exchange between United Shipping, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Captain Rob Hempstead.
Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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While Royal Caribbean brought the highest number of visitors in its history to The Bahamas last year, it hopes to increase the number to more than 1.7 billion by 2020 as ships like Symphony of the Seas expand capacity to fill demand for the booming cruise industry.
“The relationship between The Bahamas and Royal Caribbean is an entrenched partnership that is characterized by trust, mutual respect and shared interest,” said Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar. Noting that the port of Nassau welcomes up to 10,000 cruise passengers a day, the Minister said he was especially proud that 25 of Royal Caribbean’s ships carried the Bahamian flag and Symphony of the Seas was the latest to be registered with the Bahamas Maritime Authority.
Symphony of the Seas carries more than 6,000 guests and 2,000 crew. Built at a cost of $1.35 billion, and launched in April 2018, crossing the Atlantic to her permanent home in Miami, the ship is 1184 feet in length, a little more than three football fields long. She is one of four Oasis class ships, all of which will call on Nassau, but beats the Oasis, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to hold the title of world’s largest by gross tonnage, 228.22, displacing more water than any cruise ship in history while operating at 25% greater efficiency.
Formalities – Dignitaries gather to welcome the world’s largest cruise ship on her inaugural call to the port of Nassau on November 14. Pictured l-r, Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander, Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, Symphony of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley and United Shipping President Andrew Malone.
Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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She arrived with invited guests only on board, including travel industry partners, international media and high-ranking officials to a rousing welcome hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism which pulled out all the stops. Dignitaries including Cabinet member Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands and Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira, Senators, Members of Parliament, officials including Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, Director of Works Melanie Roach, former Cabinet ministers and heads of nearly every department of government along with vendors, attractions operators, leading business people, hoteliers, Bahamas Taxi Union, Musicians’ Union, Straw Market and Hair Braiders Association representatives were treated to musical performances and a three-course luncheon. Dignitaries including Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez were ushered aboard by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band. Inside, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band entertained along with the Gerald Cash Rhythm ‘n Youth band. Travel partners and guests rushed with Colours Junkanoo, capping off the ceremony that included a key, gift and plaque exchange between the ship’s agents, United Shipping, and Captain Rob Hempstead.
In step – On a ship that measures 1,188 feet in length, it’s a long walk from bow to stern but plenty to keep the guest – and dignitaries – entertained and happy. Pictured l-r, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar heading toward the official welcome ceremony as Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, makes her inaugural call on the port of Nassau nearly 50 years after Royal Caribbean made Nassau its first port of call for the first ship in its fleet, the Song of Norway.
Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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Junkanoo – No Bahamian welcome is complete without a touch of the iconic and unique local cultural performance of Junkanoo.
Photo by Ronnie Archer for DP&A
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© Copyright 2018 by thebahamasweekly.com
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