Celebration Cruise Line’s management announced this week that it will be changing the itinerary of the Bahamas Celebration exclusively to Grand Bahama Island. The new itinerary is scheduled to begin on March 15, 2010.  The last cruise into Nassau will be March 12, departing out of Nassau on March 14.  

The cruise line was quick to point out the decision was in no way reflective of any negative experience had in Nassau and Paradise Island.  

“Our management team is very grateful for all the support shown to us by the people of Nassau, both as passengers and business partners.” said Charles Kinnear, president of the cruise line.  “Feedback from our passengers has always been very positive about the Nassau and Paradise Island experience.”  

According to Kinnear of Celebration Cruise Line, the Bahamas Celebration will be offering two-night cruises from the Port of Palm Beach, as well as four and six-night cruise and hotel stay packages. This should provide a much needed boost to the island’s economy in addition to accessing new markets for Grand Bahama Island.  

“Our ship is designed to carry both passengers and cargo,” explained Kinnear. “Not only will we be providing Grand Bahama Island with 3,500 to 4,000 passengers a week, but also a steady means of transporting goods between Florida and the Island.”  

“We applaud Celebration Cruise Lines for their initiative in opening a new port to GBI for the popular short cruise as well as cruise-and-stay-over options which represent unique opportunities for GBI due to its proximity to South Florida,” said Vernice Walkine, Director-General of Tourism. She added that she was confident there would be a boost to stopover visitors to Grand Bahama Island.