The Ministry of Tourism presents officials of the MS Hamburg with a plague to commemorate its inaugural voyage to the Port of Nassau. (l to r) Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu, Ship's Master Captain Joao Simoes and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson. (BIS Photo)
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German-registered cruise liner MS Hamburg was welcomed by
the thunderous sounds of Junkanoo recently as it made its inaugural voyage to
Nassau – bringing with it over 300 passengers.
The cruise liner, 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 General of Tourism Joy
Jibrilu gave a “warm welcome” to The Bahamas.
“Over the years, the Ministry of Tourism
has been honoured to take part in ceremonies such as this one. Yet no matter
how frequent, there is always a celebratory mood and the feeling of hope
because these ships, which are a part of modern tourism brings a promise of
economic stimulation and activities to our shores,” she said.
“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. 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 that the Port of Nassau
has one of the largest cruise ports in the world and has always been a choice
of passengers.
“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.”
The director general noted that Festival
Place is undergoing a multi-million 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 revitalized welcome facility and 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 swash buckling piracy, old British forts and rum running legends,” Ms.
Jibrilu said.
The ship’s master Captain Joao Simoes said
he was especially pleased to be in The Bahamas, particularly since the ship
came from more frigid temperatures.
“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,” he said.
“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 traveling 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 like Jamaica, Cuba and Martinique.