Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines sets sail with all the amenities
IAN STALKER
(Photo above: Theatre shows are among available entertainment for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line passengers.)
The director of partner relations for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line – which has sailings linking the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, with Freeport in the Bahamas – says the relatively short nature of the cruises doesn’t mean passengers will find amenities and activities are in short supply.
In fact, Clark Reber says those who sail with his employer will find just the opposite.
“When you hear short cruises you think ferry and that’s not what we do,” he says, adding Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line provides a “full-on cruise product.”
The company has two ships –the Grand Celebration, once part of Carnival’s fleet, and the Grand Classica, once a Costa vessel – and each carries 1,600 or more passengers, has at least six bars, a large theatre, a smoke-free casino and dining options that include à la carte meals, buffets and smaller food outlets.
The Grand Classica has a Lido deck and both vessels have swimming pools and kids programs.
Indeed, Reber says, the vessels provide “all the bells and whistles you find on a typical cruise.”
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line began operation two years ago, founded by Kevin Sheehan, a former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. Its Port of Palm Beach-Freeport sailings can be two nights, which Reber says provides a “great option for a quick getaway.” There’s a choice of shore excursions in Freeport.
Reber – himself a 27-year veteran of Norwegian Cruise Line – adds that visitors can extend their stays in Freeport under the Cruise and Stay Program, with available hotels including the all-inclusive Viva Wyndham.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line pays travel agents 15% commissions and no NCFs.
Main dining and buffets are included in the rates and passengers can buy drinks packages.
There’s a charge for specialty dining.
The company’s reaching out to travel agents, offering them a $99 per person rate for sailings to Grand Bahama and a $129 agent rate to Nassau from now through Dec. 19.
Meanwhile, beginning Oct. 12, guests will have the option to cruise to Nassau aboard Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Classica, which is currently on its way home from a one-time Western Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise and private group sailing. Nassau has long been a destination of interest for the cruise line, and the decision to add it as a port of call was based on current demand and feedback from guests and the travel advisor community.
Cruise-only fares start at $159 per person for round-trip Nassau sailings and departures can be booked now. Travellers can expect details on shore excursions soon.
“Our travel advisor partners have been asking for a second destination for quite some time, and Nassau has frequently come up in our discussions,” said Francis Riley, senior vice president, sales and marketing, of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We are incredibly appreciative of the support and flexibility of our travel partners through Hurricane Dorian and pleased that now, we are able to bring them – and their clients – a unique new way to get away to Nassau. With the inaugural Nassau sailings, we will again be resuming daily cruises from the Port of Palm Beach, now serving two key Bahamian destinations with Grand Celebration and Grand Classica.”
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s unique Cruise & Stay Program will soon be added as an option for guests sailing to Nassau to complement its existing program on Grand Bahama Island. Travellers booking this option can cruise to Nassau aboard Grand Classica, where they’ll enjoy either an all-inclusive vacation or hotel stay at one of the cruise line’s partner resorts.
The Cruise & Stay Program includes round-trip cruises from Palm Beach to Nassau, round-trip resort transfers, unlimited food and drinks at the all-inclusive properties, water sports, and activities, and daily and nightly entertainment.
Travel advisors wishing to learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line can visit www.bookparadise.com or send an email to [email protected].
The dedicated reservations number for the trade is 1-800-995-3143.
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