By the Caribbean Journal staff

In an important step for the crucial tourism economy in Grand Bahama, the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has resumed leisure cruises to Grand Bahama.

After running humanitarian aid sailings to Grand Bahama in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the company will be running its first two-night sailings from Palm Beach beginning Sept. 27.

Bahamas Paradise also announced that it would be launching a new destination, Nassau, beginning Oct. 12.

The company will be running those cruises on its second ship, Grand Classica.

Nassau has “long been a destination of interest” for the company.

“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 getaway 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.”

“After ongoing discussions with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, we are thrilled to have been given official approval to resume leisure cruises to Grand Bahama Island, as well as to introduce Nassau as a second destination for our guests,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “Tourism is the most important industry in the Bahamas, and we all know the lifeline it brings to residents across the islands.  While we remain focused on providing aid to our friends and family on Grand Bahama, we also know that returning to a traditional sailing schedule will make an incredibly positive impact on their economy. After hosting two successful humanitarian sailings, we are excited to invite travel advisors, and their clients, to sail with us back to the Bahamas.”

The company also said travelers on Grand Bahama cruises could choose from its popular beach getaway excursion in Grand Bahama or participate in a volunteer excursion.

For more, visit Bahamas Paradise.

— CJ