The Bahamas is the new epicenter of Caribbean cruising.
Royal Caribbean is returning to Caribbean cruising this summer, becoming the second major cruise line to homeport in Nassau.
The cruise line will be launching a series of seven-night cruises on its Adventure of the Seas ship out of Nassau.
Stops will include Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island; Grand Bahama; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Michael Bailey, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said the relaunch of cruising was driven by vaccines, which will be a requirement for all adult guests (those under the age of 18 will have to show negative test results).
“The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice,” he said. “The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”
The move comes after Crystal Cruises announced last week that it would relaunch cruising with a new homeport in Nassau.
“As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” said Bahamas Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”
Royal Caribbean also announced it would be fully vaccinating all of its staff at Perfect Day at CocoCay, where cruises will include two back-to-back days.
“Royal Caribbean has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest homeport,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism. We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.”
— CJ