The Tribune

Grand Bahama Shipyard helped Cruise Shipping Miami celebrate its 30th convention anniversary by hosting a reception for participating clients, Bahamian style.

Cruise Shipping Miami is an international exhibition, and the cruise industry’s premier global event, held annually in Miami, Florida, at the Miami Beach Convention Centre. It attracts anywhere from 900 to 1,200 exhibitors, and more than 10,000 attendees.

This year marked 30 years of bringing the cruise world together to showcase its products, which range from ship repair and ship ports to cleaning products, food and beverage, and linens and souvenirs.

Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) exhibits the company to keep its name at the forefront of the industry, while reminding staff they are the premier cruise ship repair company in this region.

During the exhibition, GBS brought the Bahamas to the world in other forms than just showcasing its ship repair facilities.

In 2012, GBS began hosting a reception for their owners and clients at the convention. The reception continues to today and brings a taste of Bahamian culture.

This year’s menu for the reception included Bahamian conch chowder, guava cake and Bahamian beer - Sands and High Rock - as well as a cultural Junkanoo show.

“Since the first reception, everyone has looked forward to our Bahamian treats,” said Paulette Russell, GBS marketing assistant. “We often hear guests’ glowing reviews of the Bahamian beer, the fantastic conch and the performances done by the Junkanoo group.”

The Junkanoo group which performed at the reception hails from the Bahamian society of Miami.