The Tribune

Port Lucaya Marketplace (PLM) was abuzz with tourists after a visiting cruise ship disembarked 80 per cent of its guests.

Ian Rolle, the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) president, expressed his pleasure at seeing the Costs Luminosa’s passengers disembark for visits to the island.

“We look forward to you visiting many more times,” said Mr Rolle in an informal onboard meeting with the vessel’s captain, Nicolo Alba. “We feel that this experience allows your passengers to be able to be quickly transported straight into the core of the major shopping district, which is the heartbeat of the island.”

From early morning until late evening, ship tenders and Bahamian-owned vessels plied between the luxury liner and the shore, ferrying many of the more than 2,300 passengers on board.

PLM’s event & marketing coordinator, Karen Ferguson-Bain, said: “So many of our tenants and all of the other entities around the Lucayan area, like tour operators, taxis and straw vendors, stand to benefit from the visit of this large cruise ship. It’s a golden opportunity.”

The Costa Luminosa is no stranger to Bahamian waters, having made her inaugural voyage to Grand Bahama only a few weeks ago. The ship was refurbished in Freeport in the recent past.

Commenting on the success of Friday’s voyage, Derek Newbold, the was GBPA’s business development manager, said: “We have always believed that Port Lucaya would make an excellent port of call. Its proximity to the primary touristic shopping and entertainment centre, coupled with unmatched scenery, is second to none.

“We congratulate Frederick Hall of Reliance Maritime Agency on doing an exceptional job in organising this call, and we expect to attract a number of additional calls moving forward.”