NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has mounted a proactive plan to prepare frontline workers for the arrival of the world?s largest cruise ships to Nassau Harbour.
Members of the Visitor Experience team within the Ministry have mobilized information and coaching sessions with small business persons in the downtown area as they prepare for the arrival of the Carnival Dream on November 19 and the Oasis of the Seas on December 11. The team offered business and professional tips to scooter rental operators, souvenir vendors, jet ski operators, surrey drivers and ferry boat workers.

Most recently, downtown hair braiders received the benefit of the special workshop. The information presented was critical to reminding participants of importance of excellence is guest service relations, said John Nixon, director of Security in Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

?We are here today to talk about what we can do to make this business better again, not just for you but for others as well,? said Mr. Nixon, pointing out that various groups have participated in similar workshops in advance of the cruise ship calls. ?Can you imagine one of these cruise ships coming here with other ships in the harbor on the same day? That would mean several thousand people coming through Festival Place, downtown and on tours.?

The Carnival Dream is the largest fun ship ever built for Carnival Cruise Lines. The $860 million vessel has the capacity to carry 4,600 passengers and 1,300 crew. The Oasis of the Seas holds the title of the World?s Largest Cruise Ship. Built at a cost of $1.3 billion, The Oasis of the Seas has 16 passenger decks and can deliver 6,296 passengers and 2,200 crew to Nassau on each voyage.

Photo: John Nixon, director of Security in Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, addresses downtown hair braiders.