NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Cruise arrivals through the first quarter have exceeded 2023 numbers, according to Nassau Cruise Port Chief Executive, Michael Maura, noting that Royal Caribbean ia set to eclipse the 2.5 million visitors it has projected to bring to Nassau, underscoring the need for more experiences to offer visitors.

"Our numbers are exceeding those of 2023 for the same quarter, which obviously has blown the socks off the record year of 2019. Nassau has returned to being in a very strong demand position. We see it both in the hotels but also in the cruise segment. When you invest in infrastructure, it creates more opportunity for sea traffic coming in for us. We have got very firm commitments. Talking with Royal, they have been talking about 2.5 million visitors they are going to climb to and will eclipse that number," said Maura. The redeveloped Nassau Cruise Port opened last May. Some $300 million was invested into the redevelopment.

The government signed a Heads of Agreement for the Royal Caribbean beach club on Paradise Island on Monday, along with a groundbreaking ceremony. The beach club is expected to open in 2025.

Maura went on to state: "I'm excited and upbeat. I think the future is certainly bright. I think there are a lot of opportunities. We have to have more experiences. Let's say there are three million visitors from Royal Caribbean and another three and a half from everyone else. That's six million people. The future is very bright and exciting."

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