An investment of millions of dollars by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) into its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, has created employment opportunities for Bahamians and increased the nation's capacity to accommodate NCL's mega ships, NCL Captain Tommy Stensrud said Friday.
Stensrud made his comments as tourism officials welcomed more than 3,000 passengers on the NCL's cruise ship Norwegian Getaway when it made its maiden voyage to Nassau.
And Guardian Business understands those numbers will increase in the coming weeks with the start of the Spring Break season. Getaway's maiden voyage comes four months after its sister ship, the Breakaway,
made its voyage to Nassau, bringing nearly 4,000 passengers.
On Friday, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, along with NCL executives and other dignitaries participated in a plaque exchange ceremony, followed by a extensive tour of the mega ship.
During his remarks, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson said the decision to bring its latest addition to the cruise line speaks to the strong relationship between The Bahamas and NCL, one that dates back to more than 30 years.
"Indeed from where I sit, the future of cruise tourism in The Bahamas is very bright. So in the years to come, we look forward to a sustainable relationship with NCL because this wonderful partnership continues to grow from strength from strength," he explained.
The Getaway, which is 325 meters long and approximately four meters wide in size, is expected to make weekly calls on the Port of Nassau on Fridays. It will start and end in Miami with stops in the Eastern Caribbean to places like St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau over the course of seven days.
In addition to its fleet, 50 Bahamians are now employed at NCL's private island.
"NCL has been coming to The Bahamas since the 60s. We got the private island Great Stirrup Cay, in the Berry Islands back in 1976. With the shore excursion tours possibilities, we are very happy to be in The Bahamas," Stensrud shared with Guardian Business.
"We're in the last phase of expansion for Great Stirrup Cay where we have spent millions of dollars to develop and increase the capacity for our mega ships when they are coming in. It's a huge change for the island in terms of structure and brings employment opportunities.
"We are following the freestyle product, something that we have been developing over the years within the Norwegian Cruise Lines brand."
Norwegian Getaway is Miami's ultimate ship and embodies the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami's own David "LEBO" Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves. It features the Grammy experience at sea with live performances by past Grammy award winners, along with artifacts. The Norwegian Getaway has 21 restaurants and bars and dance productions. On three decks, there is a multiplex of dining and activities, including a sporting complex with five water slides and two swimming pools.

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