The second largest cruise ship in the world, Utopia Of The Seas, docked at the Nassau Cruise Port on Sunday morning. Government officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation including Minister Chester Cooper were on hand to meet the vessel.
At a welcoming ceremony held on the ship, Nassau Cruise Port Chief Executive Officer, Mike Maura said, “with the arrival of Utopia Nassau will welcome 5.5 million cruise passengers this year alone. In 2025, that’s over 6 million, six million opportunities. These visitors are seeking unique, exciting and valued experiences and that is our opportunity. No single experience or location can make this demand. New Providence tourism is hungry for creative and varied investments.”
Minister Cooper also addressed the gathering. He said, “this partnership over 50 years has brought 35 million to our shores making Royal Caribbean one of our most significant partners contributing to the success of our world class tourism product. The investments made by Royal Caribbean provides jobs and they also bring millions of dollars into our economy through money spent at local businesses as well as the government.”
Part of the crew was Bahamian Ivanna Seymour who said she stared on mailboats. “From mailboats I went to Campbell Shipping did a few years with bulk carriers and then I made the jump over to Royal Caribbean.”
The Utopia Of The Seas is 1,118 feet long with 18 decks. The ship’s amenities includes has 21 restaurants, 23 bars, 5 pools and 2 casinos.
(Photos: MOTIA)
