Grand Celebration resuming Bahamas cruises after FEMA charter
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s sole ship Grand Celebration is to resume scheduled cruises to the Bahamas later this month.
The ship has been on charter for the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency in St. Thomas for more than two months, housing first responders helping with the clean-up after Hurricane Irma.
It will restart sailing to Freeport on two-night cruises from December 23.
It will re-emerge with new features including an adults-only area called the Oasis, and an expanded casino.
The Oasis will include a bar, hot tub and outdoor daybeds.
The casino has been doubled in size with more slot machines, video poker and enhanced table games.
"We are pleased to have been able to assist those in need in the Caribbean. Now we are ready to return to offering memorable cruises to our guests. We are excited to welcome an even better Grand Celebration back to Palm Beach, just in time for the holidays," said CEO Oneil Khosa.
Khosa also confirmed the upcoming acquisition of Costa Cruises’ Costa neoClassica, which will join Bahamas Paradise in April 2018.
Renamed Grand Classica, it will also sail from Port of Palm Beach to Freeport.
"Having two ships sailing to Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will be the largest provider of tourism to the island, carrying more than 500,000 passengers annually," Khosa added.
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