Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus-crisis, Bahamas Paradise suspended its fleet’s passenger shipping operations by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures between March 15, 2020, and May 31, 2021.
Grand Classica ship was planned to restart mini-cruises to Grand Bahama Island on December 18, 2020. Grand Celebration ship was scheduled to restart voyages to Bahamas on March 3, 2021. However, these plans were canceled and both vessels remained out of service, and later Grand Celebration was scrapped.
Bahamas Paradise ships were intended to operate at 60% max passenger capacity, by closing two cabin decks on each liner. All affected bookings received a full monetary refund, including on prepurchased through the cruise company packages and services. A 125% refund in FCC was given with rebooking.
The company resumed the USA-Bahamas service on July 8, 2021, with Grand Classica.
A Quick & Easy Escape
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the only 3-day and 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. On this floating island vacation, you can relax, unwind, enjoy the endless opportunities of entertainment, soak up the sun and cruise in casual-luxe comfort.
CRUISE & STAY ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATIONS
License To Chill For 2
Weve got your onboard License to Chill! Designed for two guests in a stateroom, this package includes:
- Express Check-in at Port & Express Disembarkation at Port
- Booking assistance for Shore Excursions
- Priority luggage delivery Pre-Paid Only
- Reserved Seating at Stars on the Water Theater
- Special seating arrangement for 2 at Fins Dining Room
- Dinner for 2 at JWB Prime Steakhouse
- Sparkling Wine Breakfast for 2 at JWB Prime Steakhouse
- Special Stateroom Welcome:
- Day 1: Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket
- Day 2: Chefs selection of confections
Call for details or add to your trip during booking.
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line To Be Rebranded Margaritaville At Sea
Date: Feb 10 2022
PORT OF PALM BEACH Come April, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will be known by a new name.
The cruise line, which specializes in two-night micro-cation cruises to Grand Bahama Island, will be undergoing a rebrand this spring, after which it will be renamed Margaritaville at Sea.
Grand Classica will embark on its final sailing on April 16 as the companys flagship vessel. On April 30, it will re-emerge as Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, the flagship of the all-new vacation brand.
As the only provider of two-night cruises with daily departures, we have always strived to provide the best deals, more inclusive rates, impressive perks and generous rewards to our valued guests, said Francis Riley, the cruise lines chief commercial officer. We look forward to seeing everyone onboard for a relaxing escape onboard Grand Classica before welcoming them back onboard the all-new Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
Ahead of the rebrand, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is offering several last-minute promotions for Grand Classica:
For more information go to www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com andwww.margaritavilleatsea.com.
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Additional Kids Clubs Information
Kids Club is complimentary from 3:00-5:30pm.
Reminder: 10mins before closing, your child must be picked up. We allot the 10mins for sanitation.
If a daily package is not purchased, a charge of $15/hour per child applies from 6:30pm-12:00am, plus the 18% Service Charge.
2 DAY PACKAGEFull kids club access with supervision for 2 days until 12:30am: pizza party, special drink bottle comes with soda package, and a FREE photo taken by our own Margaritaville professional photographer.
1 DAY PACKAGEFull kids club access with supervision for 1 day until 12:30am: pizza party and soda package
HOURLY RATE $15 + 18% Service Charge)This gives the kid an option to sign up to a specific time/activity available in the program to participate.
Cruise News Today April 20 2022
Coast Guard Suspends Search For Man Who Jumped Off Mardi Gras
On Monday evening, the Coast Guard suspended the search for a 43 year old man who jumped off in the early hours on Saturday morning.
The ship was around 63 miles east of Melbourne, Florida when a crew member notified the coast guard of a passenger who went overboard.
remained in the area to search for the man along with nearby Carnival Elation until the Coast Guard arrived and assumed the search. Three Coast Guard cutters were involved in the effort.
Grand Classica Enters Wet Dock to Become Margaritaville Ship
On Tuesday, Bahamas Paradises ship Grand Classica entered wet dock to begin her Margaritaville transformation.
The ship is set to operate her first passenger cruise as on May 14, as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is rebranded to Margaritaville at Sea. It will continue its previous schedule of two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida and Freeport, Bahamas.
Cabins and public spaces will all be transformed with new Margaritaville theming, including the JWB Prime Steak & Seafood restaurant and a 5 oClock Somewhere Bar.
Fares for this spring and summer will start at $169 to $229 dollars per person, depending on the sail date.
STORY:Grand Classica Enters Wet Dock To Become Margaritaville Cruise Ship
Princess Announces New Web Series With TV Host Jeff Corwin
Princess Cruises has announced a new web series called Ocean Treks Conservation Connections a spin off of sorts to its Ocean Treks TV program.
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The Company Claims That The Global Supply Chain Is To Blame
Parrotheads will have to wait a little longer to have their cheeseburgers in paradise if their version of paradise is a Jimmy Buffett-blessed Bahamas cruise.
, the rebrand of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, was supposed to start its three-day, two-night trips to Grand Bahama Island from Palm Beach, Fla., on April 30. But the operator canceled its first seven trips on the 658-cabin Margaritaville At Sea Paradise and moved the official launch to mid-May.
There are currently many challenges in the global supply chain, which have impacted the upcoming launch of Margaritaville at Sea, the line wrote to passengers whose trips were canceled. To ensure the best possible experience for you and all of our guests, we are moving our first official passenger sailing to May 14th.
Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, a Margaritaville spokesperson, said in a statement that affected passengers will get a refund if they choose not to rebook. Those who rebook will get a complimentary cabin, aside from taxes and fees, and will get any money they already paid for the cruise as onboard credit.
We are committed to giving you an unforgettable vacation experience and apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, the letter to passengers said.
Leaders of the cruise line have said they intend to appeal to a new audience with the cultural, entertainment and culinary DNA that runs through Margaritavilles other endeavors.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Delays Test Cruise Due To Covid
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line had to postpone its closed group CDC test cruise and previously planned July 2 restart after one of its vaccinated crew tested COVID-positive.
The 1-ship company had previously received approval from CDC to conduct a “simulated voyage”.
The test cruise was scheduled to depart on June 25, and later rescheduled for June 28.
A private group of pre-selected, fully vaccinated guests will join the fully vaccinated crew aboard the company’s only ship Grand Classica, now setting sail on July 8. The 2-night roundtrip voyage from Port Palm Beach Florida visits Grand Bahama Island .
The journey will simulate all aspects of the onboard experience, such as dining, leisure activities, entertainment, shore excursions.
Bahamas Paradise had to resume sailing on July 2 but will now resume commercial cruises on July 10.
It is one of the latest USA-based lines to announce it had received approval from the CDC agency to conduct test voyages, following DCL-Disney and RCI-Royal Caribbean.
After the crew member tested positive onboard, Bahamas Paradise identified and tested anyone who came in close contact with that person. Any crew who tested positive was placed in quarantine if they were asymptomatic, and in isolation, if they were symptomatic.
For more Grand Classica accidents and incidents see the ship’s CruiseMinus page.
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Super Boat: Game Day Watch Party
To celebrate the biggest football game of the season, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will host an action-packed watch party onboard Grand Classica for the big game on February 13th.
Travelers can purchase the Super Boat package for just $59 and enjoy the game at the Crows Nest Sports Bar. The package includes a guaranteed seat at the sports bar, five free drinks, $25 match play at Par-A-Dice Casino and a $25 spa credit.
During the game, an elevated buffet will be offered at the sports bar with various options, such as a nacho bar, wings, jalapeno poppers and more!
The fun doesnt stop there, and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has everyone in mind with a unique romantic twist on the weekend. Couples embarking upon the Super Boat sailing can celebrate Valentines Day as well, with a special dinner menu at Admirals Steak & Seafood and couples massages, which are not typically offered onboard.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Sailings Paused Until May 8
- 04-07-2020 9:27 am
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will extend the suspension of sailings until May 8, when the Grand Celebration is scheduled to resume operations.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines updated Sail with Ease policy provides an automatic Future Cruise Credit of 125 per cent to two-night cruise and Cruise & Stay guests affected by the extended pause on sailings. Future Cruise Credits will automatically update in the cruise lines system, and guests are only required to call customer service to transfer their cruise to any future sailing date through Dec. 31, 2021.
Travellers who wish to receive a refund are entitled to 100 per cent of their two-night cruise or Cruise & Stay package price, including taxes, fees, charges, and any pre-paid amenity or package.
At Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always our top priority, said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. While we understand that this news is disappointing for many of our valued guests, we believe that further suspension is necessary to ensure their continued safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are in communication with all guests booked on a canceled sailing, as well as with our travel advisor partners, and we are offering a 125 percent Future Cruise Credit for all guests booked on a canceled sailing. We wish everyone the very best at this time and look forward to providing you a better way to getaway again soon.
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Bahamas Paradise To Require Covid
Following an order implemented by the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has updated its travel policy and will require all guests 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to a statement.
The new rules are for the so-called the restricted period of September 3, 2021 to October 31, 2021.
Guests will be asked to present their original CDC vaccination card upon embarkation at the Port of Palm Beach.
Guests will be considered fully vaccinated if they have received their second in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines , at least 14 days prior to their cruise departure date, according to a press release.
Those who are booked on a Bahamas Paradise Cruise and are not fully vaccinated or will not be vaccinated 14 days prior to their departure date, may move without penalty to a new sailing date following the October 31, 2021 expiration of the Bahamas order.
Rebranding To Margaritaville At Sea
On December 8th, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville announced the partnership with the cruise line to rebrand it as Margaritaville at Sea while still retaining the same ownership and CEO as before. The last voyage under Bahamas Paradise is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2022. Upon the completion of the final cruise, the Grand Classica will sail to the Grand Bahama Shipyard for a rebranding and refit of the ship’s interiors and venues to be themed under the Margaritaville brand. Also during the refit the ship will be renamed the . It is scheduled to begin sailing for the rebranded line starting April 30th. It will continue to offer 2 day cruises from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Bahamas.
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Test Cruise Delayed Until July 8
— Bahamas Paradise has announced its first test cruise will be delayed until July 8, with sailings expected to resume aboard Grand Classica from the port of West Palm Beach by July 10.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line had received approval in early June from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct a test cruise prior to its anticipated return to service. Originally scheduled for June 25, Bahamas Paradise updated the simulated voyage date to June 28 before delaying it once again until July 8 after a crewmember tested postitive for COVID-19.
The sailing — which notes are not open to members of the public or media — will take place aboard with a small, private group of pre-selected passengers who have been fully vaccinated.
The ship will sail from its homeport of Palm Beach Florida to Grand Bahama Island on a two-night voyage. In keeping with CDC regulations, this test cruise will focus on all aspects of the onboard experience, and will test dining, entertainment, leisure activities and shore excursions in Freeport, Bahamas.
The line is one of the latest U.S.-based cruise lines to announce it has received approval from the CDC to conduct simulated voyages, following news from , and .
The test cruise route is required of cruise ships that will not meet a 95 percent threshold of vaccinated passengers. A Bahamas Paradise spokesperson indicated to Cruise Critic it would not require mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 aboard Grand Classica.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Updates Protocols
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is now offering free COVID-19 testing at its terminal, and masks will no longer be required after March 1.
Following moves by larger, more widespread cruise lines, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has announced changes in its COVID-19 testing options, along with an easing of its mask policy for upcoming cruises as of March 1.
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The Luxurious Grand Terrace Suites
Theres no better way to cruise to paradise. These impressive staterooms with a balcony provide the perfect private getaway. Lounge luxuriously with a host of premium amenities, including a queen bed, pull-out sofa bed, scenic balcony, shower, large jetted tub, and so much more.
Occupancy 4
- Living room with pull-out sofa bed
- DVD player
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Returns To Operation
Over the weekend, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line became the latest cruise operator to return to service when their ship Grand Classica set sail from the Port of Palm Beach in Florida over the weekend. The ship visited Grand Bahama Island as part of the cruise lines popular two-night micro-cation cruise vacations.
It was the first time in 16 months the cruise line embarked with passengers after completing a closed group test sailing to ensure passenger health and safety. The cruise line has implemented extensive cleanliness protocol, and will adhere to all policies outlined and required by the CDCs Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.
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Get Ready To Cruise Back
Transportation to the ship is arranged for all our cruisers. Sail into the sunset with non-stop excitement and more good times. If theres anything you missed aboard on your way to the island, nows your chance to get it all in. Next morning, youll disembark at the Port of Palm Beach.Extending your escape is super easy. Call now to update your booking . Valid travel documentation is required.
Review Of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is a brand owned by the Bahamas-based company “Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd”, that changed ownership on December 22, 2016. Among the new company’s owners is Kevin Sheehan – former CEO and President of NCLH , who resigned NCL in January 2015. The company’s current CCO is Francis Riley . In 2019, Riley joined Bahamas Paradise as Senior VP of Sales. The company’s CEO is Oneil Khosa .
In August 2016, Kevin Sheehan became CEO and President of the Las Vegas-based Scientific Games Corporation . The cruise company’s other owner is Oneil Khosa . Until 2014, Blue Ocean operated short breaks leaving from Mumbai-Bombay and Mormugao-Goa.
In mid-November 2020 was unofficially announced that the ship Grand Celebration has been sold for scrap metal . The vessel left Freeport Bahamas on November 15, allegedly heading to India’s Alang Shipbreaking Yard , with estimated arrival on January 3, 2021. On January 2, the 34-years-old liner arrived and anchored off Alang, and on January 14th was beached for scrapping.
As the only cruise shipping company operating roundtrips out of Palm Beach Florida, Bahamas Paradise provides its customers with expedited boarding and valet parking .
The regularly scheduled Florida-Bahamas short-breaks are very popular among both American and Bahamian citizens as they provide a cheap shopping travel alternative. Bahamas Paradise estimated that these tourists spend ~USD 4,5 million annually.
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