30,000 Cruise Passengers Delayed
It was an exciting day in Miami for nearly 30,000 cruisers on Carnival Celebration, Norwegian Escape, and MSC Seascape.
Early Sunday morning, a collision between a 30-foot pleasure craft and the Fisher Island ferry.
At 0345 local time, the two boats struck each other, sinking the pleasure craft, leaving one dead and one seriously injured.
The U.S. Coast Guard, divers, and local authorities had the area closed in the North Channel, causing the ships to hang out in the anchorage area until the harbor opened. It eventually opened at 3p.
After debarking, provisioning food and supplies, and embarking new guests, the ships finally left Miami well after dark.
Read Story: PortMiami Boating Accident Closes Cruise Port
Bahamas Defers Cruise Passenger Taxes
The Bahamian government has postponed the introduction of departure tax hikes for cruise passengers until January 2024, as Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper disclosed.
Initially planned for July, the revised taxes, set out in the 2023/2024 budget, will see levies for cruise passengers in Freeport, Nassau, and Bimini rise from $18 to $23, with a higher $25 fee for those departing from a cruise line’s private island without visiting another Bahamian port.
Other taxations include an additional $5 tourism environmental fee and a $2 tourism enhancement levy per cruise passenger.
The delay, accommodating industry feedback, was welcomed by industry players like Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy, who had called for such a postponement amidst ongoing developmental initiatives in the Bahamas.
Read Story: Bahamas Pushes Cruise Tax til 2024
Godfather Announced for Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is preparing to unveil its second Prima class vessel, the Norwegian Viva, which is slated to be christened by Grammy-winning artist Luis Fonsi in a naming ceremony at PortMiami in Florida, come November 2023.
Born in Puerto Rico, Fonsi, famous for his hit song “Despacito,” adds significant cultural resonance to the ship’s future homeporting in the Caribbean island. N
CL’s President, David J. Herrera, expressed excitement for Fonsi’s association, noting his vibrant energy is an apt representation of the Norwegian Viva.
Before the naming ceremony, the ship will offer cruises from Lisbon, Portugal, starting August 19, before embarking on a transatlantic voyage to Miami.
Read More: NCL Viva Godfather Announced