News Release

15th November 2000

Freeport Bahamas Handles it’s First Scheduled Homeport Operation


15-Nov-2000

Tuesday 7th November: The newly renamed ‘Lucayan Harbour’ Cruise Facility, in conjunction with Grand Bahama International Airport, welcomed Fred Olsen Cruise Lines M/V Black Watch to it’s newly developed cruise facility. This was the first scheduled homeport for Freeport Harbour.

Fred Olsen Cruise Ship M/V Black Watch did a turnaround today bringing in close to 800 passengers. The ship ended a 12-day cruise on Grand Bahama Island where passengers were later transported to Grand Bahama International Airport for return flights to Manchester, and Gatwick England.

The turnaround coincided with our regular scheduled call of the Disney Wonder and Discovery Sun bringing the count of cruise passengers well over 2000 for the day to the Lucayan Harbour. Freeport Harbour has done a number of short notice home port operations in the past when hipping lines have encountered mechanical problems in the region. Mike Power, General Manager noted that “Lucayan Harbour expects a continued growth in business, having just invested over $10 million dollars in the re-development of the Cruise Facility”.

Passengers traveling on board Fred Olsen Cruise Lines M/V Black Watch enjoyed their short visit as some toured through the Island of Grand Bahama, Bahamas. The weather was picture perfect and not to mention, the new Cruise Facility provided live entertainment, complimentary drinks and a warm welcome from the merchants.

Arriving at Grand Bahama International Airport, were three Britannia 767 jets with over 700 passengers totaling. These passengers started their cruise from Lucayan Harbour, Freeport Harbour via Fred Olsen Cruise Lines M/V Black Watch. Upon arrival at the Grand Bahama International Airport, passengers traveling on board the three aircrafts, arriving shortly one after the other, were all welcomed by live entertainment as they cleared immigration and customs to board large buses for the harbour.

Passengers arriving Grand Bahama International Airport were all in good spirits as the weather in the Bahamas was Sunny and Bright, Warm and Beautiful. They were not in a hurry to return home, as some said, “the weather back in the UK was rainy and cold”.