Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is resuming operations late July. The first sailing onboard Grand Celebration will take place on July 25th. The company’s second ship, Grand Classica, will resume operations on October 2nd. In preparation for its return to the sea, the cruise line has revealed the preventative measures it is taking to ensure the wellness of both passengers and crew.
While three major cruise lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line – have recently announced their intention to resume operations on August 1st, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is setting sail again on July 25. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, which is majority-owned by the family of former Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Kevin Sheehan, offers two-day voyages out of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau.
“As things begin to return to normal after months of quarantine, we can all use a quick getaway. When we return, our onboard experience may look a little different to our guests,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “The wellness of our passengers and crew members remains our top priority, and as such, passengers can expect enhanced sanitization procedures from embarkation to disembarkation so that they can enjoy a relaxing, safe, stress-free getaway. We look forward to welcoming everyone onboard soon!”
Further reading: Cruising after corona, new guidelines for a holiday at sea
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is implementing a variety of new processes to ensure the health and safety of all onboard. The new measures encompass protocols for guest accommodations, common areas onboard the ships, recreational facilities, food hygiene, and more. Highlights include:
STATEROOM CAPACITY CONTROL
The cruise line is closing two passenger stateroom decks on each ship. This action will reduce the capacity of the ships by 40%, which will bring our guest-to-space ratio to one of the highest in the cruise industry. This will contribute to social distancing and provide guests with an experience of spaciousness, unmatched by any other cruise line.
EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION
The cruise line is completely revitalizing its embarkation and disembarkation processes. Guests will go through an online check-in and receive designated arrival times. This will streamline the embarkation process and minimize crowds in port. Social distancing guidelines and floor spacing signs in check-in areas as well as protective screening between guests and check-in agents are being implemented. All terminal staff members will be monitored and required to wear masks. Prior to boarding guests will complete and sign a pre-boarding health declaration. A state-of-the art infrared screening system will be implemented at the ships gangway, allowing for temperature screening during embarkation. The ships gangway and passenger walkways will be continually sanitized and disinfected. Passenger luggage will be disinfected prior to onboard delivery.
GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew members will be working around-the-clock to provide higher frequency and increased levels of sanitation and disinfection in staterooms, with hospital-grade disinfectants. Staterooms will be thoroughly cleaned at least twice daily. Vacant staterooms and hallways will be fogged and sanitized regularly.
Housekeeping stateroom turnover will be frequent and thorough. Bed sheets, towels, and linens will be professionally cleaned and disinfected at very high temperatures. Bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected with heavy-duty alkaline bathroom cleaner and disinfectant.
Crew members will also remove food items from staterooms to prevent spoilage and cultivation of microorganisms and bacteria.
In case of sickness, crew members will complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection with hospital grade disinfectant or steam sterilization.
PUBLIC AREAS
All public areas will undergo a two-tier sanitation process with a thorough cleansing, fogging and wiping using a medical-grade disinfectants. Elevators, handrails, lift buttons, table-tops and door handles will be sanitized every 2 hours. Additional hand sanitizing dispensers are being placed throughout virtually every public area onboard. Crew members will also be stationed at key onboard venues to provide hand sanitation.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
All food and beverage outlets, including bars and galleys, will be cleaned and sanitized at least three times daily, during and after service. Also included will be the crew restaurant, shop and bar. As always, guests will be encouraged to wash and/or sanitize hands before entering any venue.
All food & beverages at all restaurants, lounges and bars will be served to guests by crew members wearing face masks, hats, aprons, and disposable gloves. The number of guests per table will be restricted to ensure appropriate social distancing is maintained. Tables and seating areas will keep guests six feet apart to facilitate social distancing.
Stringent procurement guidelines will be enforced and product sourcing from highly affected regions will be strictly prohibited. The culinary use of wild animals and related products is strictly prohibited.
ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The theatres will be sanitized before and after each show. Inside guests will find designated space between seats to guarantee social distancing.
All shops, entertainment, and recreational venues will have a limited guest capacity of 50% to provide ample space between guests. The shops and entertainment venues will aslo be disinfected at least twice daily and before and after service.
All toys, games, and Kids’ Club facilities will be cleaned at least twice daily and/or after every use. All recreational equipment will be disinfected every 2 hours. Spa & Gym facilities will be sanitized before and after usage by guests. The number of casino players per table will be restricted to ensure social distancing and slot machines will be positioned to separate players.
Tour buses will be limited to half capacity & sanitized frequently, and tour operators will be trained using guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Sanitizer dispensers will be readily available at various venues including entertainment venue entrances/exits.
CREW MEMBER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
Crew members will need to follow new safety protocols and procedures, including twice daily temperature checks. Housekeeping and food and beverage crew are required to wear disposable gloves in addition to masks. Crew member movements will be reduced to improve social distancing and each crew member will be allocated their own cabin onboard the ships.
Medical center
The cruise line has created isolation wards in the Medical Center for any guests concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or any other health concern.
Medical Center isolation area staff will provide assistance around the clock. They will wear adequate personal protection (face mask, eye protection, disposable gloves & disposal outer garment) and provide training workshops and pertinent information on health and safety preventive measures (to all staff).
All used face masks, protective and medical equipment will be disposed of at designated central collection points and disposed of according to health and safety guidelines.
FRESH AIR VENTILATION SYSTEMS
Air on the ships will no longer be recirculated. External fresh air will be taken from outside the vessel and filtered and supplied to crew and passenger staterooms and all public areas onboard. The crew will manage preventive maintenance, including cleaning and sanitizing of air handling units and cooling coils. Air and bag filters will be replaced on a continuous basis.
What do you think about the new health and safety protocols on board Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line? Will you feel safe to cruise again with these policies in place? Let us know in the comments.
For full details on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s improved health and safety measures click here here.