By: Lededra Marche/BIS
The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) welcomed the Norwegian Jewel at Freeport Harbour on what was its inaugural call to Grand Bahama on January 16, 2026.
To mark the occasion, representatives of MOTIA, Freeport Harbour Company and the Norwegian Jewel were present for the plaque exchange ceremony.
The cruise ship arrived with more than 2,300 passengers onboard.
MOTIA Senior Manager of Guest Services and Training Karenda Rolle was pleased with the number of guests who were taking advantage of the offerings the vendors, taxi drivers and tour operators were providing as they took in the activities, beauty and sites on the island destination.
“Our destination is beautiful, our harbour is always welcoming to our guests and the ships and its crew and we look forward to continued support from vessels as such so that we can ensure that our guests enjoy the destination and our stakeholders, our industry partners can benefit,” she said.
Captain Stefan Nordberg, of the Norwegian Jewel, noted that the Norwegian was the first cruise line to sail out of Miami and has had a long history with The Bahamas.
While it is the ship’s first call at the Freeport Harbour, he is certain it will not be the last.
Freeport Harbour Company Deputy Port Director Charles Ellison Rolle deemed it a privilege to have the cruise ship call at the port and noted that the company has a very ambitious development plan for the harbour, to be unveiled shortly, that will allow for more cruise passengers to the shores of Grand Bahama.
