Grand Bahama Getaways

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers cruise getaways to Grand Bahama year-round from the Port of Palm Beach, Fla. The company attracts a broad range of passengers to its two-night cruises, which can be packaged with two-, four- and six-night stays at four Grand Bahama properties.

“We have no NCFs and we give you the opportunity to earn a significant commission from your very first booking,” said Clark Reber, director-partner relations for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

The line’s two ships are the 1,900-passenger Grand Celebration and the 1,680-passenger Grand Classica, which formerly sailed in the Costa Cruises fleet as the neoClassica and Costa Classica.

Following is an overview of the Grand Classica.

Matching Clients to Accommodations: For those who want space, Grand Classica’s 10 Terrace Suites measure upward of 500 square feet and feature balconies, queen-size beds, bathrooms with showers and jetted tubs, sitting areas with pullout sofa beds and large closets.

The most common accommodations are the 430 oceanview staterooms, which measure 152 square feet and feature twin beds that convert to queens, desks, tables, TVs, picture windows or portholes and bathrooms with showers.

What’s Included: The “Cruise Stay” package includes the two-night cruise, meals and entertainment on board, and roundtrip transfers from the ship to the resort.

What’s for Dinner?: The Yellow Elder, the main dining room, serves dinner in two seatings. The Ocean View Buffet offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. A steak-and-seafood restaurant, lava rock grill and casual spot for pizza and Italian fare are available at additional cost.

Who Books this Cruise?: The ship’s primary demographic is women between the ages of 25 and 44. “Many of our guests are new to cruising and many are also repeaters,” Reber said, adding that the ship is also popular with families and offers a comprehensive onboard kids’ program. Most passengers are from Florida and the Southeast. “However, as we grow and expand you will begin to see new offerings, such as a Panama Canal cruise this August,” he said.

Insider Booking Tip: Recommend clients upgrade to the “Concierge Club” package for $249 per person. It includes express check-in, a bridge tour, in-room amenities, dinner for two in the specialty restaurant, couples massage and WiFi.

Foraging Agent Ties

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line unveiled “Paradise Partnerships,” a new program for travel agents.“We are building our relationships with the travel trade from the ground up, and our goal is to host as many advisors on board our ships as we possibly can,” said Clark Reber, director-partner relations.

—The company is co-hosting “The World’s Largest Seminar at Sea” aboard Grand Classica from June 8 to 10 with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Cost is $99 per person for agents and one guest.

—The line will offer an ongoing series of other, smaller seminars at sea, shipboard luncheons, webinars and more.

—The company is building an online portal for agents. For now, advisors can make bookings by visiting paradisepartnership.com.