Posted by Juanita Pinder on March 10, 2002 at 18:59:08:
Regal Empress Docks in Eleuthera
By Juanita Pinder
Advocate Correspondent
On Tuesday, 15th January, 2002, North Eleuthera buzzed with much activity as a historical occasion took
place on the island of Eleuthera. A Cruise Ship - The Regal Empress, made its inaugural voyage to the
shores of Eleuthera. This cruise ship, which accommodates about 1100 passengers, docked in North
Eleuthera and passengers were brought over to the dock to Current by tender. It was estimated that about
800 passengers came ashore in North Eleuthera from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passengers took advantage of tours of
the island, including Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, and many were taken as far south as Governor's
Harbour. The length of stay was from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many passengers took time out to enjoy deep sea
fishing, horse back riding in Harbour Island, snorkeling trips and shopping. Others rented golf carts and
spent the day riding around Harbour Island.
Initially Governor's Harbour was supposed to be the stop off point because it was centrally located. Due to
the sand bar and the ship drawing 26 feet of water, it was impossible for the ship to be accommodated. It
was also felt that Governor's Harbour would have been too far for the passengers to be tendered to shore.
After about a year of hard work, Mr. Raymond Harrison, Senior Tourism Manager for the island of
Eleuthera, was able to pull this event off and it became a reality for the people of Eleuthera. As a result of
this visit, which provided a good infusion of cash for the struggling economy of Eleuthera, many of the
locals were able to benefit financially. Tour bus operators, taxi drivers, ferry boat operators, souvenir
vendors and businesses were all elated to have this ship stop over in North Eleuthera. According to Mr.
Harrison, further visits depend on whether or not this first voyage went off well with passengers being
satisfied with the producst and services that were offered on the island.
From all indications, Mr. Harrison feels that the inaugural voyage went well and he commented that this is
just the beginning as the next visit is scheduled for Tuesday, 12th March, 2002. He also indicated that there
are many cruise lines that are no longer traveling to the Mediterranean area, however we in Eleuthera must
prepare ourselves to take advantage of these opportunities. Our attractions, our products must be poised
and ready for whenever these opportunities arise. Cruise passengers' first impression of our island is very
important because this is the determining factor on whether they will return or not. Eleuthera has a lot to
offer, but we are still not ready.
Many of our attractions are still not clean and with proper signage. Many of the passengers went so far as
to visit several hotels and made reservations for a return visit to the island. Additionally, a few of these
passengers were inquiring about the purchase of homes and land because they really loved the island.
A beach party was held on Gaulding Cay for the passengers and the event was catered by a local caterer.
This proved beneficial for the young gentleman because he has already been approached by a winter
resident to cater an upcoming function. Vendors sold out of the souvenirs and this venture was quite
successful for them. Some traveled as far South as Waterford. At the dock in Current, booths and stalls
were set up to accommodate the vendors' products. Mr. Harrison said that he got very positive feedback
from Local Vendors, Taxi Drivers, Ferry Boat Operators, Restaurants, Tour Bus Operators.
Many doubted that this Cruise Ships arrival would have become a reality. Now that it has taken place, the
support is coming in to get our island cleaned up and ready for the next voyage. Mr. Harrison extends
special commendations to our Taxi Drivers, Ferryboat Operators, Golf Cart Operators on Harbour Island for
the exemplary manner in which they handled our customers. "They were true professionals" commented Mr.
Harrison. As a result of the way the passengers were treated positive reactions were received.
"Once you expose cruise passengers to what we have to offer, they then want to return to the island as a
stop over visitor - stay in a hotel and explore the island. These people truly become potential investors.
That should always be our long-term goal."