Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady made its inaugural call to Nassau Cruise Port in late November, where the crew was welcomed with a Bahamian mixology class.
According to a press release, the event aimed to provide a culturally immersive experience for the ship’s crew.
The session, led by Bahamian mixologist ‘Marvelous Marv’ Cunningham, also known as Mr. Mix Bahamas, introduced 15 crew members to the craft of making four traditional Bahamian cocktails.
Mike Maura Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, said the initiative was part of a broader effort to engage with crew members.
“We focus heavily on providing an exceptional experience for our passengers, which is absolutely essential,” he said. “But we’re also keenly aware that the crew members of each ship are key stakeholders in our port’s success. They are repeat visitors, often returning multiple times each season, and their firsthand recommendations have an impact that can’t be matched.”
Maura said the event marked the beginning of a strategy to enhance crew engagement and ensure they feel valued during visits to Nassau.
Mehmet Kutman, CEO of Global Ports Holding, which operates Nassau Cruise Port, said the initiative aligns with broader plans to expand service offerings.
He noted that the company is considering adding a concierge service tailored to cruise passengers to meet growing demand for luxury travel experiences.