Cruise Ships

News about cruise ships

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Kralendijk Street Closures during 2008/2009 Cruise Ship Season

We are now well into the 2008/2009 cruise ship season on Bonaire.  In connection with these port calls, some roads will need to be closed to accommodate the pedestrian traffic and alleviate traffic snarls in the area of the south and/or north piers.  It is expected that Bonaire will see about 227,000 cruise passengers, which represents a 48% increase over last year.

Kaya Grandi will close on different dates when there are more than 3000 passengers in port.  Further, other areas, such as the oceanfront promenade by Karel’s Beach Bar and the street by the Passangrahan through to the North Pier (Town Pier), will be closed when there is a ship docked at the North Pier.

When a ship is docked at the South Pier, the area of Fort Oranje will be closed.  Please note that traffic on Kaya Simon Bolivar cannot turn or continue on toward the ocean when a ship is at the South Pier, as this area will be barricaded.

TCB asks everyone’s cooperation and understanding, and one can refer to the cruise ship schedule to check when these street closures will take effect by clicking here.  Any questions can be referred to Mr. Rolando Marin or Mr. Robert Evertsz at TCB by calling 717-8322.  To view the original press release (in PDF format in Papiamentu), click here.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Friday, August 29, 2008

Woodwind Snorkel and Sailing Charters Bonaire Expands Web Site

The Woodwind, a trimaran sailing charter which offers snorkeling/sailing excursions on Bonaire with a professional guide, has recently expanded their web site to include a section for arriving cruise ship passengers.

This new area of their web site, available by clicking here, now makes it easier for those planning a port call to Bonaire to see exactly which excursions are available to them during their ship’s visit.

Additionally, there is a link to on on-line form which makes it easy and fast to request availability or make a reservation.  For additional information, or to make a reservation, visit the Woodwind web site.  (Source:  Woodwind Sailing Charters)

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Additional Changes in Street Closures in Coming Weeks Due to Cruise Ships in Bonaire’s Port

This coming Wednesday, February 13, 2008, both the Crown Princess and the Summit will be in Kralendijk’s port.  Both piers, Town Pier (North Pier) and the Customs Pier (South Pier) will be in use during this day.  The Crown Princess will arrive at 8:00 AM and will depart at 5:00 PM.  The Summit will visit from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM. There are five additional occasions in the coming weeks when both piers will be in use, and road closures will occur.

In connection with this, the previously published scheduled of street closures has been amended.  Instead, the following areas will be closed to any traffic not holding a required permit on February 13, February 20, March 5, March 12, March 19, and March 25:

1) The entrance to the parking lot next to Bestuurscollege (Government House).

2) Kaya Grandi will be closed.

3) The road by Karel’s Beach Bar.

4) The road by the Customs Pier (South Pier).

For those who require additional information, it is suggested they contact either Mr. Robert Evertsz or Mr. Rolando Marin at the TCB, phone 717-8322.  The Tourist Corporation Bonaire apologizes for any inconvenience this situation causes.

To view the TCB release in Papiamentu, click here.  (Source:  TCB Bonaire)

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Street Closures are Amended for February 6th, 2008, Due to Cruise Ships in Bonaire’s Port

This coming Wednesday, February 6, 2008, both the Crown Princess and the Summit will be in Kralendijk’s port.  Both piers, Town Pier (North Pier) and the Customs Pier (South Pier) will be in use during this day.  The Crown Princess will arrive at 12:00 Noon and will depart at 7:00 PM.  The Summit will visit from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

In connection with this, the previously published scheduled of street closures has been amended.  Instead, the following areas will be closed to any traffic not holding a required permit:

1) The entrance to the parking lot next to Bestuurscollege (Government House) will be closed from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

2) Kaya Grandi will be closed from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM. 

3) The road by Karel’s Beach Bar will be closed from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

4) The road by the Customs Pier (South Pier) will be closed at noon.

For those who require additional information, it is suggested they contact either Mr. Robert Evertsz or Mr. Rolando Marin at the TCB, phone 717-8322.  The Tourist Corporation Bonaire apologizes for any inconvenience this situation causes.

To view the TCB release in Papiamentu, click here.  (Source:  TCB Bonaire)

Note Update February 5, 2008: We’ve been advised by the TCB that the two ships’ amended hours are as follows:  The Crown Princess will arrive at 10:00 AM and sail at 7:00 PM, and the Summit will arrive at 11:30 AM and depart at 7:00 PM. (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Monday, November 19, 2007

Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek to be on Bonaire in January

From January 20, 2008 through February 1, 2008, Jeopardy’s charismatic Alex Trebek will be on board the Sea Cloud II, along with two other special guests, for an unusual and new cruise itinerary with a special emphasis on exploring Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, and two nature reserves in Trinidad.

Alex Trebek has challenged and entertained millions of viewers worldwide since Jeopardy!’s debut in 1984. Trebek now leads the blockbuster series into its 24th season—firmly establishing Jeopardy! as America’s Favorite Quiz Show®. As a result of his work on Jeopardy! and the series’ great success, Trebek has been honored with four Daytime Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Game Show Host.” Trebek has appeared in more than 70 movies and television shows, most often appearing as himself, and he has been honored with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, he has been inducted into the California Broadcasting Association’s Hall of Fame and the prestigious Canadian Walk of Fame making him one of only a handful of people honored by both the U.S. and Canada. 

He’ll be joined by journalist Kenneth Avery Ringle and marine artist Geoffrey William Hunt, as well.  Limited to only 86 guests, the spacious and elegant Sea Cloud II is, arguably, one of the most magnificent sailing vessels in the world. A three-masted barque, she is 384 feet long with over 29,000 square feet of sails all set by hand.

Many feel that this is just the type of cruise ship Bonaire should court, as many times cruise visitors on smaller ships have a better understanding of Bonaire’s fragile ecosystems and they tend to be more interested in nature and conservation.

The cruise is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.  For additional information, click here. (Source: Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Web Site)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Closing of Streets on Bonaire for Cruise Ship Season Begins Next Week

As was done for the 2006/2007 cruise ship season last year, once again areas and streets will be closed to traffic when large cruise ships are in port.  However, this year, not only will Kaya Grandi be closed during certain periods, but also three other areas.

Closings will occur beginning October 31st, 2007 when the Crown Princess visits.  Kaya Grandi will be closed whenever a cruise ship of more than 3000 passengers is in port. 

Additionally, closings will occur at various times in the area of Karel’s Beach Bar, the entrance to the parking area of the Bestuurscollege, and in the area of Fort Oranje.

You may view the entire schedule of closed areas with dates and times (in PDF format and in Papiamentu) by clicking here.  During the 2007/2008 cruise season, it is expected to received 156,702 passengers in port.

For additional information about street closings, you may contact Mr. Rolando Marin at the Tourist Corporation Bonaire at 717-8322.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

New Passport Rules Are Announced for Returning U.S. Citizens Traveling by Air

On September 29, 2006, the U.S. Congress approved an amendment that would delay implementation of new passport requirements included in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a law requiring U.S. travelers to have passports in order to re-enter the U.S from anywhere abroad, including Bonaire.

Although the last-minute revision which was inserted into a Homeland Security Dept. appropriations bill delays implementation until June 1, 2009, this revision only applies to requirement for passports for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda through the same date. However, all U.S. citizens will require passports for travel by air starting Jan. 8, 2007, as previously proposed.

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Travel Weekly)

Friday, September 08, 2006

Fine Food and Music Highlight Bonaire Fundraising Events September 15-17

Two Bonaire programs will be holding fundraising events on Bonaire during the weekend starting Friday, September 15th with a dinner prepared by Bonaire’s Culinary Team, and culminating with a benefit concert by Michele Henderson, a rising star from Dominica, on Sunday, September 17th.

The Bonaire Culinary Team dinner, being held at the Plaza Resort at 7pm on Friday, September 15th, will feature award winning cocktails by Jane Coffie and the award winning three course dinner menu by the team of Isidoor, Vernon, Egbert, Floris, and Vladimir. The menu is the same one that the team presented at the “Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Olympics” held in Miami this past July - an appetizer of marinated conch ceviche served with a yogurt-cucumber ice cream; a main course of herb stuffed leg of lamb with papaya stew, cheese gratinee tutu, pork stew topped with Angostura cardamom chili glazed okra; and dessert in the form of a chocolate mousse mango jelly, ganache, cake, pastry, and ginger caramel sauce.

The purpose of the fundraiser is to raise funds for the Culinary Team’s 2007 team practice and competitions. There are only 125 tickets available for this event, each at a price of NAF 70 / US$ 40. To reserve your tickets, contact Ruud Vermeulen or Margreth Kloos.

And on Sunday, September 17th, Michele Henderson, an up and coming singer from the island of Dominica, will entertain an audience of over three hundred people aboard the Freewinds cruise ship. Henderson’s music runs the gamut from Zouk and R&B to Jazz, Reggae, and Retro Soul, singing in English, French and Creole.

Approximately 200 tickets are left for Michele Henderson’s concert, at a price of NAF 25 / US$15. The concert starts at 7:30pm and is scheduled to end at 9pm. Funds raised from the sales of tickets to the concert will go to benefit Basisschool De Pelikaan - Bonaire’s only charter school for elementary-level education (ages 4-12). To purchase tickets, contact the Pelikaan School directly.
(Sources: New Releases, E-Mail Notices, The Bonaire Reporter (subscription required))

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Crystal Cruises Teams up with Cleveland Clinic and Brings a Health & Fitness Cruise to Bonaire

10-Day Caribbean Cruise Focuses on Overall Wellness and Prevention

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire/—Doctors from the renowned Cleveland Clinic will take to sea aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity this December with experts on yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and even a PGA golf pro. Guests intent on restoring life balance will enjoy progressive seminars, wellness programs and fitness-focused shore excursions during Crystal Cruises’ 10-day Caribbean Health & Fitness cruise.

“Wellness is a hot topic among today’s consumers, and Crystal Cruises provides complimentary access to some of the most respected names and institutions in the wellness community,” says Kristin Turner, manager, entertainment at Crystal Cruises. “Amidst the pampering services of Crystal Serenity, this cruise enables guests to experience a renewed focus on their own lifestyle and well-being.”

Traveling round-trip from Miami on December 5, 2006, Crystal Serenity journeys to the idyllic Southern Caribbean ports of Aruba, Dutch West Indies; Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles; Grenada, Barbabos, and Antigua, West Indies.

For additional information, view the news release.  (Source: Crystal Cruises)