Since welcoming its first cruise ship in February, Honduras’ Banana Coast has enjoyed unprecedented success. The establishment is the Western Caribbean’s hottest newest cruise port, located in the charming colonial port town of Trujillo. It’s been an incredibly exciting year for the Banana Coast, and things are only set to get better when the Norwegian Jewel cruises into the deep-water bay on October 15!
The arrival of the 2376 passenger vessel will be the port’s very first mega liner – an occasion definitely worthy of celebration! As well as being the biggest ship to grace Banana Coast, the Norwegian Jewel will also kick off the port’s debut season which will see 29 visits from an array of different vessels.
An agenda of celebrations!
In honour of the occasion, Banana Coast representatives are throwing an official ribbon cutting ceremony which will be attended by some of the region’s most illustrious government and community members. Esteemed guests include Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández and vice president Ricardo Alvarez, as well as ministers hailing from various different sectors such as tourism, environmental and natural resources, economic development, national security and national ports.
Captain Sven Kenneth Harstrom, Norwegian Jewel’s master, will partake in a ceremonial plaque exchange with Banana Coast representatives with Bjorn-Ove Hansen also in attendance as Norwegian’s director of nautical operations.
A warm Caribbean welcome
As passengers disembark the ship they will be greeted by traditional Garifuna musicians performing a colourful welcome dance. On arrival at the Banana Coast visitors centre, guests will be treated to a range of shopping opportunities including a Jade Museum and jewellery store, CocoLoco’s organic frozen coconuts stall, duty-free alcohol shop, souvenir stands and refreshment kiosks. Bilingual signs make the arrival process effortlessly easy while a team of Spanish-English translators will also be on hand to help answer passengers questions and queries.
Randy Jorgensen, general manager of Grande Trujillo Autoridad, the company behind the development of Banana Court explains, “Obviously, the community is very excited and we’re prepared to show visitors why Trujillo is a special place. We have been preparing for this day for years and we look forward to showing the guests and crew of Norwegian Jewel that Banana Coast is like no place else in the Caribbean.”
A taste of the real Trujillo
While in port, passengers can take advantage of 15 fabulous shore excursions. There’s something for everyone, with activities including snorkelling, kayaking, waterfall expeditions, horse riding, beach excursions, nature treks, ATV adventures, mangrove boat rides, cultural immersion experiences, culinary tours, historical sightseeing and more. Whatever your interest, Banana Coast is designed to delight!
At present, Banana Coast plans to host eight different cruise ships operating under six different cruise lines. In total, the port will play host to 29 individual calls throughout the 2014-2015 winter Caribbean cruise season. As well as Norwegian, other cruise lines set to visit the picturesque tropical port include Holland America, Silversea Cruises, P&O Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
If you’re keen to check out the Caribbean’s newest seaside hotspot, get in touch with the Norwegian Cruise Line experts at Cruise 1st. There are great deals on Norwegian Jewel’s upcoming Banana Coast voyage, as well offers from all the other leading lines.
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Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: John Colby
