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Grand Classica brings new amenities to Freeport service

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Top: adults-only The Oasis; center left, The Grand Cafe; ocean-view stateroom, center right. Bottom: Legends Grand Theater for Vegas-style shows and comedy
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's second ship, Grand Classica, is due to join Grand Celebration on two-night Bahamas cruises from the Port of Palm Beach April 13.

Reservations opened with a buy one, get one free booking offer. For one week only, travelers can reserve a cruise on either ship and get a second sailing on the other ship for free.

The line also revealed dining, entertainment, bars and lounges and other amenities of the 52,900gt ship. According to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, Grand Classica complements Grand Celebration nicely.

'There are several additional public spaces so we are excited to add some new offerings, as well as bring all the popular outlets that we have on Grand Celebration for consistency with our guests,' he said.

Having two ships sailing daily to Grand Bahama Island will also give passengers the flexibility to take advantage of a two-night getaway any day of the week. With the line's Cruise & Resort Stay offering, travelers can add any number of nights at a Grand Bahama Island hotel.

The two ships are expected to carry approximately 500,000 passengers annually, becoming the largest source of tourists for Freeport.

Grand Classica (ex Costa neoClassica) underwent a major refurbishment in 2014. Last October a comprehensive dry dock took place to improve systems and infrastructure, along with refurbishments and improvements to make the ship ready for the US market.

Grand Classica has capacity for 1,680 passengers in 658 staterooms and a full complement of dining, entertainment and recreational activities for all ages. Travelers will find a wide range of dining options, as well as live entertainment, a large casino, spa, pools and more.

Eight dining choices include a complimentary main dining room, The Yellow Elder, named after the national flower of the Bahamas. Two seating times will be available, along with MyTime Dining for those who prefer flexibility.

Admiral’s Steak & Seafood will offer a five-course gourmet meal of fresh seafood or steak with cuts like Black Angus and Certified Angus beef. The Rock Grill provides a new interactive experience for dinner outside, where patrons cook their own meats tableside on a lava rock grill and also can order The Bull specialty burgers (a concept already on Grand Celebration which combines premium meats with chef-created burger pairings), along with drinks and full bar service.

A Slice Above offers a new lunch and dinner on concept, serving Italian fare including flat breads, calzones and build-your-own gourmet pizzas.

Mirroring Grand Celebration’s newly introduced Grand Café, Classica's specialty coffee and gelato bar will also offer a variety of hot or iced specialty coffees, teas and other beverages, including smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. Chocolate croissants, Viennese pastries, muffins and quiche will be available in the morning. Throughout the day, the Grand Café will offer homemade gelato, sorbet, cakes, tarts, cupcakes and chocolate truffles.

The Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill is a new concept for both ships. High atop Deck 14 on Grand Classica, it's the place to watch sports on numerous large LCD screens and will serve a selection of beer, cocktails and classic pub fare. Pub games such as pool, darts, skee-ball and vintage arcade games will be offered, too. Grand Celebration will unveil its newly developed Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill in March.

The Ocean View Buffet is a complimentary buffet serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. Complimentary room service will be offered, as well, and passengers can order The Bull specialty burgers from room service, at a la carte pricing.

Entertainment abounds on Grand Classica with venues featuring live music, Vegas-style shows, action-packed casino and comedy.

The Legends Grand Theater will stage Vegas-style shows and performances featuring the Grand Classica singers and dancers, along with comedy shows.

Para-A-Dice Casino will offer a wide range of slot machines and table games. Some 101 of the most popular slot games, in addition to 10 table games, including roulette, blackjack, craps, three card poker and ultimate Texas hold ‘em poker are featured.

Encore Lounge provides a venue to have a cocktail, hear live music and relax between events and activities. One of the most popular venues on Grand Celebration, the Regal Room on Grand Classica will feature a large bar and stage for live music and entertainment.

When it comes to sunbathing, The Oasis adults-only area features an aft pool, two whirlpools and a bar on Deck 11, surrounded by lounge chairs and amazing ocean views. The ship’s main pool features a large pool surrounded by a spacious deck with lounge chairs. The adjacent Plunge Bar serves beverages and specialty cocktails. A jogging track is available above the pool area.

Additional amenities on Grand Classica include a large conference center that seats 80, as well as several adjacent meeting rooms; Indulgence Spa, Fitness Center and Salon; Kruzers Kid’s Club, staffed by trained youth counselors with activities for children 3 – 17.

Accommodations include 10 balcony suites and two spacious junior suites that all sleep that sleep up to four, 430 ocean-view staterooms and 216 inside rooms.