Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line commenced cruises with their second cruise ship, the Grand Classica on Friday April 13 from the Port of Palm Beach. Grand Classic joins the Grand Celebration as the only two cruise ships sailing regular two-night cruises to the Bahamas and featuring an option to combine with a land stay in the Bahamas. Grand Classica, formally sailing as the Costa neoClassica for Costa Cruises, was purchased by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and received substantial upgrades and refurbishments in 2014 and 2017 during a dry dock.
Grand Classica
Grand Classica features a total of 10 lively, passenger decks and a guest capacity of 1,680, 658 staterooms and a full complement of dining, entertainment and recreational activities for all ages. When guests board the ship, they will be greeted in the Central Atrium with its large, glass sculpture and guest service and shore excursion desks. The ship’s decks have been named to reflect the vibrant islands of the Bahamas; for example, deck 5 is the Bimini deck and deck 8 is the Abacos deck. All the ship’s activities and entertainment take place on decks 8 through 14 where guests will find a wide range of dining options, as well as live entertainment, large casino, spa, pools and more.
Accommodations
Grand Classica offers a variety of contemporary styled staterooms and suites.
- Suites – There are 10 suites located at the top of the ship on deck 10. All feature a balcony, queen-sized bed, bathroom with shower and large jetted tub, sitting area with pull-out sofa bed and large closet, sleeps up to four.
- Junior Suites – There are two spacious junior suites on deck 5 that feature a living room with pull-out sofa and large picture window, along with a comfortable queen-sized bed, sleeps up to four.
- Ocean View Staterooms – There are 430 ocean view staterooms are situated on decks 4, 5, 6 and 7. Comfortable and spacious, ocean view staterooms feature cream walls and showcase a variety of upscale furniture, including a desk, table&chair, flat-screen television, large picture window (or porthole) and private bathroom with shower. Sleeps two, three or four guests.
- Interior Staterooms – There are 216 inside staterooms on decks 4, 5, 6 and 7. Also roomy and comfortable, inside staterooms offer an incredible value and feature a variety of sleeping accommodations, a desk, table & chair, flat-screen television and private bathroom with shower. Sleeps two, three or four guests
Dining Options
Grand Classica boasts eight dining options offering different cuisines and new concepts.
- The Yellow Elder – The main dining room, is complimentary and was named after the national flower of the Bahamas. Two seating times will be offered for guests. A portion of The Yellow Elder will also offer MyTime Dining for those who prefer flexible dining times.
- Admiral’s Steak & Seafood – As featured on Grand Celebration, the Line’s signature specialty restaurant aboard Grand Classica will offer a five-course gourmet meal where guests can choose from fresh seafood or a succulent steak with exceptional cuts like Black Angus and Certified Angus beef.
- The Rock Grill –A new interactive experience for dinner outside, located on deck 10 aft with ocean views — guests will cook meats tableside on a lava rock grill and can also order The Bull specialty burgers (a favorite concept already on Grand Celebration which combines premium meats with chef-created unique burger pairings), along with drinks and full bar service.
- A Slice Above – Mama mia! A new concept for lunch and dinner on deck 9, serving Italian fare, including flat breads, calzones and build-your-own gourmet pizzas.
- The Grand Café – Mirroring Grand Celebration’s newly introduced Grand Café, this 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. In the morning, guests can indulge in chocolate croissants, Viennese pastries, muffins and quiche. Throughout the day, the Grand Café will offer delectable sweet treats, including delicious homemade gelato, sorbet, cakes, tarts, cupcakes and chocolate truffles.
- The Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill – A new concept for both ships, this outlet sits high atop deck 14 on Grand Classica and will be the perfect place for sports viewings shown on numerous large LCD screens and will serve a selection of beer, cocktails and classic pub fare. Guests can also enjoy classic pub games such as pool, darts, skee-ball and vintage arcade games.
- The Ocean View Buffet – A complimentary buffet located on Deck 10, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.
- Room Service – Complimentary room service will be offered; guests can also order The Bull specialty burgers from room service, a la carte.
Entertainment & Activities
Entertainment abounds on Grand Classica with venues around the ship featuring live music, Vegas-style shows, action-packed casino and comedy.
- The Legends Grand Theater – A two-level theater located on decks 8 and 9, where live Vegas-style shows and performances featuring the Grand Classica singers and dancers will be held, along with comedy shows. There is also a bar and lounge area outside the theater for those who want to enjoy a cocktail before or after the show.
- Par-A-Dice Casino – This large and spacious casino on deck 9 will offer a wide range of slot machines and table games for those seeking lady luck at sea. 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 – Located on deck 8, the spacious Encore Lounge is a great venue onboard to have a cocktail, enjoy live music and relax between events and activities. A central stairway serves as a focal point and leads to deck 9 where dining options, including A Slice Above and The Grand Café, are located.
- Regal Room – One of the most popular venues on Grand Celebration, the Regal Room on Grand Classica, located on deck 9 aft, will feature a large bar and stage for live music and entertainment.
- The Oasis – Mirroring The Oasis concept from Grand Celebration, Grand Classica’s adults-only area features the aft pool, two whirlpools and a bar on deck 11, surrounded by lounge chairs and amazing ocean views.
- Plunge Pool – The ship’s main pool features a large pool surrounded by a spacious deck and lounge chairs. The adjacent Plunge Bar serves beverages and specialty cocktails. A jogging track above the pool area gives guests the opportunity to exercise while enjoying great views.
Grand Classica also features a conference center that can accommodate up to 80 people, a full-service spa offering massages, facials and other treatments, fitness center with a wide array of equipment, Kruzer’s Kids’s Club with activities for children 3-17, onboard duty-free shopping and photo gallery.
For more details on the Grand Classica, visit Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s website.