By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter, krystel@nasguard.com

Government officials are preparing to dredge the Nassau Harbor to make way for a super cruise line expected to set sail in the Fall of next year, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Labour Dion Foulkes disclosed in the Senate yesterday.

The Genesis Class will feature one of the largest and most expensive cruise ships ever built. The first of the ships — Project Genesis — weighs about 100,000 tons and can carry up to 6,400 passengers at maximum capacity.

"We know that by 2009 a new class of super cruise lines will begin to sail. This class, called the Genesis Class, will require a deeper harbor," said Foulkes, who is also Government Leader in the Senate.

This report came as Senators continued debate on the government's 2007/2008 Mid-Year Budget yesterday.

Senator Foulkes said the Port Department was currently working with the Ministry of Works to oversee the dredging of the Nassau Harbor, which is expected to begin before the end of the year. The Free National Movement Senator did not reveal the cost of the dredging or the depth, in his presentation.

He said The Bahamas must always be mindful of its number one industry.

"We must take into account trends and new products in tourism if we are to remain a preferred destination for cruise lines," Foulkes said.

The Genesis Class of ships will become the newest addition to Royal Caribbean International's fleet. The class will feature two vessels — the first is expected to begin sailing in late 2009 and the second is expected to be ready by the end of 2010.

Project Genesis, the first ship, will carry 5,400 passengers based on two people per cabin, but its maximum capacity is 6,400.

The $1.24 billion vessel is being built by Oslo, Norway-based shipbuilder Aker Yards. Among its amenities are a bowling alley complex, a billiards lounge, a series of larger dining rooms, an extended Royal Promenade shopping and a recreation area featuring pubs, shops, arcades and bars, a rock climbing wall, the FlowRider surf park, a miniature golf course and a full-size basketball court.

Other sporting and health facilities will include an ice skating rink, a full-size boxing ring, a fully equipped Nautilus gym and a state-of-the-art spa offering a full range of the latest treatments, according to a statement from RCI.

Some 70 percent of The Bahamas' tourists arrivals are by cruise ships. Earlier this year the tourism product got a much needed boost when the Norwegian Cruise Lines returned to Bahamian shores, bringing 3,000-plus passengers along with it.

According to the Central Bank report "Monthly Economic and Financial Developments November 2007", visitor arrivals for the third-quarter of 2007 by cruise rose by 0.2 percent. However, Tourism Minister Neko Grant has projected that that number would improve.

Norwegian Gem calls on The Bahamas once a week in the Winter and Spring months.