By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Crystal Cruises says it is introducing a Bahamas Resident Special for locals wanting to join its seven-night, week-long home porting voyages around the archipelago.

The Ministry of Tourism, in a statement, said resident fares start at $1,314 per guest for an ocean view cabin, $1,814 for verandah accommodation and $3,314 for the penthouse.

“Each island has its own unique personality and different experiences for which it is known, with so much for guests to explore,” said Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general.

“Visitors flock to The Exumas for yachting, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and exploring the blue holes, as well as its shallow waters, spectacular reefs and shipwrecks.

“Not to mention a visit to Big Major Cay is not to be missed, as it’s the official home of the swimming pigs, where visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim with The Exumas’ most famous four-legged animals.”

“San Salvador,” Mrs Jibrilu continued, “is a premier scuba diving destination, offering diverse terrain including rolling hills, secluded beaches, salt-water lakes and lively reefs, which make for ideal diving sites.”

“Long Island,” she added, “is one of the most scenic hideaways in The Bahamas, offering excellent fishing, diving, boating and natural beauty.

“Long Island is perhaps most known for Dean’s Blue Hole, which draws free divers from around the globe to compete to see who can dive the deepest in what may be the deepest landlocked blue hole in the world.”