Banana Coast Cruise Port Signs First Cruise Line for Multiple Calls

It's been nearly a year since the announcement that the Banana Coast in Honduras is Coming Soon.

As you can see from the aerial view pictured here, construction on the dedicated-for-cruise-passengers facility has moved right along and now the Banana Coast port has signed Holland America Line as the first cruise line to schedule regular calls there. Holland America Line's 1,260-passenger Ryndam is slated to call at Banana Coast 11 times between 2014 and 2015 on its western Caribbean itineraries. The ship's Nov. 19, 2014, call is Banana Coast's first scheduled visit by a cruise ship, followed by the Dec. 17, 2014, call from luxury line Silversea Cruises' Silver Cloud.

Themed "Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea," the $30 million Banana Coast project is the newest cruise destination in the western Caribbean and the first mainland Honduras cruise port at Trujillo. Construction on the passenger-reception and shopping center was completed in February and a full slate of shore excursions has been designed. Future plans call for construction of a two-berth, post-Panamax pier.

"Having a premium cruise line like Holland America Line recognize the exciting opportunities of regularly calling at Banana Coast is a testament to the work we've put into making the port the hottest new destination in the Caribbean," said Randy Jorgensen, general manager of Grande Trujillo Authoridad, which owns the port. "Banana Coast has so much to offer and we look forward to welcoming Holland America Line guests to our beautiful shores."

In March 2012 Banana Coast developers unveiled a diverse shore excursion program designed to offer something for everyone, including cultural, historical, soft-adventure, and eco-tour offerings.

"Banana Coast is a fresh, exciting destination with limitless potential, tucked inside the calm, protected waters of the Bay of Trujillo," said Simon Douwes, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line. "The innovative and diverse portfolio of shore excursions will surely appeal to all interests, and those seeking rest and relaxation will find it on one of Banana Coast's beautiful beaches."

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

For more information, visit the Banana Coast online.