Archive for the ‘Cruise’ Category

The Bermuda Government have given the go ahead to allow cruise ships to operate casinos while docked in port. The concession is part of a wider plan to increase the competitiveness of the island as a major cruise destination.

Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Ewart Brown announced the decision in the House of Assembly last week. Cruise ships would also be allowed to open bars, shops, and allow entertainment while docked, all prohibited under current legislation.

The Government have defended the plans, stating that Bermuda is losing its competitive edge in the cruise market, particularly the ability to attract smaller ships capable of docking in Hamilton and St George.

Cabin tax for ships visiting Hamilton and St George has also been waived for 3 years.

Ewart Brown, Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, has announced improved tourism statistics for 2007. Total visitor arrivals were 663,767, up 3.4% on 2006. 305,548 visitors arrived by air (up 2.2%) while 354,024 (up 5.3%) came by cruise ship. Hotel occupancy rates rose to 67.1%, compared to 63.8% in 2006.

He also emphasized that with cruise ships moving from Hamilton to Dockyard in 2008 there would be a significant reduction in the number of cruise arrivals during the transition period.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a deal with the Bermuda government that will see at least two of the company’s new Panamax ships visiting the island until 2018. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, commencing in 2009, each ship will make at least 22 visits per cruise season. NCL has also agreed to sponsor the Bermuda Music Festival and extend their Freestyle Dining Ashore Programme.

NCL has announced the launch of its new Golf Bermuda program that will offer its passengers advanced tee time bookings on Bermuda’s golf courses, club rental, and transportation to and from the course.

The company is also offering its guests tickets for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, to be held at the Mid Ocean Club on October 16-17 2007. They are available from their website until September 14.

Effective January 1 2008, Royal Caribbean will prohibit smoking in staterooms and suites on its ships, including those visiting Bermuda (Explorer of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas). One lounge on each ship will also be designated as a non-smoking area.

Passengers will be able to smoke so on starboard outer decks, designated areas in lounges and bars, and on stateroom and suite balconies. Guests smoking in their staterooms will have a cleaning charge added to their onboard accounts.