Cruise lines say Bermuda is a 'large ship market'

The government study into Bermuda’s shipping channels revealed there are currently 165 cruise ships in operation that are available to serve those markets.

Of that total, 139 ships are too large to transit Town Cut in St George’s.

Approximately 30 of the available cruise ships can transit Two Rock Passage and dock in Hamilton, including the Veendam and her three sister ships.

Transport Minister Terry Lister said today: “Ministry staff frequently meet with cruise lines operating smaller ships to see if they can be deployed to Bermuda.

“The fact is the majority of smaller cruise ships that are capable of docking in St. George’s and Hamilton are either luxury brands operating world-wide cruises and often visiting exotic destinations such as Galapagos or Tahiti.

“Cruise lines have consistently told us that North America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are primarily large ship markets, and the older and smaller ships with fewer on-board amenities have a difficult time competing with the newer ships in the market place.