Stores bustling as cruise visitors snap up gifts

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8: The cruise ship season has got off to a good start, Dockyard businesses said this week.

Aubrey Hardy of Bermuda Clayworks, said: “It’s been pretty busy and steady so far. We haven’t heard any complaints from visitors – except that it’s a bit hot and we can’t do anything about that.

The 31-year-old potter added: “Dockyard is bustling with tourists – there are a lot of people about, which has got to be good for all the businesses here.”

Luca Mezzapeza, 34, manager at the Bone Fish bar and grill, said: “We’re doing great, with cruise ships and with locals. Visitors love the views – we’re in a great spot, so we get a lot of visitors through.

“We haven’t heard anyone complaining, really. People seem to like Bermuda. A lot of people have said how clean and pretty it is.

“Some people have talked about the lack of ferries and taxis. People especially seem to think there’s a lack of taxis up here, but that’s about it.”

Anthony Johns, one of the owners of the Bermuda Rum Cake Company and Dockyard Glassworks, said both businesses were doing well.

Boxes ticked

He added the “handmade in Bermuda” tag proved particularly popular with visitors looking for something different to take home.

Mr Johns said: “We do a survey here as well which involves ticking a few boxes and the majority of tourists who come here leave having had a nice experience.

“They do still wish there was more to do in Bermuda in general, though and they would like to see more stores open in the evenings.

“We continue to improve our product constantly — not just the product itself, but the customer experience. We try to impress on our staff that the customer always comes first. We are handmade in Bermuda, which seems to be very popular with visitors.”