Showing posts with label Bermuda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bermuda. Show all posts

Monday, January 7, 2013

Bermuda Contemplates Additional Piers.

Celebrity Cruises' Ship Entering St. George Bermuda in the 1990s
Celebrity Cruises' Ship Entering St. George Bermuda in the 1990s


The Bermuda Government is contemplating building a cruise ship pier near St. Georges Bermuda. For more information visit our sister blog  Bermuda Contemplates additional cruise pier.


======================================================= 

 
 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast

Free Cruise Newsletter

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Rockettes Named Godmothers for Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway

The Rockettes Are Named Godmothers For Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Breakaway
The Rockettes Are Named Godmothers For Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Cruise Line and MSG Entertainment announced today that the Rockettes, one of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers, further strengthening the ship’s strong ties to New York.  The christening ceremony will take place in New York City on May 8, 2013 on board Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York. The partnership with the Rockettes will include Norwegian Cruise Line as the designated “Official Cruise Line” of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and as the “Official Partner”of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, 2013, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.
 
“Norwegian Breakaway is being designed as New York’s ship and we want everyone to know that this is the “must-sail” cruise ship from New York in 2013 and beyond,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship’s Godmothers.  The Rockettes not only epitomize New York, they are known as strong role models and talented stars. We couldn’t be more pleased to have these renowned dancers as the Godmothers of New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway.”
 
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line as we bring together three of our iconic New York based properties in the MSG Entertainment portfolio, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the legendary Rockettes,” said Melissa Ormond, president, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. “This signature partnership will provide Norwegian Cruise Line with unprecedented access to the Rockettes, Radio City and the Christmas Spectacular, providing their customers an opportunity to experience firsthand these New York icons. The Rockettes have been beloved by millions of fans for the past 85 years in New York and it is such an honor to celebrate their legacy as the official Godmothers of the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City.”
 
The larger partnership across the MSGE properties, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes, will create expansive brand exposure for Norwegian Cruise Line at Radio City Music Hall, including onsite venue presence during the 2012 production of the Christmas Spectacular. Guests attending this year’s Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall can participate in the “Spectacular Sweeps,” a sweepstakes that can be entered right from their seats with the opportunity to win one of two cruises for a family of four on Norwegian Breakaway. 
 
Norwegian Cruise Line will have a year-round display in Radio City Music Hall’s Grand Lounge that features an 11-foot replica of Norwegian Breakaway, along with information on the ship’s unique attributes, entertainment, dining, destinations and more.
 
Onboard Norwegian Breakaway, the Rockettes, with their unparalleled grace, athleticism and precision technique that has made them part of the fabric of New York City for 85 years, will be showcased with a variety of offerings, including a historical retrospective in the ship’s library, exclusive fitness class designed by the Rockettes, featured beverages and more. On select sailings, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet two of the Rockettes.  Sailing on the first six cruises from New York, as well as the first sailing of every month, two Rockettes will offer special fitness classes, photo opportunities, meet and greet speaker series and more.
 
“Having two Rockettes on board select sailings is going to be a very special opportunity for our guests to have more interaction with these incredibly talented and dynamic women,” added Sheehan. “This truly takes the role of Godmother to a new level as the Rockettes will be a special part of Norwegian Breakaway’s unique cruising experience.”
 
Starting with their inaugural New York City performance in 1927, the Rockettes have wowed audiences for the last 85 years.  From appearances on the Tony Awards, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars and the Super Bowl Halftime Show to Presidential inaugurations, the Rockettes are the epitome of teamwork and the embodiment of the belief that “together we're better.” Each dancer achieved their lifelong dream of becoming a Rockette through hard work, determination, dedication and dreaming big.  Known for their rich history, unrivaled talent, strength, dynamism, precision and athleticism, the Rockettes have become one of the nation's most beloved icons. As the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular production, the Rockettes entertain more than one million people each year and have played to 75 different cities across the country with the national touring production.
 
Known as the showplace of the nation, Radio City Music Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and music since it opened its doors on December 27, 1932.  More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts and special events, as well as the annual Christmas Spectacular production. The 2012 edition of the Christmas Spectacular invites audiences to take part in the Rockettes Celebration! This year’s production commemorates 85 years of the past, present and future of the Rockettes featuring dazzling dance numbers, beloved favorites, breathtaking special effects and a brand new showcase featuring the Rockettes' most extraordinary costumes through the years, alongside beloved favorites that have been in the show since its inception.

Norwegian Breakaway
The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013.  From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.  
 
To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.  Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.  The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.
 
The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
 
The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.  
 
For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Discounts Through June 17, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line's - Norwegian Jewel - Cruise Discounts
Norwegian Cruise Line's - Norwegian Jewel - Cruise Discounts
It’s smooth sailing this summer with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Resident Sale starting Sunday, June 10, 2012, and offering up to $1,000 off (depending on the stateroom category booked) on select sailings, based on state of residency. Residents will enjoy savings on many popular summer cruise destinations, including Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii and the Bahamas, when they make a new cruise reservation by June 17, 2012. 

Those residing in the Northeastern states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and District of Colombia, will find excellent savings on a variety of exciting itineraries to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii or Bermuda this summer.

Residents of Southeastern states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, will save on cruises through Europe and on three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami, Florida. 

Those living in the Western states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, California, Nevada,  Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Hawaii, have the opportunity to save on cruises to two of Norwegian’s most popular and scenic destinations: Alaska and Hawaii. 

For an unparalleled cruise experience, guests living in the Midwestern states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio can embark on a cruise vacation in Hawaii. Sailing round-trip from Honolulu, Pride of America offers seven-day cruises to four beautiful islands of Hawaii. This incredible itinerary also includes a scenic sail by the breathtaking Napali Coast.  

 -----------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Links:

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

Monday, November 28, 2011

Holland America Decides to Discontinue 2013 Weekly Bermuda Cruises


Holland America Cruises had informed the Bermuda Government that it intents to discontinue their weekly cruises to Bermuda in 2013.

To learn more click here -> http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-11-17-Holland-America-Not-to-Sail-to-Bermuda-in-2013.htm



------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Cunard Line Reflags Ships To Bermuda and Malta Registry

After 171 years of registering its ships in the United Kingdom, Cunard Line announced that it is re-flagging its entire fleet -- Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth -- in Bermuda. Starting at the end of this October, Hamilton' (instead of ‘Southampton') will be emblazoned across the stern of each ship.

While there are various reasons for changing the fleet's registry, today's press statement highlighted only the positive -- the fact that Cunard will now be able to offer weddings at sea, fulfilling pent-up demand for couples to tie the knot at a captain-officiated ceremony in the middle of the Atlantic.

Ships flagged in the U.K. are not allowed to offer this service: Under U.K. law, couples can be married on a ship but only when it's in port and only by a minister or other notary. Cunard is at a competitive disadvantage in the lucrative romance market; its sister lines, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, as well as the ships of rival Celebrity Cruises are flagged in Bermuda or Malta, allowing them to offer wedding ceremonies at sea.

However, economic reasons most likely also played a part in Cunard's move. Britain's new Equality Act 2010 means that workers from EU countries employed on British-registered ships must be paid wages equal to those of British citizens. While many lines favour Filipino and Indian crew, Cunard employs a lot of dining room waiters and bartenders from Eastern Europe and its increased wage bill no doubt played a part in this decision.

Cunard's three Queens will still use Southampton as their home base, and because they're being registered in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, they'll still fly the Red Ensign. The ‘Weddings at Sea' program will kick in after the ships have completed their world cruises early in 2012 and will go on sale this December.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Breakaway Sailings Available For Booking

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest 4,000-passenger Freestyle Cruising ship goes on sale on Monday, October 17, 2011. (For NCL past guests, reservations are now being accepted as of today).

Norwegian Breakaway will sail a seven-day Transatlantic cruise from Southampton , England to New York City on April 30, 2013. Rates on the Transatlantic are from $749 per person, double occupancy.

Once in New York , the ship will sail a series of 22 seven-day cruises to Bermuda beginning May 12 through October 6, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days on the beautiful island of Bermuda , along with three relaxing days at sea. Rates on the inaugural Bermuda sailings are from $1199 per person, double occupancy.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany , Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. Norwegian Breakaway will make New York City her year-round home port, the largest ship ever to home port in the City. Legendary iconic pop artist Peter Max has been commissioned to paint the ship’s signature hull artwork.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, October 7, 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Incentive on New York Cruises for a Limited Time

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its “Freestyle Dash” limited time offer on Thursday, October 6, 2011 for all New York City departures. Those who make a dash to book can escape the cold and sail to warmer weather on a Bermuda; Bahamas and Florida ; an Eastern Caribbean itinerary or a beautiful fall foliage on a Canada and New England cruise. This 4 day offer is available through October 10, 2011.
To learn more ->http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-10-06-Norwegian-Cruise-Line-NCL-Offering-Cruise-Deals.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

NCL's Norwegian Sun to Sail from New York to Bermuda in 2012


Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that the Norwegian Star will replace the Norwegian Gem on the New York to Bermuda run in 2012. The Norwegian Star will berth at Kings Wharf Bermuda as part of her 7 day itineraries.

For more information Click Here: http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-01-05-NCL-2012-Ship-Deployment.htm

--------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Holland America's Veendam to Sail to Bermuda Again in 2011

July 20, 2010 – Holland America Line will offer 24 seven-day cruises to Bermuda aboard ms Veendam in 2011, continuing the schedule established this year with weekly cruises to the popular vacation destination. To learn more about the Veendam's 2011 Bermuda Cruises Click Here.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Review of Holland America's Veendam


6/18/2010 - Discovery the latest enhancements to Holland America's MS Veendam.

The Veendam has just begun sailing 7 day cruises from New York to both Hamilton, Bermuda and St. George's Bermuda (Anchor and tender into port).

The Veendam just completed a Signature of Excellence refurbishment which includes the addition of some Balcony Cabins, creation of the retreat area, cabin enhancements and public areas redesign.

To Learn more about the Veendam click here.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Princess Cruises Expands 2011 New England Canada Season


Princess Cruises will launch its largest Canada & New England program ever in 2011, with a new itinerary and an expanded season, offering nearly a 30 percent increase in capacity over the previous season. These summer cruises will sail between the line’s Caribbean sailings from New York, offering a selection of summer destinations from the “Big Apple.”

The expanded Canada & New England season begins May 17 and introduces a new nine-day itinerary that adds calls in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) plus features many favorite ports in the region. Caribbean Princess will offer four sailings on this roundtrip New York route between departures on its nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary, giving passengers the choice of sailing north or south (or both) for their summer vacation.

In autumn, the Canada & New England program continues with 14 sailings on two different itineraries – weeklong roundtrips from New York on Caribbean Princess and the classic 10-day route between New York and Quebec City aboard Crown Princess. In addition, Crown Princess will offer a 12-day Canada and Colonial America sailing.

These sailings also feature opportunities to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique places that represent the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. In Canada, travelers can visit the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (from Halifax), and Crown Princess passengers can explore the historic old city of Quebec. In Bermuda, the historic town of St. George is designated a UNESCO site.

“The charm and natural beauty of the Canada and New England region have made these sailings so popular each fall, that we’re now expanding our season into the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “It’s our largest season ever, with the widest range of departures to choose from, so passengers should be able to find the perfect cruise to explore these scenic ports.”

The 2011 Canada & New England and Summer Caribbean program includes:

Canada & New England – During the summer months, Caribbean Princess will feature four sailings of a new roundtrip New York itinerary with calls at Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. Sailings depart May 17, June 13, June 22 and July 19. In August, the ship resumes its popular seven-day sailings featuring Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, with eleven departures between August 6 and October 15.

Classic Canada & New England – Crown Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and an overnight in Quebec. Crown Princess departs on these sailings between September 14 and October 4. The ship also offers one 12-day Canada & Colonial America sailing from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 14, also featuring an overnight in Quebec and calls along the Eastern seaboard in Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess will also offer six sailings to the crystal waters of the Caribbean with a nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from New York that includes calls at Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Sailings depart on May 8, May 26, June 4, July 1, July 10, and July 28. The ship will also feature one seven-day sailing from San Juan to New York with calls in St. Thomas, Antigua and Bermuda, departing on May 1.

Fares for seven-day Canada & New England sailings begin at $799 per person, and nine-day Caribbean sailings begin at $999 per person.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Carnival to Offer More Bermuda Cruises in 2011


May 6, 2010 – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, will dramatically expand its Bermuda cruise schedule in 2011, offering 16 departures to the island from four popular eastern U.S. homeports -- Baltimore, Norfolk, Va.; New York and, for the first time, Charleston, S.C. Carnival will be the only cruise line offering Bermuda cruises from Charleston.


Read More: Carnival Expands 2011 Bermuda Cruises

Monday, June 1, 2009

Bermuda Adds Second Mega Pier.

April saw the opening of Bermuda's second mega pier located at the West End, Royal Naval Dockyard. The new pier will enable Bermuda to handle 2 large mega liners simultaneously.

Prior to the introduction of the second pier, larger ships were forced to share the single pier. Ships would need to coordinate their time spent in Bermuda or anchor in the Grassy Bay and ferry passengers in.

Modest size ships could still dock either at St. George or Hamilton, but due to channel limitations, larger ships could not enter these ports.

The Norwegian Spirit, which is currently sailing 7 day cruises to Bermuda from Boston, was the first ship to inaugurate the new pier.

In addition, the Bermuda government made infrastructure improvements, including improved roads, public transportation and hubs to improve access to/from the facility.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Norwegian Spirit Kicks Off Boston Cruise Season

May 1, 2009- The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced today that a new ship is calling Boston its home. The 2009 cruise season officially starts today, with Norwegian Spirit beginning her series of 21 weekly cruises from Boston to Bermuda. The ship is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newer and larger vessels. Norwegian Spirit departs weekly to Bermuda on Fridays through September 18, and will also sail a series of four seven-day Canada/New England cruises beginning September 25.

“We are thrilled to have Norwegian Spirit kick off our 2009 cruise season. The new weekly departure on Fridays lets passengers enjoy an un-interrupted weekend aboard the ship,” said Mike Leone, Massport’s Port Director. “Overall, we look forward to this year’s cruise season bringing two new trans-Atlantic voyages, two Caribbean cruises, and several new ship visits to the Port of Boston.”

NCL is known for its Freestyle Cruising® which gives guests the flexibility and freedom to create their own schedules onboard. Norwegian Spirit recently underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment which improves the guest experience. The 2,018-passenger ship boasts more than 600 ocean view staterooms – more than half with private balconies, eleven restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, extensive children's facilities, a sports deck, casino, and spa.
“Norwegian Spirit offers vacationers a wide range of choices in terms of accommodations, restaurants and amenities,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer. “Cruising represents an incredible value and we hope that many New Englanders will take advantage of this value and convenience by sailing with us from Boston this summer.”

Two more ships are based in Boston: Holland America’s Maasdam sails every other week to Montreal, and features the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine. The center is a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen for gourmet presentations, tasting events, and cooking classes. Later in the season, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas cruises from Boston to ports in Canada and New England. Some of her amenities include a rock-climbing wall, indoor/outdoor country club with a golf simulator, and an indoor solarium.

Other highlights in 2009 include trans-Atlantic voyages from Boston. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will depart Boston on July 4th for an eight-day crossing to Southampton, England. Also in July, Maasdam offers a 17 and 35-day “Voyage of the Vikings” cruise, and a 42-day “Voyage of the Vikings & Canada New England” trans-Atlantic cruise. In September, Cruiseport Boston will welcome Cunard’s newest ocean liner Queen Victoria, when she makes her maiden call to Boston. And in October there will be Caribbean repositioning cruises on both Norwegian Spirit and Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas.

This year Cruiseport Boston anticipates 104 ships and more than 250,000 passengers.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Celebrity Cruise Returns to Bermuda in 2010

Celebrity Cruises has revealed plans to resume cruises to Bermuda in 2010. “Celebrity has a long and positive history with the beautiful island of Bermuda, and we’re thrilled to respond to demand that we return, from our longtime guests and travel agent partners alike,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan.

On April 17, 2010, Celebrity Summit will reposition from San Juan to Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, to present a series of 7-night roundtrip Bermuda itineraries. The ship will dock at King’s Wharf, also known as the Royal Naval Dockyard. “Travelers and travel agents have spoken, and they say they want Bermuda and Celebrity reunited," said Bermuda Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown, also Minister of Tourism and Transport. "I am pleased to say that we have delivered. Guests on the Bermuda-bound Celebrity Summit are in for a spectacular vacation experience both on land and at sea come April 2010.”

In July 2010, Celebrity Summit’s new Bermuda sailings will alternate with 7-night Canada/New England cruises. Full deployment details for both destinations will be announced when bookings open later in 2009.
Celebrity Cruises’ most recent season in Bermuda ended in October 2006, with the line’s former Celebrity Zenith

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Bermuda Government Welcomes Cruise Ships Again

Over the years, the cruise industry and the Bermuda Government have had a love hate relationship. When the cruise ships sails to Bermuda, the local hotels and restaurants complain because, cruise passengers sleep and eat on board the ships - leaving hotel rooms and restaurants empty. Rightfully so since passengers are using the beaches and attractions but generating very little revenue. The government reacts by limiting the number of ships calling at the island in hopes that hotel bookings will increase. When they restrict the number of ships, a good number of tourists find the hotels and eateries very expensive and opt not to go to Bermuda at all.

After a year or two of lost revenue or reduced tourism, Bermuda welcomes the cruise ships and their passengers back.

Last year Bermuda decided that they no longer wanted ships to call at St. George and Hamilton. All ship calls would be at the Royal Navy Dockyard and passengers would have to ferry to Hamilton or St. George - if wishing to visit those locations. Mid-way through the year, the Bermuda Government, in a turn of events, started a major effort to attract upscale cruise lines back to Hamilton and St. George. This effort did attract some upscale cruise lines to make occasional calls at these locations, but none on a regular basis.

In 2008 and 2009, only 4 ships will regularly call at Bermuda for more than one day. Changing their minds, the Bermuda Government decided that they wanted to welcome the cruise lines back, offering to allow cruise lines to open up their casinos in port after 10:00 PM. Casinos are a major source of on-board revenue for cruise lines. Previously the casinos would need to remain closed until the ship left port.

In 2010, two additional ships will be calling at Bermuda, spending extended time in the port. The Veendam will be the only ship offering calls at both St. George and Hamilton, while Celebrity Cruises will be returning to Bermuda after a 3 year absence calling at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Celebrity Cruises Summit will be sailing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ and Holland America's Veendam will be sailing from Manhattan.

These 2 ships will be calling at Bermuda, in addition to, the Norwegian Dawn (from NY), Norwegian Spirit (From Boston), Grandeur of the Seas (from Baltimore & Norfolk, Va) and Explorer of the Seas (From Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ) which are expected to continue to sail to the port thru 2010.

With 6 ships having extended stays at Bermuda, it is anticipated that cruise fares may drop in 2010 to this popular cruise destination.