Upscale cruise line sets sail for Bermuda

[Jason]

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has signed a new contract to sail to Bermuda this summer after a successful first run last year.

The 490-passenger MS Seven Seas Navigator will call 15 times this season on weekends at St. George's and Hamilton.

The company has signed a one year contract which can be renewed next year, with sailings out of New York and Norfolk, Virginia.

Radisson president Mark Conroy said during last year's initial season, 98 percent of passengers said the trip met or exceeded their expectations.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb said yesterday the Seven Seas Navigator will bring a welcome boost for retailers in St. George's and Hamilton.

“This is a very significant agreement with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises,” said Ms Webb.

“The MS Navigator was a regular caller this past summer and we received very positive feedback, not only from Mr. Conroy, but also from retailers in Hamilton and the East End.

“It was always the intention to build upon the relationship between Government and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, and with this new agreement being signed, we are very encouraged with what this mean for our tourism industry.”

Mr. Conroy said: “We are extremely pleased with this new agreement, launching our second year in Bermuda in 2004.

“As one of the great upscale luxury destinations, Bermuda is extremely well matched to our own shipboard product in attracting the discriminating traveller.

“Departure points out of both New York and Norfolk, Virginia, make this an extremely accessible and attractive vacation option for the huge affluent markets adjacent to both ports.”

Ms Webb vowed last year to try to attract a weekend ship for Bermuda after Carnival Cruise Lines decided against sailing to the Island this year.

Carnival mega-ships visited the Island nine times last year - with the thousands of passengers pushing much-needed cash into the economy - but it was understood the company decided against coming to Bermuda because it did not want weekend only-slots which would require visitors to embark from the US mid-week.

With air arrivals continuing to plummet, the Island's tourism industry has to increasingly rely on lower-spending cruise visitors.

The latest available figures - for the third quarter of last year - show cruise arrivals for the year to date were up 15 percent at 192,648.

Air arrivals, however, were down 7.1 percent for the year to date at the end of the third quarter, at 213,300.

Overall, arrivals were up for the year to date at the end of the third quarter by 1.9 percent at 409,576.

The figures showed the Island was creeping ever closer to cruise arrivals matching those of air arrivals - for the year to the end of the third quarter cruise tourists trailed visitors on planes by just 20,652.

The Department of Tourism admitted the increase in visitors which pushed the Island's arrival figures last year into the positive zone was driven by cruise ship passengers.

This was most evident in July, August and September last year when cruise arrivals surged by 23.1 percent over the same period in 2002 at 116,821.

While the extra cruise visitors will bring much-needed revenue to retailers, the yield per passenger is far below that of air visitors.

The average daily spend of an air passenger last year was $305 compared to $157 per cruise visitor - down from $166 in 1998.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell has warned that cruise passengers are about to equal those of air arrivals, leading to a dangerous reliance on these lower-spending tourists.

[Jason]

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has signed a new contract to sail to Bermuda this summer after a successful first run last year.

The 490-passenger MS Seven Seas Navigator will call 15 times this season on weekends at St. George's and Hamilton.

The company has signed a one year contract which can be renewed next year, with sailings out of New York and Norfolk, Virginia.

Radisson president Mark Conroy said during last year's initial season, 98 percent of passengers said the trip met or exceeded their expectations.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb said yesterday the Seven Seas Navigator will bring a welcome boost for retailers in St. George's and Hamilton.

“This is a very significant agreement with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises,” said Ms Webb.

“The MS Navigator was a regular caller this past summer and we received very positive feedback, not only from Mr. Conroy, but also from retailers in Hamilton and the East End.

“It was always the intention to build upon the relationship between Government and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, and with this new agreement being signed, we are very encouraged with what this mean for our tourism industry.”

Mr. Conroy said: “We are extremely pleased with this new agreement, launching our second year in Bermuda in 2004.

“As one of the great upscale luxury destinations, Bermuda is extremely well matched to our own shipboard product in attracting the discriminating traveller.

“Departure points out of both New York and Norfolk, Virginia, make this an extremely accessible and attractive vacation option for the huge affluent markets adjacent to both ports.”

Ms Webb vowed last year to try to attract a weekend ship for Bermuda after Carnival Cruise Lines decided against sailing to the Island this year.

Carnival mega-ships visited the Island nine times last year - with the thousands of passengers pushing much-needed cash into the economy - but it was understood the company decided against coming to Bermuda because it did not want weekend only-slots which would require visitors to embark from the US mid-week.

With air arrivals continuing to plummet, the Island's tourism industry has to increasingly rely on lower-spending cruise visitors.

The latest available figures - for the third quarter of last year - show cruise arrivals for the year to date were up 15 percent at 192,648.

Air arrivals, however, were down 7.1 percent for the year to date at the end of the third quarter, at 213,300.

Overall, arrivals were up for the year to date at the end of the third quarter by 1.9 percent at 409,576.

The figures showed the Island was creeping ever closer to cruise arrivals matching those of air arrivals - for the year to the end of the third quarter cruise tourists trailed visitors on planes by just 20,652.

The Department of Tourism admitted the increase in visitors which pushed the Island's arrival figures last year into the positive zone was driven by cruise ship passengers.

This was most evident in July, August and September last year when cruise arrivals surged by 23.1 percent over the same period in 2002 at 116,821.

While the extra cruise visitors will bring much-needed revenue to retailers, the yield per passenger is far below that of air visitors.

The average daily spend of an air passenger last year was $305 compared to $157 per cruise visitor - down from $166 in 1998.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell has warned that cruise passengers are about to equal those of air arrivals, leading to a dangerous reliance on these lower-spending tourists.

[Jason]

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has signed a new contract to sail to Bermuda this summer after a successful first run last year.

The 490-passenger MS Seven Seas Navigator will call 15 times this season on weekends at St. George's and Hamilton.

The company has signed a one year contract which can be renewed next year, with sailings out of New York and Norfolk, Virginia.

Radisson president Mark Conroy said during last year's initial season, 98 percent of passengers said the trip met or exceeded their expectations.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb said yesterday the Seven Seas Navigator will bring a welcome boost for retailers in St. George's and Hamilton.

“This is a very significant agreement with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises,” said Ms Webb.

“The MS Navigator was a regular caller this past summer and we received very positive feedback, not only from Mr. Conroy, but also from retailers in Hamilton and the East End.

“It was always the intention to build upon the relationship between Government and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, and with this new agreement being signed, we are very encouraged with what this mean for our tourism industry.”

Mr. Conroy said: “We are extremely pleased with this new agreement, launching our second year in Bermuda in 2004.

“As one of the great upscale luxury destinations, Bermuda is extremely well matched to our own shipboard product in attracting the discriminating traveller.

“Departure points out of both New York and Norfolk, Virginia, make this an extremely accessible and attractive vacation option for the huge affluent markets adjacent to both ports.”

Ms Webb vowed last year to try to attract a weekend ship for Bermuda after Carnival Cruise Lines decided against sailing to the Island this year.

Carnival mega-ships visited the Island nine times last year - with the thousands of passengers pushing much-needed cash into the economy - but it was understood the company decided against coming to Bermuda because it did not want weekend only-slots which would require visitors to embark from the US mid-week.

With air arrivals continuing to plummet, the Island's tourism industry has to increasingly rely on lower-spending cruise visitors.

The latest available figures - for the third quarter of last year - show cruise arrivals for the year to date were up 15 percent at 192,648.

Air arrivals, however, were down 7.1 percent for the year to date at the end of the third quarter, at 213,300.

Overall, arrivals were up for the year to date at the end of the third quarter by 1.9 percent at 409,576.

The figures showed the Island was creeping ever closer to cruise arrivals matching those of air arrivals - for the year to the end of the third quarter cruise tourists trailed visitors on planes by just 20,652.

The Department of Tourism admitted the increase in visitors which pushed the Island's arrival figures last year into the positive zone was driven by cruise ship passengers.

This was most evident in July, August and September last year when cruise arrivals surged by 23.1 percent over the same period in 2002 at 116,821.

While the extra cruise visitors will bring much-needed revenue to retailers, the yield per passenger is far below that of air visitors.

The average daily spend of an air passenger last year was $305 compared to $157 per cruise visitor - down from $166 in 1998.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell has warned that cruise passengers are about to equal those of air arrivals, leading to a dangerous reliance on these lower-spending tourists.

[DaCruzNut]

I cannot understand the attraction of Bermuda, as a cruise destination. It may be a beautiful island, with lots to see and do, but that's why they heve resorts.

To me, the watching the sea go by as we travel from port to port; feeling the gentle pitch, and/or roll, gently rocking the ship; the vastness of the open waters are all an essential part of the cruise.

Cruises to Bermuda go there and "park" for a few days, becoming no more than floating resorts.

Bermuda became a prime destination for crusies from New York, many years ago, only because of its proximity. The older ships found the Caribbean, and even the Bahamas, too far from the city, and developed Bermuda as a port.

I still prefer three ports and four days at sea..... Actually, I wouldn't mind seven days at sea!

If I am going to visit Bermuda, I'll fly there and stay in a nice hotel.

[DaCruzNut]

I cannot understand the attraction of Bermuda, as a cruise destination. It may be a beautiful island, with lots to see and do, but that's why they heve resorts.

To me, the watching the sea go by as we travel from port to port; feeling the gentle pitch, and/or roll, gently rocking the ship; the vastness of the open waters are all an essential part of the cruise.

Cruises to Bermuda go there and "park" for a few days, becoming no more than floating resorts.

Bermuda became a prime destination for crusies from New York, many years ago, only because of its proximity. The older ships found the Caribbean, and even the Bahamas, too far from the city, and developed Bermuda as a port.

I still prefer three ports and four days at sea..... Actually, I wouldn't mind seven days at sea!

If I am going to visit Bermuda, I'll fly there and stay in a nice hotel.

[DaCruzNut]

I cannot understand the attraction of Bermuda, as a cruise destination. It may be a beautiful island, with lots to see and do, but that's why they heve resorts.

To me, the watching the sea go by as we travel from port to port; feeling the gentle pitch, and/or roll, gently rocking the ship; the vastness of the open waters are all an essential part of the cruise.

Cruises to Bermuda go there and "park" for a few days, becoming no more than floating resorts.

Bermuda became a prime destination for crusies from New York, many years ago, only because of its proximity. The older ships found the Caribbean, and even the Bahamas, too far from the city, and developed Bermuda as a port.

I still prefer three ports and four days at sea..... Actually, I wouldn't mind seven days at sea!

If I am going to visit Bermuda, I'll fly there and stay in a nice hotel.

[Lisa63]

I view a cruise to Bermuda as a mini-crossing. Two days at sea, three days on land, and two more days at sea. Actually, going by ship is less expensive (at least on the mainstream lines) than staying at a resort. Of course, there are some downsides, such as having the casinos closed for the three port days and limited onboard shows. It's a beautiful place to visit, though, and I'd rather do it on a ship. I feel rather confined in a resort, believe it or not. :smiley:

[Lisa63]

I view a cruise to Bermuda as a mini-crossing. Two days at sea, three days on land, and two more days at sea. Actually, going by ship is less expensive (at least on the mainstream lines) than staying at a resort. Of course, there are some downsides, such as having the casinos closed for the three port days and limited onboard shows. It's a beautiful place to visit, though, and I'd rather do it on a ship. I feel rather confined in a resort, believe it or not. :smiley:

[Lisa63]

I view a cruise to Bermuda as a mini-crossing. Two days at sea, three days on land, and two more days at sea. Actually, going by ship is less expensive (at least on the mainstream lines) than staying at a resort. Of course, there are some downsides, such as having the casinos closed for the three port days and limited onboard shows. It's a beautiful place to visit, though, and I'd rather do it on a ship. I feel rather confined in a resort, believe it or not. :smiley: