Chris Owen Has Just Posted the Following:


When cruise ships sail from New York to Bermuda, they commonly stay overnight for along call at King’s Wharf or Hamilton.# With no other ports of call really possible on a short itinerary, cruise lines want to open casinos while in port.# Limited nightlife options are one good reason, increasing onboard revenue is another, providing passengers with something else to do on the ship rounds out the reasons.# But what was once a wish could become a requirement if cruise lines have their way.
“We will have to wait and see what happens with the casinos and how the new ship performs. We will look at the operating costs and the casino situation. That could alter the decision for the long term,” Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan#told the Bermuda Sun.
The cruise line wants to open its casinos while in port but are currently required to keep their casinos closed as in most other ports of call.# Cruise lines say Bermuda is unique though and poses problems including a limited selection of nightlife.
“We get quite a few guests who complain they can not enjoy gaming when they are on the ship,” said Sheehan, adding “Cruise passengers spend their days on the beaches or strolling the streets but after they get back to the ship in the evening they tend to stay on board.”
Image via Wikipedia

Talks with Bermuda officials are ongoing.# Anxious to keep cruise ships coming, some version of allowing ships to open casinos while in port will be approved.## When they open and close is a different matter.
“To have the casinos open on board at night when it does not affect local business makes sense to me,” said Sheehan.# “We have been assured that they are working towards a solution that will work and make sure all the passengers will be able to get to where they want to go.”
Odds are, Bermuda will come through for Norwegian who has the deck stacked in their favor.# By the numbers:
  • Last year Norwegian Gem and# Norwegian Dawn made a total of 48 sailings from New York and Boston.
  • In 2012 Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn are scheduled to make# 47 calls.
  • Norwegian has made a two-year commitment to the island and is scheduled to bring new Norwegian Breakaway (see video below) to Bermuda in 2013 on 22 sailings.
Jackpot: Bermuda.# Pay the man.
Related articles




Click here to view the article.