The Veendam will return to Hamilton next year but with a slightly reduced schedule.

The Holland America cruise liner, which carries just under 1,400 passengers, will make six trips to Bermuda from Boston this year.

Next year, the vessel will make four calls in Hamilton; two in May and two in June between Boston and Hamilton.

The news was welcomed by Transport and Tourism Development Minister Shawn Crockwell. Mr Crockwell said: “Needless to say I am very happy that the Veendam will be returning.

“Their visits this year have been very successful, their guests’ experience was good and this has led to their decision to return next year.

“Bermuda remains a popular cruise destination, we appeal to the cruise lines and their guests. This is indeed good news and very beneficial to all of Bermuda. Holland American has scheduled four seven-day cruises for the Veendam in 2016.”

Holland America pulled the Veendam out of Bermuda at the end of 2012.

The ship had been a regular caller between 2010 and 2012 and was the only regular caller to dock in Hamilton.

She was initially supposed to call in St George’s but the liner was deemed too big to transit Town Cut.

In 2012 the Veendam made a total of 19 trips to the Island from New York. This year the Veendam will visit Bermuda a total of six times staying in Hamilton for three nights on each occasion.