Mega ships are expected to spew as many as 15,000 cruise visitors a week across their gangplanks into Dockyard, however concerns have been raised as to whether there is sufficient transportation to handle the boon.

A host of businesses are waiting to service the influx of tourists however. Wedco confirms seven new businesses will soon open their doors and it has a waiting list of persons interested in setting up shop.

Behind all the development is the new pier now being built at Dockyard, which will enable the berthing of mega-ships unable to travel into Hamilton and St. George.

Once completed, the project will allow two ships in port at the same time in Dockyard a first for the area.

And to cope with the increased numbers, 15 large buses have been ordered to help take cruise passengers to and from the West End.

Despite that, some cruise enthusiasts posting on USA Today's Cruise Log are predicting long waits for transportation.

"How are 2,000 plus passengers going to easily get to Hamilton?" one logger wrote.

"There are going to be fights over the ferries and buses just like the lounge chairs by the pool! I have been to Bermuda a number of times and I don't see how the transport infrastructure can support the masses of people on these mega ships."

Another cruise logger wrote: "We were in Bermuda last October on Grandeur of the Seas. We were the only ship in and the lines for the ferry were very long and the bus lines were about half that.

"It took more than an hour from the navy pier to Hamilton…I cannot imagine two mega ships in at the same."

Dockyard businesswoman Carol West said she thinks the area will be able to handle the crowds, but transport will be a challenge.

Mrs. West added: "I think the cruise ships have a responsibility as well in seeing not all passengers go off at the same time, and that they use the ferries and buses."

Two 2,000-plus passenger luxury liners are scheduled to be in Dockyard in the early part of the week. They will be followed by at least two mega ships in the latter part of the week and over the weekend.

On top of that, Dockyard is scheduled to get nearly a dozen occasional callers.

With ships bolstered by 700 to 1,300-plus member crews, in a scenario where the liners are near full, Dockyard could be inundated with as many as 15,000 visitors each week.

In contrast, Hamilton will get just six cruise visits in April and May and none for the rest of the summer. St. George's will get just the 1,486-passenger Norwegian Majesty for the season.

Hamilton had no dedicated ship last year either.

Some retailers have said they fear the loss of the cruise ships and the global tourism downturn is leading to the demise of Front Street and the Old Town, with a number of landmark stores having already closed down.

Historically there were two cruise ships in St. George's, two in Hamilton and just the one in Dockyard.

But Government has said that schedule had to be changed to accommodate the larger ships being built which could not fit through Town Cut in the East End and Two Rock Passage into Hamilton.

Government also said reducing travel between ports would reduce impact on the marine environment and that "focusing on Dockyard, where we already have a well developed transport and tourism infrastructure, will enable better management of our tourism product".

Jaime Dawson, owner of Italian designer goods boutique Bellissima, said it was "lucky timing" she was approved as a Clocktower Mall tenant just before the new cruise schedule was announced.

The former preschool teacher said she first looked at space in Hamilton for her store.

But, she said: "Due to problems finding retail space as well as the high cost of rent in the city, I decided to look elsewhere.

"Dockyard seemed a good location because, even though it is away from the main shopping district, the heavy flow of traffic during the summer months with the cruise ships would be beneficial to an up-and-coming business."

Ms Dawson is hoping cruise visitors will snap up her handbags, scarves, belts and sunglasses by Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and other designers.

Boyd Vallis, owner of Fair Trade Bermuda, said he'd been trying for three years to get space inside the Clocktower Mall, having sold his imported goods and souvenirs from an outdoor stand.

He added, however, "More ships don't necessarily mean better (sales) numbers, they just mean more people and more strain on the structure."

Artist and businesswoman Carole Holding says she is on the waiting list for space at Dockyard. She closed down her St. George's store selling Bermuda-made products because of the loss of the second ship.

"We have been told space is not available right now at Dockyard," she said, noting they had applied a year ago.

Mrs. West noted the new cruise schedule could actually end up benefitting St. George's as well, with passengers taking tours to the East End and needing lunch.

"We recognise we are fortunate here in Dockyard, but I don't think we're over the moon here at the expense of everyone else."

Mrs. West, who owns the Frog & Onion Pub, says while she and other area businesses are hoping for a bumper season from the cruise ships, they remain concerned about how the downturn in tourism in general will affect sales.

"We are moving full steam ahead with lining up entertainment, changing menus and trying to come up with ideas to attract people from the ships.

"There will be more people but will they spend? I am sure cruise lines are going to have to discount to fill their ships and they are going to be doing all they can to get passengers to spend on board."

Wedco assistant business development manager Joanna Cranfield said concern about the economy has dampened excitement over having the double berth. However, she said the approximately 40 Clocktower Mall tenants and other businesses in the area are very optimistic about the upcoming season and have welcomed the changes and additions to Dockyard.

"We are always full here," she said. "In fact, there is a waiting list of people to come in. The minute someone moves on, someone else moves in.

"I think our rates, starting at a base of about $18 a square foot, are very reasonable compared to Hamilton."