rather than shopping, The Royal Gazette found yesterday.

A survey of passengers on Front Street revealed that most prefer to tour the Island, buying only a few souvenirs for friends and family members.

"One hundred and fifty dollars. That's all we're spending,'' said Mr. and Mrs. Leland Penrod of New York. "All we want to do is see the Island and buy a few souvenirs to take back home with us.'' This sentiment was repeated by several visitors off the Westward who said they had splurged for the cruise and were now trying to count their pennies.

"We're only buying a few knick knacks and t-shirts,'' added Mrs. Penrod. "We spent all day Tuesday sightseeing and are planning to do more this afternoon.'' The Royal Gazette reported last week that with the start of regular calls by the Horizon , the Nordic Prince , the Westward and the Meridian , retailers were hopeful that business would pick up.

However, merchants reported little or no boost in sales from the 3,000 visitors this week.

A second couple off the Westward said they were searching for gifts that are indigenous to the Island.

"So far we've only bought t-shirts and souvenirs,'' they said. "We don't intend to make any major purchases. We can do that at home.'' Nordic Prince passenger Ms Lillian Thomas from Long Island said she had been to parts of the Caribbean but this was her first time here.

"I don't need anything. I really just want to see the Island.'' Mr. and Mrs.

John Vitali, an elderly couple from Pennsylvania, said they had reached the stage in life where they had most of the material goods they wanted.

"Our primary purpose for shopping here is to get souvenirs,'' they said.

"Other than that, we just want to see the Island. It's beautiful.'' There was however, some hope for retailers expressed by a few die-hard shoppers.

"Our motto is to spend money till it's not funny,'' said Mrs. Max Jenness, a passenger off the Westward . "We've enjoyed the shops, we've found some real bargains on clothing especially.'' Meridian passengers Mr. and Mrs. Dick Taylor from North Carolina vehemently disagreed with those who complained that cruise ship passengers do not spend as much as hotel guests.

"They're wrong,'' the couple said as they headed into Trimingham Bros.

"Tourists spend all the money they have here. As soon as we came over, we immediately headed for the stores. We bought gifts for our children and now we're going to buy sports clothes.'' Mr. Ben Holder, on the Meridian , said: "Yesterday we were in St. George's for two hours and my wife spent about $200. She would buy the whole town. I don't know what today's bill will be.''