St. George's was buzzing with excitement yesterday as the arrival of the cruise ship Royal Majesty heralded a new era in the town.

And the Old Town looked extra busy as both Royal Majesty and Dreamward docked in St. George's harbour.

But the major welcome was for the St. George's dedicated ship as it lined up against the new $1-million cruise ship terminal on Ordnance Island.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. Jim Woolridge and Director of Tourism Mr. Gary Philips were on the dock to meet the 878 passengers, including Bermudian dignitaries.

VIP passengers included the Mayor of St. George's the Wor. Henry Hayward, Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman, Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade, Transport Minister the Hon. Maxwell Burgess, chairman of the St. George's Chamber of Commerce Mr. Dave Rowntree, chairman of the cruise ship committee Mr. Terrett West and, in some cases, their wives. Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs the Hon. Wayne Furbert and his wife paid for their trip.

There was also a large contingent of media representatives from Boston in an attempt to boost publicity in the United States.

Mr. Hayward said: "I am sure this is going to be a big boost as far as business is concerned now the ship is actually here.

"We have got to work with the Cruise Line to make sure any problems are solved.

"I think the passengers are pretty impressed by all this. It is not everywhere that you can get off a ship and walk straight into a 17th Century town square. There is no other experience like that.'' Mr. Woolridge said: "The people of St. George's need a ship dedicated to the town. It should make a significant contribution to the economy of Bermuda.'' He proclaimed it would be an economic boost to Bermuda and most especially the people of St. George's.

Mr. Wade, who was travelling with his wife, Ianthia, said the passengers realised the significance of the trip because they were briefed. He said: "It covered the whole Island. It was very fair.'' Mrs. Wade added: "They were all anxious to get to Bermuda, including the crew.'' The Mayor said many passengers only found out about the importance of the ship to St. George's when they spoke to the many Bermudians on board, but cruise director Mr. Jim Ward said: "There was a big send-off in Boston so I think they realised how important this trip is. The people in Boston were thrilled and so were the passengers and crew.'' Mr. Pearman, who spoke to a number of people on board, said: "A lot of people heard about the inaugural journey and booked onto it for that reason. Many of them have visited here before, including a couple who were married here 39 years ago.'' New Town Crier Mr. Richard Elsom welcomed passengers and posed for pictures and Pipe Major Murray Burns (See photo, Page 1) played the bagpipes for the visitors.

The first passengers off the ship, Mr. Theodore and Mrs. Virginia Peary were shocked by their VIP treatment as they set foot on Bermuda.

Mr. Peary was returning to the Island after visiting 25 years ago, his wife was paying her first visit to Bermuda.

Both are grandparents from Saco in Maine. Mr.

Peary said: "I did not expect this sort of treatment. It was a surprise that we were first off the boat. It just happened that we were downstairs.

"We are not aggressive or pushy. We are normally at the back of the queue,'' Mr. Peary joked.

The unanimous opinion of everyone travelling on the ship was "excellent.'' Also on board the ship were Mr. Rowland and Mrs. Joscelyn O'Malley who run the Pub On The Square. They were greeted by staff member Ms Gina Fubler.

Mr. O'Malley, who was wearing a pub T-shirt to advertise his establishment, said: "I am very excited about this. All the crew and passengers were keen to get into Bermuda.'' ROYAL BERTH - The Royal Majesty cruise ship docks in St. George's harbour at Ordnance Island. Entertainers and tourism officials were on hand to greet the newcomer.

MAJESTIC WELCOME -- Mr. Murray Burns and Mr. Richard Elsom provided the welcome. Mr. Elsom is the part-time Town Crier in St. George's, having taken over from Mr. Bobby Burns who died earlier this year. Pipe Major Murray Burns is Mr. Burns' son and he has kept up the family tradition of welcoming visitors to the Old Town. He said: "It was only natural that I should get involved in a similar role as my father.''