Ship arrivals and departures have been thrown off schedule due to Hurricane Wilma's proximity to Bermuda.

The hurricane's closest point was 297 nautical miles to the north-west of the Island yesterday.

It caused high winds and craft warnings.

The Jewel of the Sea had planned to leave the Island with its 2,120 passengers early yesterday morning but was stuck in Dockyard till 4 p.m. due to the weather.

The Horizon bypassed St. George's and arrived in Hamilton with 1,282 passengers midday yesterday.

The Grandeur of Seas, Lolland Cement and Norwegian Majesty spent much of yesterday waiting offshore for the winds to die down.

Many ships find it difficult to navigate Bermuda's waters if the wind is above 25 knots.

All three ships were expected to arrive on the Island late in the afternoon.

Container ships were also delayed by the poor weather. Somers Isle will bring 110 containers, four of which are refrigerated, to Bermuda on Friday at 10 a.m.

The Bermuda Islander won't arrive in Bermuda until tomorrow morning with 146 containers, 24 of which are refrigerated.

The Oleander arrived Sunday, before Wilma affected the Island, with 44 refrigerated containers and 157 dry containers.

She also brought 15 automobiles, three busses and one asphalt roller.