Renaissance Cruises have confirmed they are coming to Bermuda next year, and a new Radisson liner will be making nine visits to the Island, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Tourism Minister David Allen said yesterday that Renaissance has formally applied for a licence to sail to Bermuda next year, meaning Dockyard and Hamilton will have a weekend cruise ship.

"This is a new and luxurious ship, so it is wonderful news for Dockyard. This is a high-yield ship which will be split between Dockyard and Hamilton, so it will be very good news for the retail community."

The 894-berth ship will be a replacement for the Crown Dynasty, which normally sailed to Dockyard but cancelled this year's services after its parent company in the United States filed for bankruptcy in December.

With New York Harbour closed for the remainder of this season, it is not clear which port the Renaissance ship will use in the US.

Mr. Allen also disclosed that a Radisson ship with nearly 500 berths will visit the Island on nine journeys next year.