Tourism and government officials are earnestly seeking to negotiate more visits from smaller cruise ships for the Hamilton and St George’s ports.

They are scheduled to meet this summer with top executives from several cruise lines. But with America’s Cup fever in the air, they are also anxious to have cruise lines committed to Bermuda’s needs in 2017.

William A Hanbury, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) confirmed discussions “with the cruise lines to discuss specific port-o-calls in connection with America’s Cup.”

Mr Hanbury said, “This is a key part of our bid in order to have the necessary room inventory to accommodate the America’s Cup visitors. These discussions are taking place now so the cruise lines can begin to plan for repositioning ships in 2017.”

Meanwhile, local officials have meetings already scheduled with cruise line officials to explore the possibility of bringing relief to the Island’s original ports.

Mr Hanbury said, “The major emphasis of the National Tourism Plan and BTA is to get more air arrivals — the top priority. However, we believe these smaller ships can augment the air arrivals and really add to overall Tourism GDP. There will be more Hamilton and St George’s retailers and restaurants that will go out of business if we don’t solve this problem. We can’t let that happen.

“We definitely want smaller vessels that can fit into Hamilton and St George’s. The economic lifeblood of these two areas is depending upon it. That’s why BTA is working overtime to find these ships, as a priority.” There are 135 cruise ship visits scheduled in the west end this year. Two were scheduled for Hamilton and St George’s hasn’t seen a cruise ship in years.

Mayor of St George’s Garth Rothwell said yesterday the old town could use the help. He said: “We used to have two cruise ships in port over four days — one at Penno’s Wharf and one at Ordnance Island. That was then. But we’ve been struggling for a few years, now. We had 20 to 30 businesses that depended on the cruise vessels but it’s just gone bust. So, now we are dependent on the ferries coming from Dockyard with cruise ship passengers from there.”

One ship is already firmed up for a half a dozen visits to Hamilton next summer.

Mr Hanbury said that the BTA is happy that Holland America Line’s ship, Veendam, is returning to Bermuda for the 2015 cruise season. He said: “Holland America has made a significant investment in renovating and modernising their fleet and the Veendam is part of this ongoing strategy.

“Veendam is still one of the cruise lines luxury products, and we’re delighted they will be revisiting the port of Hamilton.

“The Veendam “seven day cruise package” attracts an upscale traveller that economically will be important to our on-island retailers, restaurateurs and attractions.

“In addition, this cruise will attract a visitor who potentially could return to the island, for a future hotel stay, that would further benefit the Bermuda economy.

“Attracting smaller cruise ships, similar to the Veendam, is an important part of Bermuda’s tourism efforts as we implement the objectives of the National Tourism Plan.

“The BTA, in concert with the Transport and Tourism Ministry, is pursuing other cruise lines to redeploy their ships into either the ports of Hamilton or St George’s.

“In fact, over the next three months, the BTA will have a series of substantive meetings with six different cruise lines that have vessels appropriate for our smaller ports.

“We are convinced that for the health of our tourism-oriented businesses, these smaller vessels need to be attracted to these facilities. This is a new and concerted effort that we believe is vital to Bermuda’s economic future.”

Holland America is busy promoting the Veendam’s new Bermuda route, with six round-trip departures out of Boston in the May to July window.

Each cruise features three days and nights docked in with a maximum of just 1,350 guests. The seven-day voyages spend a day at sea after departing Boston and arrive at Hamilton midday. It departs Bermuda in the afternoon of the final day, with a day at sea before arriving in Boston.

Holland America says that the Veendam offers an on-board experience defined by spacious comfort and the latest features and amenities.

Guests aboard the ship will not only enjoy elegant dining rooms, a $2 million art and antique collection, wide teak decks and spacious staterooms — many with private verandas — but also new and exciting venues and along with the latest culinary and entertainment enhancements.

Cruise fares begin at $799 for the seven-day cruises; $1,499 for the 14-day Bermuda and Canada/New England Collectors’ Voyages; and $2,499 for the 24-day Panama Canal and Bermuda Collectors’ Voyage, all per person, double occupancy.