A television crew arrives on the Island next month to shoot an episode of 'Traumschiff ins Gluck', a popular German series similar to the American hit 'Love Boat'.

Backed by the Department of Tourism, its hope is that the airing of the show will encourage holidaymakers from western Europe to travel here.

The real reason behind the project however is pure entertainment.

A 90-minute drama, 'Traumschiff ins Gluck' follows two couples as they marry on a luxury cruise ship and spend their honeymoon "in the world of luxurious travel, journeying to the most exotic locations, the most exciting cities, and the most dramatic landscapes in the world".

The series is a new one. Based on the programme 'Traumschiff' which translates as 'Dreamboat' it has been popular with viewers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the past 30 years and is said to attract as many as 12 million viewers in Germany alone.

Both shows are produced by the German film production company Polyphon. They air during prime time on Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), a public-service television channel in Germany.

A production crew and a handful of actors from Germany will begin shooting in Bermuda May 16. It is anticipated they will spend 18 days filming the programme here, and utilising scenery from around the Island.

The episode 'Bermuda Honeymoon', will air during over the Christmas holidays.

"'Bermuda Honeymoon' will depict Bermuda's luxury and beauty, and feature the unique and special features of the Island," said the show's producer and creator Wolfgang Rademann. "Top hotels, stately homes, lush gardens and landscapes, the pastel colours, and pristine beaches will all be highlighted, as well as the settings of St. George's, Hamilton and the West End.

"We will be showcasing the Island. While 'Bermuda Honeymoon' is a drama, it is also very romantic, and the secluded beaches, horse-drawn carriages, historic buildings, sailboats, cruise ships and cultural offerings will all help entice honeymooners to Bermuda."

Public areas used for shooting will have only brief periods of limited accessibility.

The idea is to promote Bermuda as a holiday destination. As such, support has been given by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the Fairmont Southampton and the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, and local production company Panatel.

Assistance will be sought from residents in on- and off-camera roles during filming.

Having toured the Island in search of appropriate backdrops for screening, Polyphon location manager Michael Dickinson said he was most impressed by the residents he'd met, describing them as "the most kind, generous and helpful people ever".

"I've known of other production companies who were interested in filming here but pulled out because it was too expensive. Things are expensive, but with the help we have received from the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the Fairmont [hotels] and all of the beautiful people here, it has been worth it."