Dockyard for its inaugural voyage today.

The 20,000-ton MV Crown Dynasty will be officially launching Bermuda's first purpose-designed fly, cruise and stay programme, which will see a portion of the ship's passengers moving off the vessel to stay in local hotels.

The Department of Tourism last night said the new holiday initiative was part of the Government's commitment to bring greater economic benefits to Bermuda from the cruise industry, and to specifically increase hotel occupancy. In accordance with the contract the Government has negotiated, the ship carries a distinctive Bermuda theme with local art on the walls, decks and public rooms, and names from the Island's past.

The artwork has been part of a $1.5 million redecoration programme and each of the ship's seven decks has been named after a Bermuda parish.

The walls of the vessel's Gombey Lounge contain colourful images of the Island's well-renowned gombey dancers.

For today's arrival of the Crown Dynasty , the full Bermuda Regiment Band will be at the pier at Dockyard, along with an official delegation, some 100 travel agents, VIPs and representatives of the overseas media.