Dear Sir,

I write once more your column, giving thanks and praise to the Viking Cruise Lines of Norway for positioning one of its fine ships to be based in Bermuda. The ship in question is the Viking Orion, which has been operating for the past few months in and out of Bermuda.

I believe the term used for this type of cruise is “a cruise to nowhere”. The passengers are given the same quality services and given to the regular cruise schedule, which frequents several ports of call around the world. Such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Europe. And, of course, Bermuda.

The difference with these cruises is that you just relax, enjoy the entertainment given on board, and use the many different restaurants, sampling the different cuisines that each have to offer. Of course, the many on-board fun things, such as the slides, which take you on a quick ride that ends up in a pool and can be enjoyed by children for sure.

I am mentioning these things that are on most cruise ships today. You get pampered all day long. They never run out of food. They even have a midnight restaurant as well. And then there is the casino, which is always a winner for all passengers.

I haven’t had a chance to take a cruise in a long time. It is still on my list of things to do. Hopefully, some day when time permits.

What I’m wishing to say, is a big thank-you to Viking Cruise Lines for trying this service for the first time during these pandemic times.

A very big thank-you must be given to the Viking Orion captain and her crew for providing such a wonderfully quick cruise. I’ve heard only good things from individuals who had cruised on the Viking Orion. Many local residents have taken advantage of this cruise as well.

I’m sure I can speak for our many residents, who, like me, have enjoyed just having the Viking Orion alongside the main street of Hamilton.

From the very first day she came alongside on Front Street, you could feel and see the excitement among all who were present in our city.

Not having a cruise ship in Hamilton for quite some time, it has been a delight just having her in Bermuda.

I have since heard that the captain, along with the cruise line’s management, changed the scheduled departure time from Bermuda on the first Harbour Nights for the summer season. Which I’m sure was welcomed by all merchants on Front Street along with the many street vendors as well. I’m sure our restaurants and bars appreciated some extra business on the evening also.

I’m hoping the crew of the Viking Orion have enjoyed working with the many Bermudians, helping and assisting the crew with the many requests from their passengers while in Bermuda before they cruise. I hope they have also enjoyed our island and its people as well.

I hope that when the pandemic has left Bermuda and the world that the Bermuda Government and the many cruise lines responsible for the many cruise destinations around the world — most importantly the many cruise ships that frequent Bermuda — may consider doing something along these lines to what the Viking Orion is doing at present. On a yearly basis and especially during the lean months. It’s just a thought.

I just recently viewed the docking of the Viking Orion on Monday morning, watched our City of Hamilton become busy with the many tour buses and taxis preparing for the passengers to be taken to various locations around Bermuda.

Hopefully, the good word will be spread by each passenger to their many friends and colleagues, from the various locations they hail from across the US, Canada and beyond.

There is no better advertisement than word of mouth — praising the many experiences they had, both on the actual cruise and enjoying our special pearl that is Bermuda.

Let’s do it. We have nothing to lose. But ever so much to gain.

H. GORDY GIBBONS

Paget