Dear Sir, As a frequent visitor to Bermuda and an avid SCUBA diver, I find the recent changes in cruise ship schedules detrimental to my fullest enjoyment of both the Island and its underwater attractions.

Because of later arrival times and earlier departure, particularly to and from St. George's, it has become difficult to fit morning dives into those days. I would think that all cruise ship passengers interested in not only diving but other water sports activities as well, encounter the same problem. One of the main reasons I keep coming back to Bermuda is the calibre of diving available.

Frankly, this is a very important part of my vacation and I would hope that some changes could be made to better accommodate those who want to be at water sports centers early enough so as not to lose out on a half day's activities.

Parenthetically, I would like to pass along my praises for Blue Water Divers.

I find them to be the most professional and knowledgeable dive operation on Bermuda. Their attention to diver comfort and safety, their familiarity with dive sites and local history, and their friendly upbeat attitude make diving with them a real pleasure.

MICHAEL KRESKY Englewood, New Jersey Island going downhill July 13, 1999 Dear Sir, My husband and I recently returned from a cruise to Bermuda. It was our third visit after having lived there for a year in 1962. We perceived a noticeable change in a negative direction in conditions in Hamilton since we last visited in 1996, which left us feeling sad.

We witnessed panhandling on Front Street, and a group of men sitting on milk crates as they were drinking alcohol on the dock. Also visible from the ship was trash floating in the water in the harbour. We experienced difficulty with a taxi driver who insisted that we go to Horseshoe Bay instead of a beach that was closer and then objected when we wanted to share the taxi with another couple. Two drivers created a scene over this.

The Bermuda that we knew was always civil, friendly and clean. We do hope that this is not an indication that Bermuda will become anything like the other island resorts that we need not name.

STEPHANIE MULLER New Jersey