The waterways around the Island were quiet this week as Bermudians wrapped up their holiday shopping and prepared for a visit from the man in red.

Only two container vessels called in Hamilton while an American-flagged pure gas carrier stopped offshore to pick up spare parts and a crew member.

The 935-foot SS Louisiana was en route from Australia to Boston when it stopped in at Five Fathom Hole on Friday afternoon. It continued on its way later on Friday, said Meyer Agencies spokesman Stephen Paynter.

The Bermuda Islander arrived on Monday from Salem, New Jersey with 69 containers including 12 which were refrigerated.

The ship will remain alongside Hamilton docks until Friday when it will return to the US.

The Oleander will also spend Christmas in Bermuda, said Container Ship Management spokeswoman Glynnis Dickinson, before departing on Friday.

The ship arrived in Hamilton on Sunday and off loaded 105 dry containers, 28 refrigerated containers, three open containers of structural steel and 21 cars.

The Somers Isles is not due in this week as it is scheduled to leave Fernandina Beach, Florida, today.

It is due to arrive in Bermuda on Sunday and will remain in Hamilton through New Year's Day before departing on January 2.