Princess Cruise Lines, operators of the Pacific Princess , held an award ceremony this week recognising local tour operators and the outstanding tours they have offered to visitors.

More than 40 people were present for the ceremony which took place on board the Pacific Princess and was followed by a lunch for award winners and guests, department of tourism officials, members of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, and the Visitor Industry Partners.

It was the first time the ship has held such a ceremony and Joanne Ward of Restless Native Catamaran Cruises said: "Special thanks to the entire Pacific Cruise Line staff and to J.S. Darrell, thank you very much.'' David Horowitz, Excursions Director, said passengers were given comment forms so they could praise the tour operators if they felt they had received exceptional service.

If a tour operator received five recommendations, they were then in the running for an award at the end of the season.

The recommended tour operators were then contacted by the cruise director who spoke with them and advised them they could potentially receive an award for their outstanding service.

Mr. Horowitz said the ship dealt with between 15 and 20 tour operators in each port, and only a few were awarded prizes for their service.

He said: "We have put this ceremony together as a way of thanking you all'' and he said his staff had every confidence in recommending their tours to passengers.

The awards were split into Tour Guide of the Season, and Shore Excursion of the Season and awarded to one operator in the east end, Hamilton, and the west end.

Winners of the Tour Guide of the Season were presented with a letter of commendation along with a check for $100.

In St. George's, Nick Duffy, of Ultimate Water Tours, was the winner, Joan Ward, of Restless Native Discovery Catamaran Cruise, was the outstanding operator in Hamilton and winner Eugene Evans with his Trolley Train Tour of the West End proved to be very popular.

Winners of the Shore Excursion of the season were awarded with a letter of commendation and a plaque.

In St. George's, Town Crier E. Michael Jones was commended for his St.

George's walking tour by candlelight.

For small captaincy in Hamilton, Native Tours and the Restless Native Discovery Catamaran Cruise was the winner and for large capacity in Hamilton, G.T. Transfers, scenic South Shore and Lighthouse tour topped the cards.

Fantasea Bermuda with their West End Ocean Kayak Nature Tour was the west end winner.

St. George's Town Crier E. Michael Jones appeared in full costume to receive his award for candlelight tours of St. George's. This is the second season Mr.

Jones has offered his candlelight tour which starts at 8 p.m. where visitors have a chance to wander around the narrows and lanes of the old town and he said: "It is really quite fun.'' He intends to continue his excursions through the winter, with walks starting at 5 p.m. and has some special activities planned.

Walkers carry period Bermuda Cedar lamps made by St. George's craftsman, Mr.

Maurice Shaffer, and get a guided tour of The Carriage House Museum as well as St. Peter's Church.

He said the walks lasted between an hour and an hour and a half and were lots of fun and were often sold out.

Mr. Jones had many ideas for tours next year and said: "I am thrilled to have won this. It is remarkable to have a one-man tour that was so honoured as there is so much to compete with.'' TOURISM TOU