Two mega-size cruise ships berthing one in front of the other at an expanded facility in Dockyard now appears the most likely way forward for Bermuda.

And for St. George's a future vision of a Monaco-style destination with mega yachts visiting the harbour rather than cruise ships was put forward by Premier Ewart Brown to a packed public meeting last night as the future of the Island as a cruise ship destination was discussed.

The results of Government's Cruise Ports Study were revealed and showed the high cost ? in terms of money and to the environment ? the Island would face if it attempts to enlarge the navigational channels at Town Cut in St. George's and Two Rocks Passage near Hamilton to fit larger cruise ships.

There is now little doubt the smaller cruise ships currently able to access St. George's harbour and Hamilton harbour will be phased out by the major cruise line companies within the next two to three years, the audience at Pennos Wharf was told.

With the cruise ship market favouring Panamax and post-Panamax sized ships, which typically reach 950 feet in length and beyond, Bermuda's most workable answer appears to be to expand the Dockyard cruise port with an extra berthing spot enabling two of the giant ships to visit at the same time rather than just one as is the case today.

Tourism Department transportation consultant Larry Jacobs gave a lengthy explanation of the findings of the cruise ports study, which is now to go to Government for consideration.

Although Government has not concluded that there will be no alteration to Town Cut or Two Rocks Passage, it is the opinion of St. George's Corporation that Town Cut not be widened and alternatives be considered such as a cruise pier being developed at Murray's Anchorage for the large cruise ships with passengers then being ferried to town.

Mr. Jacob also revealed Celebrity Cruise Line is to replace the ship with a 700ft vessel called the in 2007 which will still be able to access both St. George's and Hamilton harbours and is anticipated to bring a "non-mass market" type-visitor to the Island from 2008 and beyond.

Speaking of alternatives to cruise ships for St. George's, Premier Dr. Brown said: "St. George's is perfect as a mega yacht port. Look at Monaco and other places like that, the revenues that come due to the mega yachts is overwhelming and fantastic. In the future I think that is more likely to happen (here)."