Bermudians will continue to enjoy an “enhanced” ferry service even after the last of the America’s Cup crowds have left.

Acting minister of tourism Cole Simons announced, during a press conference this afternoon, the summer ferry schedule would begin on April 24.

Ten ferries — not the usual five — would be running, he said.

According to Mr Simons, “seven or eight” ferries had been dedicated to the America’s Cup, with “three or possibly four” ferries for the regular commuter services.

“Convenience for locals, as well as those attending America’s Cup,” he said of the increased service.

Upgrades to the ferries have totalled $2.5 million, he stated.

“We’re getting the fleet up to scratch so that we can have a first-class public service on the ferry system for the people of Bermuda and our guests that come to America’s Cup.”

A number of new staff members have also been brought on board to support the increased service.

“We’ve hired an additional 15 people,” Mr Simons said.

He encouraged Bermudians to use the ferries during the sailing event.

“It’s going to be easier to get to Dockyard, and it will be easier and more convenient for them as well as us,” he said.

Following the sailing event, the island will continue to enjoy an “enhanced” ferry fleet, he said .

“We’re not just doing this for the America’s Cup — we’re doing it for all Bermudians.”

Staff at the Department of Marine & Port Services, said Mr Simons, were to “be commended for working beyond the call of duty to get all the available ferries ready for the summer.”

The dates and times for the America’s Cup Village ferry will soon be released with the AC35 online booking system.

On weekends, the schedule includes five trips to the America’s Cup Village during the three hours in the morning before racing begins and an equal number for the return to Hamilton. It also provides direct ferries from St. George’s to the America’s Cup Village on weekends.

It’s expected that some 2,500 people will be ferried to the America’s Cup Village from Hamilton on weekends, and 500 people from St. George’s.

“We committed more than $3 million to bolster the department and we found that mechanics and other staff rose to the challenge. Many worked long hours to get these vessels ready.”