St George’s yesterday morning welcomed its first cruise ship visit of the year yesterday as the Seven Seas Navigator arrived at Penno’s Wharf.

A spokeswoman for the Corporation of St George said the arrival was welcome, if long overdue.

She said: “This is evidence that there are smaller boutique vessels available that are capable of transiting the Town Cut channel.

“These should be encouraged to have longer stays so that there is economic benefit for the stakeholders.”

The Seven Seas Navigator is expected to depart St George’s this afternoon, but is scheduled to return to the island later this month with visits to both Hamilton and the East End.

In total, 12 cruise ship visits to St George’s are included in the 2022 cruise ship schedule.