St George’s business owners are celebrating an injection of life in the old town thanks to the recent return of the public ferry service and visits from cruise ships.

Kristin White, owner of Long Story Short, an award-winning retail store and tour company, said she provided tours for 40 people yesterday alone.

The ferry route from Dockyard to St George’s resumed last week after being suspended since August 8 because of concerns about safe disembarkation for passengers and crew.

Yesterday, the NCL ferry and public ferry were running and there were three visiting cruise ships including one in St George’s.

Ms White said: “We are having a very busy day and it's what St George's should always be like. Both ferries running, plus there's a cruise ship in town.

“I’m proud of our community of artists, cultural groups to throngs of tourists and entrepreneurs who came together to create something amazing for the town. We've put a substantial amount of time, resources and even our own money into revitalising the town and are also thankful to funders who have helped support the projects.

“We are already planning for 2023 and beyond so fingers crossed the infrastructure continues to expand and support our goals for a thriving town.

“Having regular ferry transport to the town creates an energy that cannot be replicated in any other way — not by the public buses, not by private minibuses and taxis.”

Ms White said that the Cirqle Circus Arts Collective provided entertainment including a theatrical performance of A Pirate’s Tale for throngs of tourists and locals.

The collective’s Tara Sapien said: “The people we waited most of the season to entertain are finally here. The streets are bustling. With continued support from Government, the Corporation of St George, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, we will be able to hit the ground running with the foundation we have laid this year.”

Dennie O’Connor, the owner of The White Horse Pub and Restaurant, said all the tables in the restaurant were fully booked.

He said: “We were sold out, completely. Everywhere was — Tobacco Bay, Wahoo’s [Bistro and Patio], the coffee shops …

“The staff and I [at White Horse] were very excited with the return of the ferry coupled with having three ships in port today. Sales went up 120 per cent.

“St George’s is full of life, passion and passionate entrepreneurs so it is only right to have us represent Bermuda at its best.”

Astoria Smith, the owner of Lacquered Lounge, added: “It was electrifying to see so many people come and experience our town. We have worked hard to stay open, create businesses, activities and the atmosphere that helps people to see how much of a gem St George’s is.

“It can be disheartening when there are road blocks like Covid or the ferry not running, but today was the first day in a long time that it felt like the pieces are coming together.”

The move to suspend the route had sparked a backlash from St George’s business owners, who said it was another blow to the economy in the East End.

The St George’s Stakeholder Committee, made up of business owners and other stakeholders, held an emergency meeting to discuss the suspension.

They said the service had bolstered foot traffic in the town during the cruise ship season and questioned why the work could not be done in the off season.