The Bermuda Tourism Authority says it fully expects to reap the rewards of hosting the 2017 Americas Cup with extra cruise traffic.
The BTA’s chief product and experience officer, Pat Phillip-Fairn said there had been huge interest and it is currently in discussions with five different cruise lines to add cruise calls during the regatta.
"As part of our outreach for the cruise ship strategy we included discussions about the Americas Cup and now interest has turned to some proposals, which are on the table. We also have some occasional callers who are looking at some America’s Cup itineraries," she said.
"The ones that are looking at changing their itineraries are looking at Hamilton and St. George’s and we’re very pleased about that," Phillip-Fairn added.
She said there are two cruise lines who are even considering docking ships for a month during the races. The ships being discussed for this have a passenger capacity of 1,300 up to 4,000 passengers.
"People could stay for the entire month and give us additional room capacity. We do know our hotel inventory is likely to be completely full."
The BTA said it is likely to announce next month the first of what it hopes will be several additional cruise calls during the Americas Cup.
