Businesses across the island are bracing themselves for today’s record influx of cruise ship passengers.

More than 9,000 cruise ship passengers will arrive on the island today, with six ships visiting the island from Tuesday to Friday.

The town of St George’s will open earlier and close later with organised transportation between ports and attractions, Belcario Thomas, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s East End division, said.

Mr Thomas described today as “Bermuda’s biggest tourism day ever”.

One small ship will be in port at Penno’s Wharf, while Marine and Ports will run a supplementary ferry service from Dockyard to St George’s.

Belcario Thomas, chamber of East-End chair said: “Re-enactments running, museums, shops, beach bars, water sport concessions, restaurants, art galleries, all open, welcoming Bermuda’s biggest tourism day ever.

“The East End is grateful for supplementary ferries and buses from the Ministry of Transport, ground coordination from the VIC, BTA, Corp of St George and overall spirit of co-operation from area businesses and residents.”

Dockyard also has plenty planed for today. Joanna Cranfield, business development manager at Wedco said yesterday: “It’s a big day for us, we normally have two boats but tomorrow we will have three.

“We are repeating what we did the summer month. There will be a free historical re-enactment and walking tour, an art walking tour and other exciting things.”

Alison Charlton, sales associate at AS Cooper, in Dockyard said the store will be prepared for the crowds.

“I am intrigued about the extra cruise ship,” she said. “Depending on the weather we may need all hands on deck. If it’s sunny, they may all go to the beaches, but if it’s raining then it will be all hands on deck.”

Destination Dockyard will also begin at 5:30pm until 8pm.

The Clocktower Mall will be open from 9am to 8pm.