Bermuda is braced for its largest ever number of cruise ship passengers in a single day, the transport ministry said yesterday.

More than 9,340 cruise ship passengers will be on the island on Wednesday as six ships visit the island between Tuesday and Friday,

Extra air arrivals are also expected over the same period.

Walter Roban, the transport minister, said that all available transport services had been mobilised to meet the “unprecedented” amount of tourists, including taxis and minibuses,

Community service vehicles and hotels have also been given permission to operate their shuttles and extra boats have been added to the ferry schedule as part of a plan started which was started in March.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority will also deploy extra staff to visitor centres and special events will be held in Dockyard. Hamilton and St George’s will have one ship each, three will berth in Dockyard and another will drop anchor in Grassy Bay in Sandys Parish over the four days.

Mr Roban said: “This influx of visitors is good for Dockyard, Hamilton and St George’s, it’s good for our economy and it’s good for Bermuda.

“We are encouraging all residents to support our efforts as we welcome these visitors to our shores.”

A spokeswoman for the ministry said that residents should plan their travel in advance to avoid delays and asked for patience as the island copes with the influx of tourists,

Mr Roban added: “In 2018, our cruise ship season started in March and will end in December.“

I wish to commend the Bermuda Tourism Authority, who have worked diligently to extend the seasonality of the cruise ship season, which traditionally has been between April and September.”

A total of 9,431 cruise ship passengers are expected on Wednesday until 4pm.

And 8,048 visitors will be in port from 4.30pm that day until Thursday.