A minibus operator has complained that cruise ship passengers are being steered away from taxis and minibuses by ship staff.

Ronue Cann said he was one of several minibus operators and taxi drivers who travelled to Dockyard on Thursday to service the Saga Sapphire, the final ship of the 2015 season.

However, while waiting for the visitors to leave the ship, they heard the a voice on the ship’s PA system warning passengers not to take taxis or minibuses.

“They were telling the passengers there would be cheaper options once they got on land,” he said. “It’s very distasteful.

“All of us up there were very disappointed because all of us left empty. No one wanted to get in our vehicles.

“It’s one thing to do pre-booking, but it’s another to get on the intercom and tell them to avoid taxis. That just shouldn’t happen. It’s distasteful and uncalled for.

“We drove up there to help service our visitors, to be ambassadors for the Island, and then this happened. It’s particularly bad this time in the season when things are slow.”

Asked about the complaint, the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport said every effort had been made to ensure that taxis and minibuses got business from cruise ships.

“The ministry delivers a consistent message to cruise line partners and port agents requesting that they encourage passengers to take private transportation options when visiting Bermuda,” a spokesman said.

“The ministry also distributes an information sheet at the beginning of the season listing the transportation options available in Bermuda, with legislated rates for taxis and minibuses as the first option.”