About $35,000 has been splashed out on parties to launch Government's new fast ferries - but it hasn't cost the taxpayer a cent.

Yesterday, residents and dignitaries of St. George's were treated to a cruise with champagne and food to celebrate the opening of the new dock for the catamarans in the Old Town.

It follows similar launches for the new ferries Serenity and Resolute in Hamilton, Dockyard and Rockaway in Southampton.

And while there have been rumblings in some quarters about Government squandering public money, Transport Minister Dr... Ewart Brown revealed last night that taxpayers have not had to foot the bill for the parties.

He said ferry manufacturers Gladding-Hearn agreed to give Bermuda $50,000 for each of the two new boats for public relations.

"We haven't even used that up yet. It is great value for money," Dr Brown told The Royal Gazette last night.

"Those people who don't understand the relationship between people having an enjoyable experience on public transportation as a prelude to their use may think it's excessive.

"Some people think it is excessive to have comfortable seats. Some people say we should have hard seats, no air conditioning and no heating, that kind of thing.

"That's not our approach. When we spend the people's money, the people must be comfortable, and also the people can celebrate.

"There is nothing wrong with the people of St. George's celebrating the opening of their new dock. When we celebrate we have refreshments. That may not be the way that some people do it but that is the way we do it, and so far it has worked."