Norwegian Cruise Line’s purchase of Prestige Cruises International could provide a major boost to Hamilton and St George’s in the years to come.

The firm’s CEO, Kevin Sheehan, told The Royal Gazette that Bermuda was the perfect market for Prestige’s high end, luxury cruise liners.

And he said that Norwegian would look at bringing more of the smaller liners from the Prestige fleet into Hamilton and the East End once the deal was sealed.

“Once we get through the transaction Prestige’s ships are already scheduled for the next 12-18 months,” Mr Sheehan said.

“But this acquisition could enable us to think more about Bermuda especially given that both Oceania and Regent (which fall under Prestige) deal with the high end of the market.

“Both of these brands, we would think, would have customers who would favour Bermuda as a destination. Many of the smaller, high end ships would be perfect for Bermuda.

“They could come into Hamilton for a couple of days and maybe St George’s for a couple of days. But we do not own the company at this point.

“It is something we would look at in the future. It’s certainly an option we would consider.”

An acquisition agreement between Norwegian and Prestige was signed on September 2, this year.

Although the $3 billion transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions before it is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.

At present two Norwegian cruise lines; the Breakaway and the Dawn, are regular callers to Bermuda.

While Prestige owns upper-premium cruise operator Oceania Cruises and luxury cruise operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The company operates eight ships, with about 6,500 berths.

At present a handful of Prestige’s ships visit Bermuda, but those that do are just occasional callers.

“We would be open to bringing more of the smaller ships into Bermuda — it seems like the perfect market,” Mr Sheehan said. “We continue to be excited about Bermuda as a destination.”