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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

We can’t afford to upset cruise lines

June 15, 2013Dear Sir,An open letter to Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell:I’m writing in regard to an article in The Royal Gazette on June 7, 2013.Are you aware of the fact that we lost two cruise ships due to the reluctance of three Premiers [to allow gambling in port] (according to statement by the Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO). So I’m urging you Mr Crockwell to pressure the Premier to do the right thing by allowing all the cruise ships to open their casino doors to their passengers.It’s obvious the Norwegian Cruise Line people have been very patient. What provokes anger in them is the fact that the Cannonier administration also shows reluctance to the needs of the cruise industry. The cruise ships are not happy — here’s the point. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO Kevin Sheehan says the pulse of the ship really drops because we’re not allowed to open our casino. He said I can’t understand why it’s even a point of view for Bermuda because its only for passengers on the ship. He goes on to say it’s something we need to try and resolve. If we are allowed to open our casino we would come here forever.So Mr Crockwell, it’s obvious the cruise ship industry is saying in so many words our patience is slowly running out. I urge you Mr Crockwell to act fast, ASAP, before the Breakaway decides to pull out as two others did in the past, then there goes another big chunk of Bermuda’s revenue gone.Make it happen this year. Thank you.GEORGE BURCHER