Repeat visitors to the Island have given the thumbs up to Bermuda's new fast ferry service, according to an informal poll conducted by The Royal Gazette this week.

Tourists were asked what they thought of the new ride minutes after zooming into Hamilton Ferry Terminal on one of the brand new catamarans, which were introduced earlier this year, along with a spanking new docking facility.

Government sunk $25 million into the service revamp in a twin-pronged effort to reduce congestion on the roads and boost tourism.

"It's absolutely great. A beautiful ride," said Linda Roberts, from Simsbury, Connecticut, who was on her fifth visit to Bermuda. "It's definitely a good addition to the place."

Her husband Rob said: "It got us here from the west end of the Island so quickly. Its saved a lot of time for us to do other stuff."

He added: "It was a beautiful view too. Its certainly a nice way to get around the place."

Greg and Nancy Allen, who were passengers on the Nordic Empress from Hartford, Connecticut, agreed that the fast ferry was a pleasant way of travelling.

"It's nice," Mr. Allen said. "It only took us 20 minutes to get here from the Rockaway stop. The air-conditioning is certainly a plus. But sitting upstairs to see the view was pretty nice too."

The couple said they would prefer to take the fast ferry to the bus any day.

"It's more of a form of transport for us but its a cool way of getting around and the speed of it allows us to save time for other stuff."

Dan Cody, from Raleigh, North Carolina, said: "The fast ferry's real nice. I think its much better than the old, slower service. Its faster, it was on time, and the food on board is actually pretty good too."

His wife Kathy said: "Its a great way of seeing the Island. We've got an all-day pass so we'll definitely go on it."

Mr. Cody added: "Its not the most memorable aspect of our trip but that's a good thing. Its a pleasant experience. If it wasn't, it would make a bad impression."

Chris Ermlich, from San Antonio, Texas, agreed that the new service was an improvement on the old one and said: "It's a fun ride. A lot faster and very comfortable. I guess the old one is quite a nostalgic experience but I still think going on the fast one is better."

He added: "It can be used as both a system of transport and as a way of sightseeing. It was a memorable experience and the kids really enjoyed it. It also looks pretty neat."