Shoppers turned out in droves yesterday to stock up on supplies as Hurricane Igor continued to bear down on the Bermuda.

Hardware stores and supermarkets in particular were inundated with customers and hotels were starting to put into practice their hurricane plans.

The airport was also starting to take precautions and it was feared that more cruise ships could cancel their visits to Bermuda because of the predicted hurricane course.

Yesterday Gorham's saw customers flocking to purchase tarpaulins, generators, batteries, flashlights, plywood, rope and tarpaulins as soon as their doors opened at 8 a.m.

"We were trying to keep out of peoples' way while we restocked," said director Rod Farrington. "People started coming in for supplies on Tuesday. With the other storms we didn't see any impact but this one is different."

Supermarkets also saw a rise in sales from Tuesday afternoon. White & Sons Supermarket, at Southside, in St. David's, has been extra busy, according to manager Mitchell Foote with water and tinned food in particular being in demand.

Many other stores were too busy restocking to give comment. Masters, meanwhile, has seen a brisk trade in generators. Store manager Eddie Lindo said: "You can run a few things off a generator if you lose your lights.

"You can keep your fridge going and you won't have to go to other peoples' houses. I've had mine for eight years now."

Meanwhile, the Island's hotels continue to monitor Igor's progress.

Fairmont Southampton regional director of sales and marketing Shelley Meszoly confirmed that the hotel's hurricane manual has been implemented and the emergency management team will be moving into the hotel on Friday.

A "hurricane guarantee" has gone into effect for guests who may wish to cancel.

"As the storm gets closer our team will meet every few hours," she said, adding that the Fairmont is still waiting to see if it will cancel scheduled events.

At LF Wade International Airport, hurricane checklists are currently under review. Acting general manager Mike Osborn said: "We're talking about general preparation, and variations on the last time. We're planning for the worst and hoping for the best."

A worst-case scenario would include moving equipment to back offices and boarding up the airport doors.

Mr. Osborn said it was too early for airlines to make up their minds about cancellations, adding: "At the moment there's no indication of changes, but it will be [Thursday] and the next day if there are changes."

JetBlue airlines gave voluntary rebooking options for this weekend to customers who had booked their flights before September 15.

Shipping cancellations are expected, however. Meyer Shipping general manager Joe Simas said that the MSC Poesia cruise ship, which was scheduled to arrive on Saturday, has called off its visit. As of Wednesday there was no word on the Norweigan Spirit (arriving Sunday) or the Enchantment of the Seas. "I think they're all going to cancel," Mr. Simas said. "The forecast right now is for a direct hit from the storm."

Other cancellations include the Weekend Film Series, which was set to debut on Sunday at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute's TradeWinds Auditorium, and a Family Fun Day at Victor Scott field.

A Yoga Beach Party at Horseshoe Bay has been put off until the 25th.

The Bermuda Cricket Board also called off the remainder of the team's Canada tour so that the squad could return home today.