around the Island has been given mixed reviews.

And retailers not involved in the scheme called it unfair to their businesses.

The Horizon Shop and Dine Card is included in the cost of passengers' total vacation package and is accepted in nearly one hundred stores and restaurants around the Island.

The card was introduced by Gibbons Management and CAPITAL G. According to vice president of marketing Andrew Vaucrosson it works as a debit card.

Mr. Vaucrosson said the card encouraged passengers to circulate throughout the Island to spend their money.

"Front Street stores and their franchises have taken it up, as well as other restaurants and stores around the Island,'' he said.

However passengers said they had mixed feelings about the usefulness of the card.

Horizon passengers James Smith and his wife Karyn said the card was a good concept but $50 did not go far on the Island.

"On one hand, it is convenient,'' said Mr. Smith.

"It definitely takes care of buying the souvenirs. But we're learning that in Bermuda there's only so far $50 can go.'' Meanwhile retailers and merchants not included in the scheme claimed that it was unfair to their businesses.

They said the card was another ploy by those involved with the ship to cut them out of profiting from cruise ship passengers.

And some St. George's merchants charged that staff on the ship encouraged passengers to wait until they reached Hamilton before spending their money.

Meyer agent Capt. John Moore agreed that there might have been instances in the past where cruise ship personnel promoted certain businesses, but steps had been taken to promote business for merchants around the Island.

One solution was the Horizon Shop and Dine card, he added.

"That could have happened years ago,'' he noted.

"But that's total rubbish now, I don't believe that is the case now.'' In response to the merchants' criticism, Mr. Vaucrosson said: "It's a shame that they feel that way.

"We are very keen to get other merchants involved, but it requires the merchant to initiate everything. If they are interested they are welcome to call us.'' And Horizon passengers claimed they heard about various shopping venues from repeat visitors.

They added that the card did not dictate where they spent their money.

"I don't think they pushed the shopping,'' said New York visitor Marge Murray.

"We know from people who have been here before that it is better to shop in Hamilton.

"Besides, there are very few places you can use the Horizon card in St.George's.'' Paul Montulet added: "They didn't push the shopping either way in St.

George's or Hamilton.'' Visitor Service Bureau representative Muriel Stovell noted that she had not heard much mentioned about the card.

Ms Stovell said, regardless of the card, she would continue to send passengers to certain places depending on what they wanted.

"Sometimes they'll ask for a specific item like china,'' she said, "and you send them to the place that sells that product.''