Curtailing the number of cruise ships in Hamilton will "severely impact" the city's image, Mayor Sutherland Madeiros warned last night.

Mr. Madeiros claimed that having just 11 occasional callers and no regular ships visiting the capital next year would have a dramatic effect on its ambience and international reputation.

"Losing Trimingham's and Smith's took some vitality out of the city of Hamilton," he told The Royal Gazette. "Losing cruise ships in addition would severely impact the way in which the city is seen. Cruise ships create a certain amount of vitality."

Hamilton currently has three contract cruise ships docking in its harbour regularly each week from May to October: Empress of the Seas, Norwegian Crown and Celebrity Journey.

But cruise ship companies are now replacing such vessels with far larger versions - known as post-Panamax ships. Hamilton will not have any contract ships in 2008 or 2009, according to a schedule published by Government earlier this month.

Mr. Madeiros said the Corporation of Hamilton disputed a claim made last week by Larry Jacobs, transportation co-ordinator for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, that having no regular callers could be a positive thing.

"Mr. Jacobs provided no data or even anecdotal evidence to support his assertion," said Mr. Madeiros, who was sworn in as Mayor of Hamilton last October.

"The Corporation of Hamilton's position is that there is a clear need for regular cruise ships to call in Hamilton in order to sustain a solid economic base for shops and businesses and retain the vitality of the city.

"Despite the apparent dwindling inventory of regular-size cruise ships world-wide, we know that there are appropriate vessels that would be interested in cruising to Bermuda and tying up alongside in Hamilton."

He said the Corporation had offered to help Government look for cruise companies with smaller ships which could visit Hamilton.

"Local shipping-industry insiders have also encouraged us to seek out niche cruise lines and introduce them to Government," he said. "However, thus far, Government has discouraged the Corporation from embarking on such a search or, indeed, to have any direct discussions with cruise-ship principals."

Mr. Madeiros also rejected what he described as an "implication" by Mr. Jacobs that the Corporation was indecisive and had not been working on waterfront regeneration plans.

He said the Corporation had been actively involved and had produced a set of proposals which were presented to the public more than a year ago.

"The Corporation will move forward in a measured way with its waterfront plans and continue discussions with all interested parties - including Government and the voters of the City of Hamilton - with a view toward a phased redevelopment project," he said.

The Chamber of Commerce has expressed ambivalence about the new cruise ship schedule with some members believing it could boost business because a captive audience of passengers will leave their ships at Dockyard and St. George's and come to the capital to spend money. Other retailers believe it could have a devastating impact on sales.