A mammoth new cruise ship ? holding twice as many passengers as the will bring over 3,000 visitors to Dockyard next year, industry sources announced yesterday.

Debbie Dunbar and Tom Murray of C Holdings, who are now marketing two cruise lines operating in Bermuda, said that the will be replaced by the next season.

This ship is so large that it will not fit through Town Cut in St. George?s or Two Rock Passage in Hamilton, they said.

The ?mega-ship? holds 3,114 passengers and is 311 metres long and 48 metres wide with a draught of 8.60 metres.

It has a cruising speed of over 23 knots and offers passengers an ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, inline skating track, two theme restaurants, 24-hour shopping mall, casino, golf simulators and nine-hole miniature golf course as well as a full size basket ball court.

?There is a movie theatre, full service salon and a wonderful gym, pool and spa,? Ms Dunbar added.

The ship?s maiden voyage was on November 21, 1999.

David Negron, director of international sales for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean said that Bermudians who go on cruises spend three to five million dollars a year.

Mr. Negron, who is based in Miami, Florida, said the top three destinations Bermudian cruisers prefer are Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Cruising?s popularity with Bermudians led to the decision to have a Celebrity and Royal Caribbean representative here on the Island ? CMS.

The marketing branch of its parent company, C Holdings, CMS will promote cruises to Bermudians to try and get a bigger slice of the $73 million that Bermudians spend on travel every year, Ms Dunbar said.