further into the sea to deal with massive new cruise ships, is one of the key options contained in a report to Government, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Under the plan, an integrated transport hub including a bus terminal and taxi rank for cruise ship passengers would be built, and stunning garden walkways constructed beside the water.

The multi-million dollar scheme would involve dredging the harbour and using the material to expand the dock by up to 30 yards further into the water to accommodate the next generation of super cruise ships.

The report by Miami-based consultants Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, was commissioned by Marine and Ports to look at how the Island deals with the new mega ships which dwarf the current vessels visiting Bermuda.

The Royal Gazette understands that in the most radical option, the dock in Hamilton would be levelled from No. 8 dock to the ferry terminal and redeveloped.

The final report, which is due to go to Transport Minister Ewart Brown later this month, also looks at docking facilities for bigger cruise ships at Dockyard and St. George's.

The number of cruise visitors continues to rise, although there is some concern that the passengers do not spend large amounts of money on the Island.

There is also a worry that the Island's hotel trade will suffer more if the balance in tourism shifts further away from flights to cruises.

The plan to extend the docks in Hamilton and build a transport hub is the most far-reaching option contained in the consultants' report.

The Department of Tourism recently approved cruise leases for two smaller vessels, the 800-berth Crown Dynasty and the 650-passenger Pacific Princess .

Government's response to the proposal will indicate whether it sees super cruise ships, some as long as 900 feet long and holding around 2,000 passengers, as essential to tourism in the future.

No mention is made in the report of a timetable for redeveloping the docks, but if Government chooses that option it could be years before the costly exercise begins.

The Royal Gazette understands the new terminal being built in Hamilton for fast ferries can go ahead regardless of the wider redevelopment.

Docks plan Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt said he did not want to comment on the specific options contained in the report.

But he said: "The Corporation has been consulted by Government through Marine and Ports about proposals for changing the waterfront in Hamilton to accommodate the new generation of super cruise ships.

"The Corporation has viewed the options very favourably. They could provide for exciting changes in the waterfront in Hamilton, which is something that has been stressed in the new City of Hamilton plan -- that we should better utilise the waterfront.

"The Corporation's general view is that if you are going to stay in the cruise ship business and cruise ships are going to be larger, then we are going to have to move towards accommodating larger ships.

"The times are changing, and it is probably unlikely that people will build smaller cruise ships just for Bermuda to make us the one exception in the world.'' Secretary of the Corporation of St. George Nancy Hooper said last month that the old town's harbour was "totally adequate'' for handling even bigger cruise ships.

Director of Marine and Ports Ron Ross yesterday refused to disclose details of the report.

He said: "The study has been done and we are expecting the final report next week that goes to the Transport Minister.

"There was quite considerable consultation on it with various groups such as the National Trust, the Corporations, the ship owners and agents. All the agencies have seen the preliminary report and are quite satisfied.'' Dr. Brown could not be contacted for comment last night.