threat, but why not fight fire with fire?' By Tim Greenfield Cruise ship passengers were treated as real "celebrities'' yesterday as the docks were transformed into a Bermudian party.

Hundreds of visitors from the Celebrity Cruises' Zenith stepped from the vessel in Hamilton to a real local welcome -- complete with Tourism Minister David Allen, hoteliers, Hamilton Mayor and the Bermuda Strollers.

As dozens of Americans danced and shook hands with the representatives, they were given the soft sell -- with hotel brochures and "Where to Stay'' leaflets thrust in their pockets.

The promotion followed a similar event at the arrival of the Norwegian Crown at St. George's and preceded a party planned for the Horizon at Dockyard.

Mr. Allen said the promotions, which will continue until the end of the season for each arrival, are designed to give the thousands of cruise visitors a taste of the accommodations on the Island.

And they are a cheaper alternative to expensive overseas marketing, bringing hospitality professionals into contact with thousands of potential customers.

"Hotels have always thought of cruise passengers as a threat, but why not fight fire with fire,'' he said.

Invitations to hotel functions are intended to show the vacationers what they are missing onboard.

"Hopefully they will come back and have a full experience,'' Mr. Allen said.

"People will feel very welcome and when they see the hotels, they will be thinking maybe we should stay in a hotel next time.'' Forming the welcoming committee with the Minister were Billy Griffith of the Harmony Club, Hamilton Princess' Michael Kaile and Hamilton Mayor William Frith.

Mr. Griffith said the presentation would become a weekly fixture at all three ports.

"It has never been done before,'' he said. "It is definitely an excellent opportunity. We will be giving them more information and inviting some over to our properties.'' Mr. Kaile added: "This really is a good idea. It is completely logical. It almost seems silly to have 10,000 people staying here and not to tell them about other places.'' The Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's have combined with the Department of Tourism in the promotion.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said there would be a presence at the terminal every day.