Irving Fields passed through Bermuda this week on the cruise ship Horizon .

But he stopped long enough to gather information for an article he is writing about the Island for a New York newspaper.

A frequent visitor, Mr. Fields is well qualified to write an article about Bermuda and the Princess hotels.

He plans to describe every aspect of the island from "the magnificent, manicured foliage'' and "most beautiful beaches in the world'' to "the courtesy and friendliness of Bermudians.'' The story, entitled "Gotta Get Away'' will appear in The Neighborhood Gazette, a monthly publication delivered to the most luxurious buildings in New York.

He picked that title because when he feels he has to get away he heads for Bermuda.

Because of his busy schedule, Mr. Fields normally arrives by cruise ship. One of the best things about the Island, apart from the natural layout of the land, is "the convenience of ships coming into port,'' said Mr. Fields, who has been playing the piano since he was eight.

Mr. Fields first came to Bermuda in 1977 to perform at the old Inverurie Hotel, now The Palm Reef.

He only planned to stay for three weeks, but the Island's charm convinced him to stay for three months.

Even though he has travelled the world, Mr. Fields said he was struck by the class and elegance of the Island and has returned many times since.

"Whenever I want to have a wonderful vacation and a great time I come to Bermuda,'' he said.

This time he was visiting with his wife Ruth and her daughter Penny. The 62-year-old composed two songs entitled "Bermuda'' and "Honeymoon in Bermuda'' on his first visit here.

Lines like: "For peace of mind and true tranquillity, It's here I find a paradise for you and me'' reflect his feelings about Bermuda.

A deal is being negotiated with Bermuda advertising agency DDB Needham to use the songs in a overseas commercial.

Selected as one of the world's ten top popular pianists in Record World, a national trade magazine, Mr. Fields has performed at Carnegie Hall and recorded 77 albums. His 78th is due out in a few months.

Mr. Fields said he believed that Bermuda was "still its same charming, unchanged self'' and added that nothing should be changed when things are this good.

The concert pianist can always be found performing in front of admiring audiences at the Sheraton Hotel in New York.