More advertising of Bermuda as a spring break destination is needed, students at Horseshoe Bay suggested yesterday as the annual College Weeks programme entered its third week.

Many said the lack of sun and party crowds had not put a damper on their vacation, though some commented there was not enough to do at night.

But of the students who spoke to The Royal Gazette none were disappointed they chose Bermuda for their spring holiday.

And they all gave the thumbs up to the Tourism Department's College Weeks programme, featuring free lunches, beach parties and a free cruise.

Several, however, believed more advertising of the programme would result in a better turn-out as many were not aware of its existence.

"A lot more students would have come here if they had advertised it more,'' Connecticut College student Mr. John Boose said. His friend Mr. Drew Todd noted he had "stumbled into'' the programme at Elbow Beach on Monday.

Their comments also suggested there was a market in the United States for students seeking more than just blazing sun and masses of college-age partiers, which popular spring break spots Daytona Beach in Florida and Cancun in Mexico offer.

"It's better without the crowds and the weather's beautiful -- we've only had one bad day,'' Mr. Todd said.

Most of the students spoken to decided to come to Bermuda because they knew someone here or someone from their family had recommended it.

None of the students came here as a result of the Island being advertised on their college campuses, by way of college travel agencies or brochures.

Miss Ali Cole of Western Reserve College in Ohio first visited last spring as part of the Redman Sport Lacrosse Training Trip.

"The training and the weather's been great -- it's 22 degrees in Ohio right now!,'' she said.

Her friends, Miss Susan Deramo and Miss Nancy Hsu, also came for the training trip, which they heard about through Miss Cole. "There were no flyers or anything (advertising) on campus,'' they said.

Miss Kris Balser, Miss Valerie Leeds and Miss Susan Sarno of Colby College in Massachusetts, came to get away from the crowds.

"We wanted to go somewhere different and warm and we got a really good deal to come here,'' Miss Balser said.

She found out about Bermuda's College Weeks programme through her campus travel agency. However, the agent had to first call another travel agent before learning of it.

The three students said they had seen advertisements for Florida and Cancun, but not Bermuda.

"There are far too many people in those places and we wanted to relax, so we came here,'' Miss Leeds said. She added Bermuda was "a much better deal'' than Cancun because they could stay longer for less.

Mr. Boose said he only came here because his friend Mr. Todd's cousin lived on the Island and they could cut down on expenses by staying with him. They did not even know about the College Weeks programme.

"There were no advertisements for Bermuda or anything,'' Mr. Todd said. "We just stumbled into it the other day at Elbow Beach. We had no idea there was free lunch.'' Miss Paula Doherty and Miss Sarah Jenest of Westfield State University in Massachusetts came because Miss Doherty's sister had recommended it. There were advertisements for Jamaica and Cancun on campus, but not Bermuda.

"I'm pleased we came,'' Miss Doherty said. "It's beautiful and not as crowded as Daytona. But it is kinda quiet, especially at night.'' No more than 2,000 students -- the same number as last year -- are expected to fly in for College Weeks, which end around April 8.

The estimate is a far cry from the 1970s and early 1980s when numbers were as high as 10,000 to 14,000.

SOAKING UP THE SUN -- College students Miss Paula Doherty (right) and Miss Sarah Jenest enjoy the sun and surf yesterday at Horseshoe Beach, venue for the Tourism Department's "College Weeks Reggae Party'' featuring free lunch, volleyball games and a sand sculpture contest. The 21-year-olds both attend Westfield State University in Massachusetts.