The cruise community is weighing in on Bermuda's cruise ship gambling debate with one blogger urging the Island to "wake up!"

Blogger 'Piano man' wrote on the Cruise Critic website: "Allowing gamblers to gamble on board from 10 until 6 when there's nothing else going on ashore anyway costs you nothing! However, NOT allowing this may cost you your cruise industry!"

However, most cruisers did not appear overly concerned about whether or not they can gamble in port, but some worried about how safe it is to walk around after dark, citing recent gun crime.

And many agreed Bermuda could have a hard time attracting small to mid-sized upscale liners going forward if the casino ban is not lifted.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, wants to overturn a long-held ban on the operation of cruise ship casinos, allowing them and the shops onboard to be open after 10 p.m.

But backbenchers, including former premier Alex Scott, are against the legislation The Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Act 2009 that would allow ships to open casinos in port between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on moral and other grounds. Critics also say passengers won't spend as much money ashore.

However, Dr. Brown and his supporters say if the legislation is not passed, smaller high-end ships that can fit into Hamilton and St. George's harbours, may stop coming to the Island, resulting in a loss for tourism.

The cruising community appears to back that argument, and also notes Bermuda is unique compared to the Caribbean, in that ships are in a single port for multiple days so opportunities to gamble when at sea are limited.

"The legislation is aimed at reviving Bermuda's wilting popularity as a cruise destination, especially among luxury lines, which have greatly decreased visits to the island in recent years," Cruise News writer Michael Potter says.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the last luxury cruise company to offer seasonal sailings to Bermuda, pulled out after its 2003 season and has no desire to return."

Mr. Potter continues: "Once considered among the world's most prestigious cruise destinations, there was a time when Bermuda tourism officials could pick and choose which lines they allowed to call on the Island's sought-after ports, denying visits to larger mega-ships for years in an effort to prevent overcrowding.

"(But) the days of luxury ships doing Bermuda-only itineraries are gone. The exodus of small and mid-sized premium ships, most of which have moved on to more trendy itineraries in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, has hit Bermuda hard."

Writing on the Cruise Critic blog, a New Jersey man wrote: "The casinos wouldn't open until after 10 p.m. and Bermuda doesn't have much of a nightlife so what's the difference? Most people are spending their bucks during the day."

ZoneHPH wrote: "Dockyard doesn't really have much going on. Heck, if they allow gambling I would hope that NCL could lower the cost of the cruise, which is a huge reason why the Bermuda itinerary is pricey."

NJ Horseman pointed out: "The difference is if people start losing significant amounts of money in the casino, they're going to have less to spend while in Bermuda."

"Personally, I find Bermuda to be one of the best spots on earth to just relax, and I'm quite content to soak up some of that crisp Bermuda air at night."

Salty Dingo agreed: "Never missed gambling during the three nights docked at St. George's. There may not be a lot of night life there, but there are plenty of places to spend money during the day."

And Ocean Notion wrote: "The casual player is likely to spend the same amount on the island, casino or not. The fanatical player is probably on another itinerary altogether as seven or eight hours is not enough."

And NY Flush writes: "Bermuda is not almost crime free as crime is on the rise…it's thought the shootings are part of the rise in gangs and drugs in Bermuda…Of course Bermuda has other crimes such as…burglary, mugging, theft of unattended baggage and belongings, and theft of items from rental scooters.

"My last visit to Bermuda I felt safe, but I was also back onboard the ship by 6 p.m. I love Bermuda and the people but I will not be walking around after 10 p.m. with my 13-year-old or even with husband. I will be on the ship having dinner and enjoying a show and I hope the casino in the near future."