Bad weather has caused the Town of St. George to miss out on its first cruise ship visit this season.

The Veendam was scheduled to make its inaugural call into the historic port this morning, mooring at Murray's Anchorage.

However inclement weather forced the ship to bypass the East End and head straight into Hamilton, St. George's Mayor Kenneth Bascome said last night.

Bermuda forecasters predicted today's weather would be cloudy with rain and showers and a risk of thunder.

"We were basically expecting that," said Mr. Bascome. "I forecasted that we will probably miss about six out of 24 ships that are due to come. The first two and then in the middle and then at the end. I am just hoping that it doesn't disrupt the business community."

A contingency plan was released by Government earlier yesterday outlining ferry and bus service that would be offered should mooring at Murray's Anchorage prove impossible.

Premier Ewart Brown who is also responsible for the Department of Transport said: "We will make every attempt to honour our commitment to the people of St. George's by doing everything possible to ensure that Veendam guests have a quality St. George's experience during their stay in Bermuda.

"If weather conditions prevent safe operation of the ferry service on Tuesday, special service will be provided on Wednesday for Veendam guests to go to St. George's."

Mr. Bascome continued: "We will continue to work to bring a cruise ship to St. George's. What people fail to recognise is that other than it being an economic thing for St. George's, it creates one for the business community so that they can employ."

Earlier this month, a town hall meeting was held in St. George's to discuss possible studies on widening, straightening or dredging the Town Cut.

Asked if events such as today's was one of the reasons why studies need to be done, Mr. Bascome said: "The way things are going now even more so. If this had been done prior, we may not be in the predicament that we're in.

"People just go into a different mode when they hear of modification.

It may mean that it just needs to be manoeuvred and you may not have to do anything. At the moment, people just go into a different mode. I am hoping that whatever decision, the community will be in favour."

The ship is due to arrive around 8.30 this morning.

It is scheduled to make 24 calls to Bermuda in 2010, tendering at Murray's Anchorage on Tuesdays before docking in Hamilton Wednesdays to Fridays.