St. George's will be visited by a weekly cruise ship next summer, but it has been announced that the ship will not dock in the town.

The Department of Tourism and Transport formally announced yesterday that the Holland America Line Veendam will anchor at Murray's Anchorage 24 times in 2010, with its passengers being ferried to shore in St. George's.

Tourism Minister Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said yesterday that he had hoped the ship would be able to dock at Penno's Wharf, but simulations demonstrated that the 719-foot ship could not safely navigate Town Cut.

"Although the Veendam will not physically dock in St. George's in 2010, the tendering arrangement will still provide their guests with a St. George's experience during their stay in Bermuda.

"It is often the case that cruise passengers who tender rather then dock stay longer in the destination, including having lunch and participate in activities."

In total, Government hopes that the ship will pump $7 million into the local economy.

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport said they will ferry passengers from Murray's Anchorage on Tuesdays, but the ferry service would only proceed when weather allows it.

The Veendam, which can carry 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members,is scheduled to travel to Hamilton on Wednesdays and depart the Island on Fridays.

Other cruise ships are scheduled to visit St. George's, but only the Veendam will be a regular visitor.

St. George's Mayor Kenny Bascome said that while the situation was not ideal, he intended to make the most of it.

"We would prefer for the ship to dock in the town, but unfortunately that isn't an option right now," he said.

"It is my hope that the Corporation will come together with the community and turn a negative into a positive."

He said that the Corporation of St. George's will work with the merchants in the area to develop a marketing strategy and create activities and events to draw visitors off the cruise ships and into the town.

"We want to take these circumstances and use them to build a buzz so that people come to St. George's, enjoy themselves, and then want to come back in the future."

The Ministry of Tourism also said that they would be working with Holland America Lines to make sure that passengers take part in shore excursions and other activities.