For a second week in a row the Veendam<$> cruise ship docked in Hamilton instead of anchoring off of St. George's.

Mayor Kenneth Bascome expects to miss out on the next two calls as well and plans to hold a town hall meeting this week to re-energise east end businesses.

According to the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre the decision on whether to divert to Hamilton instead of anchoring off the World Heritage site rests with the ship's captain.

Meteorologists yesterday recorded winds of 15 to 20 knots from the southeast.

A spokesman for Holland America Cruise lines said yesterday: "St. George's remains an important component of the Veendam's weekly call.

"Sea conditions prevented safe tendering today, but in accordance with the contingency plan arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers experience St. George's. Each passenger was provided with a complimentary one-day pass for use on the bus and ferry to go to St. George's.

"From time to time the sea and/or weather conditions may prevent safe tendering and the ship's captain may opt to bypass St. George's as a result."

Last week the ship docked in Hamilton amid wind gusts of up to 40 knots.Mr. Bascome said he wasn't surprised his town had missed out on the trips.

"I think, because of the weather at this time of year, we will miss out on the first four trips," he said. "I know many businesses are disappointed as people were looking forward to this week after missing the last visit.

"This Friday we will be holding a town hall meeting to talk about the future. We are looking at some options; we are not going to be whining we are looking to create some buzz.

"We are going to be proactive about getting people to St. George's and I think by the end of this season we will be the envy of Bermuda."

Despite the ship forgoing the east end stop this week the streets of St. George's were busy yesterday, Mr. Bascome said.

He would not be drawn on some of the options he and his team at the Corporation of St. George plan to enact.