The cruise ship Veendam provided Hamilton retailers with a welcome boost yesterday as the liner returned to Bermuda for the first time in three years.

The ship and her 1,400 passengers arrived in Hamilton at just after midday on the first of six trips between Boston and the Island scheduled for this year.

Chamber of Commerce president Kristi Grayston told The Royal Gazette she was thrilled to see the ship back in the city.

“She is a great ship and brings in a high-end clientele to the Island.

“Her presence on Front Street again is a huge boost to Hamilton and we have certainly missed her over the last few years.

“The critical mass and simple numbers she brings in have a big effect on retailers, restaurants and most businesses in Hamilton.

“I could not be more thrilled to see her back in Hamilton and I hope that we will be able to attract her back again next year.”

Cruise line Holland America pulled the Veendam out of Bermuda at the end of 2012.

The ship had been a regular caller between 2010 and 2012 and was the only regular caller to dock in Hamilton.

She was initially supposed to call in St George’s but the liner was deemed too big to transit Town Cut.

In 2012 the Veendam made a total of 19 trips to the Island from New York. This year the Veendam will visit Bermuda a total of six times staying in Hamilton for three nights on each occasion. After leaving the Island on Thursday she will be back in the harbour on May 11.