A cruise ship company yesterday announced that it will homeport a ship in Bermuda offering seven day cruises to a private island in the Bahamas.

A report in The Maritime Executive says that the move by Royal Caribbean International will start on June 26 and run to August.

The company’s website said: “Set sail from the East Coast of the United States and travel through the Atlantic seas to an island oasis in Bermuda.”

They will board passengers in Bermuda and remain overnight before cruising to the private port at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.

The report said that the programme would make cruises available to Americans outside the restrictions of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Royal Caribbean will be operating one of its oldest and smallest cruise ships, the Vision of the Seas, on the programme.

Normal capacity is about 2,000, although Royal Caribbean has not announced if it will restrict numbers.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of RCI, said: “We are thankful to the government and people of Bermuda for welcoming us to their beautiful island nation with open arms as Vision of the Seas’ new homeport.

“This is another step in our safe and measured return to sailing beginning in June.

“Travelers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again.

“By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we're offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

The Maritime Executive said the cruises will only be available to travellers who are vaccinated against Covid-19 and people under the age of 18 with clear test results.

The crew will also have been vaccinated.

Travellers must also meet the requirements of Bermuda, which include a clear PCR test result before travelling, tests on arrival and filling out appropriate entry forms.

Lawrence Scott, the transport minister, said in the article: “We look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean passengers back to our shores and the opportunity for pre- and post-cruise stays in Bermuda.

“I am very excited that Bermuda will commence safe cruising this summer with our partner Royal Caribbean for their homeporting initiative from Bermuda to their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.”