In an era when compromise seems to be a four-letter word, the government of Bermuda took a stab at it this month. A bill that would allow cruise passengers to gamble at their ship's casino while in port was tabled in the House of Assembly.
There is no gambling in Bermuda. To continue prohibiting it on ships in port would be a deterrent to cruise lines with customers who consider it an important part of their cruise. That would cost Bermuda port fees if fewer ships showed up.
There will still be a price to pay.
• Gambling licenses would only be given (?) to ships in port for 12 hours or more, and a seasonal license would cost $105,000 to $180,000 for ships that are in port 15 times a year or more and that carry 2,000 passengers or more. Below 2,000 passengers, there's no fee.
• Casinos would only be open from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.
• Only passengers would be allowed to gamble (other than crew, who else would be on the ship?).
While the bill still needs to be passed, doing so will give Bermuda legislators the ability to do what so few legislators are able to do.
Compromise.
Carnival Sensation
4 nights
October 27, 2013
Port Canaveral (return): Freeport, Nassau
Inside: $159
Cost per day: $39
www.carnival.com