The nuclear-powered supercarrier, one of the largest warships in the world, steamed into Hong Kong yesterday, and ship officers said crew members were expected to each spend between US$800 and US$2,000 (HK$6,240 to HK$15,600) during their four-day stay.

However, the crew has been advised to strictly adhere to the 11pm curfew and the fact that the legal drinking age for American sailors is now 21.

"We keep track of the American sailors wherever they go - they are valuable customers," said Kenneth Cheshire, projects manager of the China Pub Company.

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A spokesman for The Bridge, a bar among many others in Wan Chai that never closes, said it is expecting the next four days to be both busy and profitable.

"We cannot wait to get out of the ship and visit Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Disneyland," one sailor said.

Another sailor said he plans to spend US$2,000 during his four days in Hong Kong.

"When expecting such large number of visitors, most bars cancel happy hours and increase prices, but we choose not to do that," a manager at The Bridge said.

"Since most sailors cannot enjoy a late night and must adhere to an 11pm curfew, we are expecting them to start out as early as 2pm."

China Pub goodwill ambassador Bob Bowkett said most American sailors cannot wait to get their teeth into such foods as burgers, fish and chips and, most especially, steaks.

The Outback Steak House on Lockhart Road said it was preparing a similar menu.

"The sailors come to Wan Chai to eat, drink and relax, and we are prepared to provide all of that," the manager said.

The sailors are also hungry for entertainment.

"We work from 7am to 7pm everyday, then sleep or watch DVDs. We have not had a real holiday in a very long time," a sailor complained.

To meet this demand, The Bridge said it was increasing its DJ hours while providing a jukebox at all other times.

Carnegie's bar is also making special staffing arrangements.

"We have hired a few extra employees to accommodate the 20 to 30 extra customers we expect to receive early in the day," said managing director Marcus Thomson.

Bowkett said his company's bar the Bull and Bear, on Lockhart Road, will also supply the sailors with travel guide material, telling them where and what they should do here.

"The sailors are under very strict curfew and restrictions - but from their past visit they tend to behave well, apart from one or two who got awfully drunk," Bowkett said,

Sailors from the Nimitz were last in Hong Kong in 2005 and are familiar with the Wan Chai scene.

However, The Bridge's manager said the number of bars and restaurants in the area had risen over the past two years with the improved economy.

"The area has become more vibrant and we have many more competitors, but that is a good thing. Our customers enjoy the busy atmosphere" he said.

Other bars, such as Devil's Advocate, do not like disturbing the routine to which their local customers have become accustomed. "Other than increasing the drink supply and being ready earlier than usual on weekdays, we choose not to make any special plans," a spokesman said.

The Nimitz is expected to return to the Bay of Bengal in early September to take part in joint exercises with ships from India, Australia and Singapore.

It will be the carrier's second visit to India in two months, having been near the country's southern coast in Chennai in July.

Commander Admiral John Terence Blake said the September exercise was routine practice.