ships looks set to be expanded this summer.

Last summer eight students were placed on internships aboard the Crown Dynasty learning a range of skills from front desk management to catering.

Tourism Minister David Allen told MPs last week that two other unnamed cruise lines had expressed an interest in providing internships.

Royal Caribbean International announced last month that it is contributing $1 million to Government's Hospitality Studies Endowment Fund which provides grants for those working in the industry.

Meanwhile, the Island is moving toward developing a programme to professionalise standards in the hospitality industry.

Mary Helen Reece, a Bermudian working for the Tourism Product Development Company of Jamaica, is on the Island on secondment to help develop the programme.

She is working with Bermuda College, Bermuda Hotel Association, the National Training Board, Bermuda Industrial Union, the Visitor Industry Partnership and the Department of Tourism.