A cruise line scheduled to begin regular service to the Island next year has been inducted into an exclusive gastronomic society recognised worldwide for culinary excellence.

The nine-vessel Princess Cruises fleet was inducted into the Chaine des Rotisseurs on February 14.

Included in the fleet, which is one of the three largest lines in the cruise industry, is the Pacific Princess which is scheduled to begin visiting Bermuda in May, 2000.

Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales, Rick James, said: "Many of our chefs have held Chaine membership for some time but now we are especially gratified that the society has recognised the overall quality of our food and service fleet wide.

"It is quite unusual for a ship to be accepted into the society, let alone an entire fleet, and we will display the society's symbol proudly as a testament to our devotion to fine dining.'' The Chaine des Rotisseurs was founded in Paris in 1950 and the ribbons and plaques awarded to chefs and their establishments are recognised around the world as symbols of culinary excellence and membership is offered only to the finest restaurants and hoteliers.

Princess Cruises have up to 150 galley staff on their vessels who work day and night to prepare approximately 15,000 meals and snacks each day.

The vessels offer multiple restaurants and dining alternatives as part of the line's Grand Class cruising philosophy with the emphasis upon the latest dining trends and the local cuisine of each vessel's destination.