A cruise line has described the Premier's gaming bill as "a vital step" in maintaining tourism to the Island.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) told The Royal Gazette the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Act 2009 was important in maintaining Bermuda's competitiveness as a cruise destination.

The Prohibition of Gaming Machines Amendment Act 2009 would allow ships to open casinos in port between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m..

Colin Murphy, vice president of Special Projects for NCL, however, said this would not have "any meaningful impact on the local economy" as a survey last year revealed 95 percent of passengers were back on board by 10 p.m.

And he said that the only way for Bermudians to be able to gamble would be if they bought an onboard departure ticket from the US.

Mr. Murphy told The Royal Gazette: "Having sailed to the Island for more than 18 years, bringing thousands of guests each year, Norwegian Cruise Line has a strong commitment to Bermuda as one of its key seasonal destinations.

"This year, we have three ships making a total of 65 calls to Bermuda, carrying approximately 130,000 guests. We proudly support Harbour Nights, along with the Bermuda Music Festival and the St. George's Foundation, among other community programmes.

"Norwegian Cruise Line believes that the proposed legislation allowing cruise ships to open casinos while in port in Bermuda is a vital step in Bermuda's efforts to remain a competitive destination for cruise tourism.

"Bermuda is the only destination where we spend multiple nights in port. We spend one overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia, and occasionally overnight in the Bahamas, and both of these destinations permit us to operate our casinos."

Mr. Murphy said: "We understand that there are concerns in the community that opening our casinos will negatively impact shoreside spending by encouraging our guests to return to the ship earlier.

"Our data estimates that in 2008 more than 95 percent of our guests were back on board our ships by 10 p.m. We do not expect opening our casinos after 10 p.m. to have any meaningful impact on the local economy."

He added that the ability to gamble was also an "important entertainment option" for potential passengers when booking tickets.

"We would also confirm that only Norwegian Cruise Line guests will be able to use our casinos. The only way for Bermudians to enjoy our casinos is if they buy a cruise ticket and join the ship at its US departure port," said Mr. Murphy.

"Our goal at Norwegian Cruise Line is to offer the best possible cruise vacation for our guests while being a good partner with our destinations. We believe the proposed legislation will accomplish this goal and serve to solidify Bermuda as a very attractive destination for cruise ships."

NCL was responding to questions from this newspaper.

Debate on the Act has been carried over since the House of Assembly reconvened earlier this year. It is not thought likely it will be debated today.

When the legislation was first introduced it was withdrawn half-way through a debate amid Government concerns that not enough of its MPs were going to support it.