million in the third quarter.

Royal Caribbean, which recently bought Celebrity Cruises, whose Zenith and Meridian have been regular summer callers to Bermuda, said net profits grew $152.8 million from $124.1 million in the nine months to September 30.

Lloyd's List said last week that Royal Caribbean, whose vessel Song of America -- also a summer caller -- saw capacity increase by 63 percent after it took over Celebrity on July 1; two thirds came from the Celebrity merger and one-third from new RCL ships.

Occupancies rose from 103.8 percent in 1996 to 107.6 percent in 1997. Royal Caribbean has 17 vessels in service and three on order.

*** Bermuda-based Benor product tanker specialist earned $4.5 million in the first nine months of 1997 -- compared to $4.6 million in the whole of 1996.

And Lloyd's List reported last week that Benor chairman Harry Rutten anticipates that the company's full-year earnings will exceed $5 million.

The increase in profits came as a result of a fleet shake-up, which included acquiring full ownership of four mid-range vessels and the disposal of interests in three Aframax.

There were net capital gains of $2.3 million on the deals.