that will help promote Puerto Rican Goods aboard it's ships.

At a luncheon, on board the Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Sea , honouring Puerto Rico officials the company made the announcement.

Royal Caribbean pledged to buy beer and liquor for its San-Juan based ships from SMT PR Duty Free and said they would work with other local suppliers to strengthen tie in that country.

President Jack Williams said: " Grandeur of the Sea is one of six Royal Caribbean ships visiting San Juan on a year-round or seasonal basis, which deliver more than 400,000 guest to Puerto Rico's shops and attractions.'' And he said the shipping company buys more than $7 million in goods and services from Puerto Rican suppliers for the six ships, "From Bacardi to bananas to bunker fuel.'' Williams also said Puerto Rico will be a major port of call for the largest cruise ships in the world, when RCCL debuts two Eagle-class vessels in 1999 and 2000.

Royal Caribbean operates two major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises which combined have a fleet of 16 vessels in service and four on order. Vessels from both fleets are regular callers to Bermuda.

The company plans to have a total capacity of 38,000 berths by the year 2000.