Tourism Minister David Allen has warned cruise lines that their valuable contracts could be in jeopardy if they break the rules on passenger limits.

With three cruise lines taking part in an innovative cruise and stay programme, the Minister is keen to lay down the law to the companies over cabins allotted to the scheme.

Government does not want to see the cruise and stay designated berths used for normal passengers and is keen to make its intention public.

"We have passenger manifests and immigration records,'' said Mr. Allen. "If, for any reason, that was violated by the cruise lines and we find they have more than their allowance, their contract could be made voidable.'' This year, the Crown Dynasty , Nordic Empress and Norwegian Majesty will all have cabins set aside for passengers who include a hotel stay as part of their cruise vacation.

At least 450 berths on the Norwegian Majesty and Nordic Empress are for cruise and stay and the new weekend ship, the Crown Dynasty , has 100 cabins designated this season with the number set to rise next year.

The two weekday vessels' increase in cabins has come through a refit of one ship and the replacement of an existing vessel with a larger one.

Mr. Allen has indicated that any increase in berths by the cruise lines on existing contracts has to come with a benefit to the economy. Thus the insistence on cruise and stay cabins.

And there is an effort to keep daily cruise numbers below 6,000 people, lessening the effect on the infrastructure.

Last year, around 200 people took part in the cruise and stay programme with the Norwegian Majesty while the scheme was in its infancy.

In other cruise ship news yesterday, Celebrity Cruises has announced it is putting a five year, $9 million "passenger credit card'' with their Horizon schedule which gives passengers a $50 credit to spend in stores and restaurants.

In addition, Royal Caribbean has provided a $1 million endowment fund for Bermudian hospitality industry scholarships.

Minister Allen has vowed that no new cruise contract will be signed without a trickle down clause for the local economy.

David Allen CRUISE SHIPS SHI