blow to the Island's tourism economy.

The Royal Majesty was due to set sail from Boston to the Island tomorrow with more than 1,100 passengers on board.

However, it has been ordered into dry dock for repairs to damage sustained when it grounded on a sandy shoal near Boston last weekend.

Because of the accident, which is being investigated, the ship's owners, Miami-based Majesty Cruise Line, were also forced to cancel a scheduled sailing for more than 1,000 passengers earlier this week.

Based on 1994 figures, each cruise ship passenger spends an average of $191 during their stay. There is also departure tax of $61 a head and the port landing fees.

The two cancellations will mean that the Bermuda economy has lost more than $500,000 which, according to Mr. Bobby Rego, President of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, will not be made up.

"It's very bad news. As well as the money spent by passengers you also have to take into account the money spent by the crews. With things not being so great at the moment in terms of tourist arrivals, this is quite a disappointment,'' he added.

The Royal Majesty grounded a week ago, a day after leaving Bermuda bound for Boston. It was hoped she would sail again tomorrow, but an inspection highlighted some damage to plates in her hull.

It is understood Majesty Cruise Line is trying to book some passengers, especially those on honeymoon, onto other ships to get them to Bermuda on schedule.

The ship is due to arrive in dry dock today and be back in Boston next Saturday to take up her next sailing on June 25.