Tourism Minister alleged last night.

The claim by David Allen follows accusations that Tourism Minister David Dodwell misled the public when he said that no other dedicated West End cruise ship could be found to replace the Meridian .

Mr. Allen claimed there were other lines that could have been approached, although he did not disclose or name which cruise lines were involved.

But he said that Government's decision to accept Celebrity Cruises' demands that its replacement for the Meridian operate on a twin-port basis was wrong.

Furthermore, he said the plan would affect entrepreneurs, taxi operators and restaurants.

Mr. Allen said: "The Progressive Labour Party has long been opposed to growth in the number of cruise ships operating on a twin-port concept because this undermines the earning power of such industry partners.

"Passengers on twin-port ships, unlike those on single port ships, have little incentive to take taxi tours or dine in local restaurants,'' he said.

Moreover Mr. Allen added it was senseless for Government to have spent millions of dollars for a new cruise ship wharf in Dockyard and then not use it.

He said Government should have cast its net more widely to find another line to replace the Meridian .

Mr. Allen's comments came in the wake of an announcement that a replacement vessel for the Meridian will only berth in the West End for two nights.

Government has allowed the Horizon to fill the hole left by the sale of the Meridian to a Singaporean company by owners Celebrity Cruise Line.

But an attached condition means the vessel will spend the third night, considered the most lucrative in terms of money spent by visitors, of its visit in Hamilton.

Government and Celebrity had only recently signed a ten-year contract to keep the Meridian on the run to the West End. The contract did allow for vessel substitution.

Last night Mr. Allen said: "We have learned that St. George's may also be losing its own dedicated cruise ship to Hamilton.

"According to reports of overseas shipping sources reaching us, the Norwegian Cruise Line, which has just purchased the St. George's dedicated cruise ship The Royal Majesty plans to use it to replace its current Bermuda twin-port ship The Dreamward .

"That ship is reportedly due to undergo an extensive reconstruction at the end of this year.'' Mr. Allen added: "It now becomes more imperative than ever that Mr. Dodwell releases his long delayed cruise ship policy.'' He said he understood the report recommended $500,000 cruise ship licence fees which could have played a role in the Celebrity decision.

"Bermuda now needs to know if St. George's dedicated cruise ship faces a similar fate and whether the new policy proposals have played a similar negative role.''