visits, heralding what could be a new chapter in Bermuda tourism.

As Tourism Minister David Allen announced a three-year deal with Crown Cruise Lines, who will operate a weekly service from Philadelphia to Dockyard, he hinted that the Island's existing cruise firms could be next in line for change.

An inherent part of the deal with Crown, which will send its new 800-passenger Dynasty to the Island, is a proportion of vacationers to stay in one of the hotel properties.

And Mr. Allen revealed that they had been meeting with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises with the intention of increasing the number of passengers that disembark for an Island vacation.

From next year the Nordic Empress will designate a number of cabins for the cruise/stay venture and already this season the Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Majesty will utilise its extra 251 berths for that purpose.

At a New York press conference, Mr. Allen, Tourism Director Gary Phillips and Bermuda Hoteliers Association representative Michael Kaile met with officials from Crown Cruises, Philadelphia Port Authority and Apple Vacations.

Mr. Allen said it was an exciting new venture for Bermuda, on a luxurious vessel that would target upscale customers.

"This is a new era in travel tourism,'' he said. "We will now have six cruise ships from May 2000. We are guaranteeing profits for hotels, we see tens of thousands of extra bed nights growing from this project.

"We are growing and there are already other cruise lines who will follow.'' The 19,000 tonne, four and a half star vessel is six-years-old and will feature a $1.5 million Bermuda style decor and Bermudian place names for its lounges and rooms.

It will depart Philadelphia on Wednesdays, arriving in Bermuda on Friday and staying until Monday.

The fly/cruise passengers will either cruise to the Island or fly in on special charter flights from Chicago and Philadelphia.

Fred Mayer, president of Crown Cruise Lines, predicted his new venture would take off and hinted that a successful contract could see them bidding for other routes to Bermuda.

They already operate in the Caribbean with several ships.

"We look forward to adding Bermuda, one of the world's premier ports, to our itinerary,'' he said. "We are confident that the Crown Dynasty's Bermuda route will be extremely well received by discerning travellers.''