for an agreement on the issue of passenger limits on its Island vessel.

Speaking for the first time since their summit meeting last week, Mr. Allen hinted that a proposal was made to the company over concerns that cabins designated for "cruise and stay'' holidays were sold to regular passengers.

This week, he said there were ongoing discussions with NCL over numbers on the Norwegian Majesty .

He said there were grounds for discussion and he would now have to see if the company could meet his criteria. "Hopefully they can,'' he said.

NCL agreed not to sell any extra cabins until last Thursday's meeting but it is unclear whether it will now resume bookings until an agreement is reached.

The company was supposed to sell any berths above a 1,500 passenger limit to people combining a cruise with a hotel stay, but with weekly counts up to 1,800 that did not appear to be happening.

Sailing with empty berths was the threat issued by the Minister previously, but sources close to NCL have indicated that option does not make financial sense.

It is likely any agreement will include a contribution to aid the St. George's economy.

Bermuda's other cruise callers have made similar deals, including a $50 spending voucher to Horizon passengers, a scholarship fund established by Royal Caribbean and trainee positions on another vessel.

David Allen CRUISE SHIP SHI