of travel disruption looms.

The companies are currently telling passengers that departures are on schedule but to check with them just hours before sailing, in case of difficulties.

Gert is heading northward, and although its actual route is unclear at present, it is likely that there will be some effect on cruise passengers -- at least in the form of bumpy seas.

It looks certain that all vessels will depart the US, but possible options include choosing a new destination, re-routing to avoid bad weather or delaying to let the storm pass.

The last time Bermuda lost its weekly cruise visits was in August, 1995 when Hurricane Felix passed by the Island.

Acting Director of Tourism Cherrie Whitter said the decision on whether or not to change travel plans was up to the individual cruise lines.

Although she admitted it would be a blow to the Island if several thousand visitors were lost to the storm, she said passenger safety was the first priority.

"In cases like this precautions must be taken, and it is the view of the Department of Tourism that cruise ships should not put their passengers at risk,'' she said.

Further difficulties could be the state of some Caribbean ports in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd, leaving Halifax, Nova Scotia as a possible alternative.

The final decision is left up to each ship's captain, but with Gert expected pass to the east of the Island over the weekend, there will be difficult choices to be made.

With some of the vessels, the Zenith and Norwegian Crown , leaving New York on Saturday, the Norwegian Majesty leaving Boston and Horizon leaving New York on Sunday, there is likely to be some effect.

Norwegian Cruise Lines, which operates the Crown and Majesty , is currently telling passengers that the ships are due to sail but their final destination is up to the captain.

Royal Caribbean, which runs the Nordic Empress , Zenith and Horizon , said although it was keeping a watching brief on the storm, it was too early to tell what effect, if any, it would have on schedules.