A cruise line could lose one of its Bermuda spots if it fails to come up with an acceptable replacement for a transferred ship.

And a new caller from Celebrity Cruises may be lined up if Tourism Minister David Allen rules that Norwegian Cruise Lines has failed to fulfil its contract to provide a suitable substitute vessel for the Far East-bound Norwegian Crown .

But last night Mr. Allen was staying tight-lipped over negotiations with NCL.

He said: "We're still in the process of discussing this -- we're in the middle of negotiations. We have been anxiously trying to reach a resolution with NCL.

"It's a question of trying to find a replacement for the Norwegian Crown -- but it's been a challenge for six months.'' Mr. Allen added: "We always try to do whatever is possible, but sometimes situations change. Norwegian Cruise Lines has chosen to reposition this ship.'' The problems surfaced after NCL said it would be pulling the sister ship of the Norwegian Majesty off the New York-Bermuda route, with a year left in her contract.

But it is understood the cruise line's alternative has not met with favour from Government, with both the large size and quality of vessel thought to be among the issues raised.

Celebrity -- owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, which operates the Nordic Empress -- already run the Zenith and the Horizon on US-Bermuda routes.

The latter vessel is due to make its last trip to the Island next year, to be replaced by Princess Cruises' smaller Pacific Princess .

Mr. Allen, however, hinted that he will be able to make an announcement on the NCL stalemate soon -- perhaps as early as today's session of the House of Assembly, when the Opposition United Bermuda Party makes its reply to the Throne Speech.

He said: "I will be talking about a lot of things, about cruise ships and if I'm in a position to talk... (about NCL), I will.'' Lawyer Wendell Hollis, who represents NCL in Bermuda, said he was not aware of talks with other cruise lines if NCL's bid to keep two ships in Bermuda is torpedoed.

He added: "At this stage we're hoping that differences between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Bermuda Government can be amicably resolved. We have every expectation that they will resolve matters.'' And he said: "Legal action is not on the cards at the moment.'' But he added: "We have asked the Minister to put his position in writing -- until then, it would be hearsay.''