The Norwegian Crown cruise ship is bowing out of Bermuda at the end of the summer and setting sail for the Far East.

The ship, which sails on the New York to Bermuda route in the summer, is being transferred to the Orient as part of a reorganisation by Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Now NCL are shopping around for a new ship to serve the Island, with effect from next year.

Henry Hayward, President of Meyer Agencies, said: "It's sad to see her go but NCL are contracted to find a replacement ship of the same quality.

"They are now positioning the Norwegian Crown with Orient Lines but hopefully a new ship will soon be presented to Government for approval.

"NCL's options include buying a new ship, chartering a new ship or using one from their existing fleet.'' The Norwegian Crown arrives in St. George's every Monday, moving on to Hamilton on Tuesdays before leaving for New York on Thursdays.

Her sister ship the Norwegian Majesty sails to Bermuda from Boston.

Both ships were central to the Operation Bermuda Triangle drug busts co-ordinated by local and US Police and Customs and the US Drug Enforcement Agency last year.

Several cruise line staff, from the Norwegian Crown and sister ships, were arrested in both Bermuda and New York on suspicion of drug smuggling.

Oslo-listed NCL, due to announce yearly profits of $100 million, has boosted its finances since buying Orient Lines last year.

Part of the deal was to transfer a major ship to the Far East.

NCL, headquartered in Miami, has more than a dozen cruise ships and has been expanding rapidly, stretching three ships to add hundreds of extra cabins.