Bermuda will go unrepresented at the second annual Caribbean Cruise Conference in Curacao aimed at maximising the benefits cruise tourism brings to resorts.

All four of the cruise lines regularly serving Bermuda will be represented at the conference held by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association in October.

But a Tourism Department spokesman said yesterday there were no plans to send a Bermuda delegate.

Representatives from Celebrity Cruises, Majesty Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will be among the 75 top cruise executives meeting with more than 600 Florida/Caribbean delegates on a one-to-one basis.

Cruise executives are hoping to tap into local markets and unearth new local suppliers for on-board gift shops and for establishing better shore excursions.

"We hope to expand the variety of products to passengers and to meet the changing needs and desires of our cruise passengers while at the same time providing a better appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultures and histories found at each of our destinations,'' said vice president of Caribbean Affairs and Operations for Princess Cruises, Mr. Stephen Nielsen. A forum on marketing and sales techniques is also on offer.

Chairman of the conference's sourcing committee Mr. Edward Bollinger claimed that as a direct result of last year's conference, supply for on-board gift shops had improved in many areas.

"Extending the amount of time on the individual supplier sessions will be benficial to fostering interchange between the cruise lines and potential suppliers,'' he said.