could lose its dedicated cruise ship and accused his Parliamentary counterpart of being irresponsible.

Mr. Dodwell was responding to claims by David Allen that the Norwegian Cruise Line, which has bought the Royal Majesty plans to use it to replace its current Bermuda twin-port ship Dreamward .

Mr. Allen claimed it was more important than ever that the Minister should release the new cruise ship policy and lay to rest any fears over the future of the liners.

Last night Mr. Dodwell dismissed the claims saying there was no truth to rumours about Royal Majesty's itinerary.

"The Norwegian Cruise Line president has assured the Ministry that Royal Majesty , which may be renamed in 1998, will continue to provide a dedicated service to St. George's.

"Mr. Allen's comments are therefore unfounded, totally irresponsible and quite frankly mischievous,'' said Mr. Dodwell.

The Shadow Minister claimed Government's cruise ship policy was in disarray and that the long-awaited review -- which was promised before Christmas -- should be unveiled.

He said proposed new policy amendments had not been thought through properly and said retailers who owed their living to cruise passengers needed a Government explanation.

Mr. Dodwell said the cruise ship policy review was completed and had been developed following widespread consultation with many groups, including the cruise lines who asked to be given time to consider the recommendations.

"I believe it is most important for the people of Bermuda to appreciate, in the most comprehensive manner, the dynamics of the cruise business which has served as a backdrop to the recommendations which I as Minister have accepted and which have been approved by Cabinet,'' he said.