being blamed for scores of complaints from passengers.

The Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Majesty sailed into troubled waters on its inaugural visit to the Island this year, when 38 passengers refused to sail back to the US.

The vacationers had complained of poor conditions on board the vessel, moored at Ordnance Island. St. George's, and flew back to Boston, rather than cruising back on Friday.

And now NCL have apologised for the situation, giving the 1,500 passengers on board a compensation package.

They say the ship -- which is currently sailing back with a full compliment of 1,751 passengers -- has now had the difficulties sorted out and are confident the voyage will be trouble free.

The grievances in Bermuda followed a small fire when the Norwegian Majesty left Boston last week. The blaze was put out by a passenger before the ship sailed.

In Bermuda, passengers complained of toilets backing up, telephones and televisions not working, and public rooms that were not ready for use.

The 38 people decided conditions were so bad that they left the vessel and caught flights from Bermuda back to the United States.

On its return to Boston other passengers had become so frustrated they were holding signs declaring their trip "the cruise from hell''.

The ship was routinely inspected by port authorities and health department officials, and given the all clear for the next trip.

NCL director of public relations Fran Sevcik admitted there were problems in various sections of the vessel, but added that most complaints surrounded cabins.

She said the crew worked while the vessel was in Bermuda and during the voyage back to Boston to rectify the troubles.

"The vessel had come back from having a $53 million 112 foot section added and there were some things that were not fully functional,'' she said.

"There were inconveniences for some guests and we are truly sorry for that.

But we believe the cruise this week will be smoother than the last one -- it was not the way we wanted to start off our Bermuda season.'' She admitted that there were many complaints from passengers, not just the 38 that disembarked.

A compensation package including $250 in on-board credits, Bermuda shore excursions and a $100 voucher for a future cruise was given to all passengers, she said.

"We really hope that those people give us another try,'' she said. "We do try our best, the project was a huge commitment and we certainly tried to have everything 100 percent ready to go, but these unforeseen problems occurred.

"The crew worked very hard to get everything in correct order. They sailed yesterday and this cruise will go much better.'' She said that she believed that a few of those who left the vessel, did so because of fears over seasickness.

Passengers Alexis and Michael Snyder of Waltham, Massachusetts, told the Boston Globe they tried to get off when they noticed an odd smell in the tap water, but were told it was too late.

By the time the ship docked here, the Snyders decided to fly home at their own expense because they said they were worried about noxious fumes.

Tourism Director Gary Phillips said he was aware of the incident yesterday.

NCL agents Meyer spokesman Captain John Moore said he could not comment. The ship was scheduled to leave Boston last night for Bermuda.