problems at sea.

The tall ship, Cassio Pia , arrived at St. George's and will remain for several months whilst essential repairs are carried out.

The vessel started taking on water whilst en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Monaco. A survey is currently establishing the extent of the work required.

Meanwhile, a new cruise ship makes its debut visit this week to make a full compliment of vessels here.

The Royal Caribbean International Nordic Empress is expected in tomorrow at Hamilton. Sailing from New York, the 1,600 capacity vessel will return to the US on Friday.

Tourism officials will take part in a plaque ceremony on board the ship tomorrow.

The Nordic Empress replaces the Song of America , and will begin its regular Tuesday to Friday schedule next week -- starting in St. George's and moving to Hamilton.

Bad weather in the Atlantic delayed the arrival of most ships, with Meyer reporting the Zenith in late on Monday at Hamilton. Carrying 1,400 people; it shifted to St. George's and is due to sail out tomorrow.

The Norwegian Crown arrived at St. George's with 823 people on board on Monday, shifting to Hamilton yesterday, before sailing for New York tomorrow.

Celebrity Cruises' Horizon came in to Dockyard on Monday and will sail again tomorrow.

And Norwegian Majesty was due in yesterday to Ordinance Island, St. George's, from Boston. It sails on Friday.

On the freight front, the Bermuda Islander is due in tomorrow with 86 containers on board, 16 refrigerated and one box of horses.

Container Ship Management report the Oleander in on Monday, delayed by one day because of the poor weather. It had 33 containers, 57 refrigerated, several trailers carrying structural steel, a boat and two cars. It sails today.

Ship of strength: The cement vessel Heracles Genera unloads cement at Dockyard earlier this week.