The Norwegian Crown is to leave its regular New York route, in a move that has Tourism officials and the cruise line looking for another vessel to fill the slot. The contract for the route still had another year to run, but NCL wanted the vessel for a deep ocean schedule operated by one its subsidiaries.

The loss of the Crown , which it is understood is being switched to another route, follows the impending final departure of the Celebrity Cruises' Horizon . Norwegian Cruise Lines, who operate the Crown , are understood to be searching for another ship to take over the schedule -- joining its much larger Majesty in serving Bermuda.

But because of the smaller size of the Crown , Tourism officials will have to agree to any new vessel, which will have to conform to the maximum berthing capacity on the Island.

And if NCL cannot find an alternative, Tourism Minister David Allen will have to search for an alternative. Sources indicate that the Minister may have already made a preliminary scouting mission, looking at new ships.

And he indicated that if NCL does not come up with an alternative vessel of the correct size and quality, he already has other options at his disposal.

Talks have been held with NCL and officials are due on the Island on Monday for further discussions. Princess Cruises are due to take over the Horizon's schedule, bringing in their smaller Pacific Princess . But with the introduction of the Island's first-ever weekend vessel, the capacity will still hit around 7,000 a week.