kicks off the first of her Bermuda cruises.

Norwegian Majesty is scheduled for 26 visits to the Island from the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in Boston.

And the Massachusetts Port Authority said Cruiseport Boston is celebrating a record number of 80 ship calls from 15 different ship lines.

The industry is expected to bring some 150,000 passengers through Boston and have an estimated $40 million impact on the region.

Last year, 62 ships called into Boston infusing about $30 million.

The Majesty returns 112 feet longer than last year after undergoing "stretching'' at a German shipyard during the winter.

The Majesty had a 5,600 tonne pre-fabricated unit containing a second pool and dining room, a new casino, bar, bistro, deck space, and 203 new state rooms added to her midsection.

Her first scheduled visit to the Island will be on April 16.

"This new technology allows a cruise line to increase the capacity of its fleet faster and for less money than building a brand new ship while keeping pace with its competition,'' said Massport's director of the Port of Boston, Mike Leone.

Also sailing out of Boston is the Norwegian Sky which will have a single 15-night cruise at the end of the season from Boston to Bermuda and Tortola.

COMING BACK -- Norweigan Majesty , shown passing through Town Cut as the Royal Majesty , is returning to St. George's this season after a major refit in which the Norwegian Cruise Lines ship was "stretched'' by 112 feet.

Graphic file name: NORMAJ