Government has begun talks with other cruise lines in a bid to get a replacement this year for the troubled Crown Dynasty .

Government gave the ship's owners, Commodore Holdings, until January 31 to give a commitment that the ship could sail to Dockyard. If no commitment could be given, tourism chiefs would be forced to look for a replacement. The ship is docked in Aruba while Commodore Holdings files for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

Tourism Minister David Allen has confirmed that Government is now talking to other parties to try to get a replacement ship.

But he said he did not want to go for a "quick fix'' because the new ship would need to fit into Government's re-positioning of the Island as an up-market resort.

Mr. Allen would not disclose who he is talking to, but The Royal Gazette understands he has been in discussion with Carnival cruise lines.

He said: "Government is reviewing a number of options before it, including possible replacement of the ship for this season, the lead time for which is very short, and the longer-term objective of finding a replacement for future seasons.

"Government wishes to make a decision that is in keeping with its overall long-term strategy for tourism development in Bermuda, rather than making any short-sighted decisions for a quick fix.

"A decision for the 2001 season alone cannot necessarily be made in isolation with a decision on future seasons.

"Government is confident it will, in consultation with stakeholders, make the right decision in the end that is in the interests of Bermuda overall.

"It is premature to name any of the parties -- which are not limited to cruise lines -- with which we are engaged in talks in attempts to resolve this issue.''