passengers on the Nordic Empress from Dockyard to St. George's for one day this season.

But Tourism Minister David Allen told The Royal Gazette last night that a switch of nights between Royal Caribbean's Nordic Empress and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Majesty was unlikely.

Nordic Empress passengers have told RCI that they were bored with being stuck in the West End and wanted the variety of the Old Town.

Cruise passengers have complained in the past that there is not enough entertainment in Dockyard at night.

Mayor of St. George's Henry Hayward said Royal Caribbean wanted the Nordic Empress to swap with the Norwegian Majesty so Nordic Empress passengers could be in St. George's on Tuesdays.

He said he was not concerned about the outcome because St. George's already had two ships on a Tuesday.

Mr. Allen said a final decision had not been made, but the ball was in NCL's court.

"At this point in time it does not look as if they are prepared to,'' Mr.

Allen said. "RCI is trying to investigate the matter further.

"RCI feels it does not get the best response from its passengers and that has been a concern. And as you know we have been talking to Wedco for some time to attempt to upgrade the entertainment.'' Mr. Allen said Government was "not very keen'' on the move which would be complicated and he said he also believed Royal Majesty should remain a dedicated ship for St. George's.

But he said he would have gone along with it if Dockyard, St. George's and the cruise lines backed the idea.

And he said: "We are not in a position to force it on NCL because they have a contract. However it highlights the need to upgrade Dockyard's entertainment and night life.''