Extended construction work on the controversial Heritage Wharf at Dockyard has claimed its first cruise ship casualty.Government last night confirmed that a scheduled April 29 visit by the Emerald Princess has been scuppered while work on the terminal continues.A further two cruise ships scheduled to call in on Bermuda next month are still expected to arrive, although, with the terminal out of action, contingency tendering plans are in place to get passengers ashore.The terminal has been a cause of controversy since it opened in 2009 at a cost of $60 million — a huge increase on the original estimated cost price of $35 million.A thruster wall was damaged during Hurricane Igor in 2010 and earlier this year work began on a $22.4 million modification programme so that the terminal could accommodate bigger ships.That work is expected to be completed in time for the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ giant Breakaway cruise ship, which makes its maiden voyage to the Island on May 13.Government is considering taking legal action against contractor Correia Construction after engineering reports alleged that the original build was not structurally safe but was “full of defects and deficiencies”.Last night a Government spokesman said that two one-off visits next month by the Riviera and MSC Poesia liners will go ahead.The Riviera, due to arrive on April 11, will anchor at Grassy Bay and passengers will then be tendered to Dockyard.MSC Poesia will anchor in the Great Sound on April 16 then disembark passengers to Dockyard before docking at Kings Wharf.“We have tendered many times in the past, including NCL ships, and while it is not our first option, we have handled it successfully,” the spokesman said.“It should also be pointed out that tendering is fairly common in the cruise industry in other jurisdictions.“We have coordinated the tendering procedures with the cruise lines and they are satisfied that we will provide a quality experience for their guests.”Two further visits, by Norwegian Dawn on May 5 and May 12, could also be affected by the construction work.“The Department of Marine and Ports is still working with Norwegian Cruise Lines’ agents to finalise berthing and tendering arrangements in the event that Heritage Wharf if not available for the Norwegian,” the spokesman said.“In the event that the wharf is not finished, there will still be options for the Dawn to come along side King’s Wharf for parts of her visit once other ships leave.”