A modern cruise ship as army transport in the age of sail

How could an island nation use a modern cruise ship and its supporting oil industry to gain influence during the age of sail?

Offer to transport the army of a chosen power, such as Britain or France, and deliver its troops where they need to go.

The scenario gives a European island nation a modern cruise ship during the age of sail. It also supplies the oil industry needed to keep that vessel operating. A proposed use is to carry a chosen power's army, with Britain and France offered as examples. Getting those troops to their destination would provide a practical service through which the island nation could gain influence.