A cruise vacation is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but for passengers aboard the Norwegian Sun sailing from Miami to Los Angeles, the experience was described as a ‘nightmare experience’ due to the ship’s nonstop construction.
Passengers who boarded the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel on March 16, 2018, for a 15-day excursion were informed that upgrades were taking place after the ship had left port. The cruise passengers quickly learned the extent of the upgrades being done. Entire areas of the ship were closed off due to the construction. Passengers were also exposed to continuous noise coming from jackhammers and power tools throughout all hours of the day, as well as construction dust and sanding on the ship.
A number of passengers reported harmful chemicals and other construction debris being left on the decks of the ship. Some passengers reported respiratory issues, sore eyes and skin irritation. Digestive issues, including vomiting and diarrhea were also reported by passengers.
A Facebook group called the Panama Canal Sun was created four days before the ship docked to allow passenger to upload photographs and video of the conditions on the ship, as well as the construction, and to allow the passengers to keep in touch with each other as they began the process of filing formal complaints.
Passenger, Annie Barber, reported that the Norwegian Cruise Line left a note in the passengers’ rooms when they arrived to inform them of the renovations taking place during the trip.
“At that point, we were not particularly worried,” she said. “However, by Sunday March 18 we were shocked at the level of work that was being carried out on the ship.”
The renovations included deck flooring being removed, and new liquid flooring being laid and polished. In addition, the metal supports were removed along with the old decking. Passengers reported that debris was falling on the ship and airborne particles were visible as the work continued.
“There was a strong smell of chemicals for long periods during the cruise, not only in the public areas but also in our stateroom,” Barber said.
Passengers did not understand why the workers were allowed to wear protective masks and clothing, but they were not provided anything to protect them from debris and other chemicals. Arguably, if the conditions required protective measures, the renovations were more than just minimal.
Following the docking of the ship, the cruise line offered passengers a 25 percent discount on their next cruise. This offer is valid until March 31, 2019. Passengers have reported the discount offered to them as “totally unacceptable” and are demanding a full refund, in addition to compensation for their experience while on the ship.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529
If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of any and all legal rights.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
