Legal action over the VOS diversion filed

Ally · 06-17-2006, 11:54 AM

This could have potentially serious repercussions for all lines if RCI loses this lawsuit...

Quote:

New Jersey’s attorney general filed suit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for not issuing refunds to passengers booked on a Bermuda-bound ship that diverted to Canada.

Voyager of the Seas sailed north to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick last summer to avoid a hurricane that was forecast to cross the ship's path en route to Bermuda, the company said.

New Jersey's attorney general and the Division of Consumer Affairs alleged Royal Caribbean violated the Consumer Fraud Act by changing the itinerary without providing a comparable route and failing to issue refunds. Fifty-three complaints were filed from the 3,600 passengers who sailed.

‘It is unconscionable that consumers showed up for a cruise they paid for with their hard-earned money only to be sent somewhere they didn’t want to go, without access to the amenities they paid for and activities they looked forward to, and were told there was nothing they could do about it,’ said Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts.

According to Royal Caribbean, Tropical Storm Franklin on July 23 was forecast to become a hurricane that would likely cross the ship’s path. The company took the decision to change course on the morning of July 24, the day of sailing, and advised passengers in a letter prior to boarding.

The attorney general said Royal Caribbean issued only shipboard credits of $45.20, the difference in port fees and taxes between the destinations, but Royal Caribbean spokesman Michael Sheehan said passengers also received a 25% discount on a future cruise.

‘Because of our obligation to ensure the safety of our guests and crew members, we could not knowingly sail into a predicted hurricane,’ Royal Caribbean said in a statement. The company also decided against sailing south to warmer weather because of rough seas, Sheehan told Seatrade Insider.

‘We look forward to explaining all of the details involved in this matter to the attorney general’s office and proceeding from there,’ Sheehan said.

(Reuters)

cruisin' chick · 06-18-2006, 01:40 AM

I thought that there's some clause in the cruiselines' contracts with the passengers that cover changes due to weather conditions.

Ally · 06-18-2006, 02:12 AM

So did I Patty. I hope this case falls flat on its face as there could be all sorts of problems for every cruise line if it goes through.

cruisin' chick · 06-21-2006, 01:10 AM

It seems strange that a state district attorney would go along in that case. I wouldn't be surprised if the judge throws out the case.

Ally · 06-21-2006, 01:44 AM

The whole case is just daft, what they think they are going to win by doing it is beyond me. Its like they would rather cruise lines send their ships into severe weather, rather than playing it safe....

But then they could sue them again for endangering lives, I spose