Did Norwegian Cruise Line mislead customers over coronavirus?

Norwegian Cruise Line has come under scrutiny for its handling of customers’ coronavirus concerns.

News 12 Staff

Mar 13, 2020, 12:48 AM

Updated 1,517 days ago

Share:

Norwegian Cruise Line has come under scrutiny for its handling of customers’ coronavirus concerns.
Some customers, who were denied the opportunity to reschedule their cruise, tell Kane In Your Corner that they don’t understand why the company approved a new “Peace of Mind” refund policy last week, but delayed its implementation until after their cruise departed. The company has also drawn scrutiny this week for leaked emails, which appeared to show a senior sales manager urging salespeople to mislead potential customers about COVID-19.
Alex Kenney and his family enjoy taking cruises. They’ve taken two in the past year alone. And they were looking forward to taking a third last Sunday, aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. But when the U.S. State Department strongly warned Americans to avoid cruise ships because of the coronavirus, the Kenneys asked to reschedule. Norwegian Cruise Line said no.
“I don't feel like we were asking for anything excessive, just, let's go when it's safe,” Kenney says. “It was a flat-out no. Just no.”
Two days before their scheduled departure, Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new "Peace of Mind” policy, which said that customers could reschedule any cruise for 100% credit until the end of September. But the policy, announced March 6, only took effect “on voyages beginning March 10th,” two days after the Kenneys’ ship was scheduled to leave, which they say left families like them forced to choose whether to risk their family’s health. They ultimately opted to eat the cost of their tickets.
Photos: The Impact of Coronavirus Around the World
undefined

“By them not offering even a credit, you make families come into the position of saying: ‘I worked all this time, I booked this vacation. Can I give up this vacation’?” Alan Kenney says.
This isn't the only policy at Norwegian Cruise Lines that's raised eyebrows this week. The Miami New Times reported that leaked emails show a senior sales manager urged salespeople to spread false information to potential customers who raised concerns about COVID-19. One talking point reportedly said: "The Coronavirus can only survive in cold temperatures, so the Caribbean is a fantastic choice for your next cruise." Another said: "Scientists and medical professionals have confirmed that the warm weather of the spring will be the end of the Coronavirus." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization both say they don’t actually know how the weather will affect the virus.
Kane In Your Corner contacted Norwegian Cruise Line. The company did not address whether it will take any action to help customers like the Kenneys. Regarding the misleading talking points that sales reps were reportedly instructed to use, a spokesperson emailed a statement, saying: "We remain committed to operating with integrity and providing our guests with the best possible vacation experiences across the globe. We are aware of the article in question and are looking into the matter."
 


More from News 12
0:29
Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

2:30
STORM WATCH: Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

STORM WATCH: Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

2:54
4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

0:20
Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

2:14
State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

1:34
ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

0:17
Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

0:27
Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

0:30
Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

0:31
Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

0:29
Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

0:24
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week

0:24
Police: Juvenile charged for making fake threat at Warren Middle School

Police: Juvenile charged for making fake threat at Warren Middle School

0:27
Police: Car crash into Little Ferry adult school caused by faulty brakes

Police: Car crash into Little Ferry adult school caused by faulty brakes

0:22
Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

2:46
8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

1:27
What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

2:36
Panera to discontinue Charged Lemonade following multiple death lawsuits

Panera to discontinue Charged Lemonade following multiple death lawsuits

1:50
Tractor-trailer carrying logs overturns near Little Falls day care playground; no injuries reported

Tractor-trailer carrying logs overturns near Little Falls day care playground; no injuries reported

0:42
Jersey Proud: Eagle Scout builds bocce courts at Middlesex church

Jersey Proud: Eagle Scout builds bocce courts at Middlesex church