Leffak and her fellow passengers were unsettled by a lack of communication from the bridge -- roughly a full day went by between Tuesday and Wednesday night without any updates -- and the storm was in full swing, with the ship swaying in high winds and waves. CRUISE PASSENGER ON SINKING TOUR BOAT RECALLS SCARY EXPERIENCE: 'I WAS IN SHOCK'. Norwegian Communications Center. Flooded water was also located in other parts of the vessel. Even with our best global models and coupled-ocean wave tools, it's likely that the course chosen by NCL was indeed suboptimal in terms of waves, wind and the passengers comfort because the ship is moving too slowly to adapt or course change. The cabin experience got to be so uncomfortable that many guests sought rest in the ship's public spaces. But the Weather Service's Gaches said forecasts were progressively more certain starting on Sunday the 31st. Then we just left, no information, no updates, 3+ days of rough waves, and entire family sick, locked inside a tilted ship. The worst moments of 2018's historic winter storm hammered the East Coast on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, which is when conditions aboard the ship deteriorated dramatically. Take a Caribbean cruise and swim with dolphins, step back into history on a Mediterranean Cruise, or just enjoy relaxing days on a Transatlantic voyage.Named Best Cruise Ship for Families by USA Today, there's something on board for everyone. Now the ship is back docked at the New York cruise terminal more images are starting to make their way online of minor damage. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "[Wednesday] was the night that people were actually being thrown out of their beds," Leffak said. Mendez captured the harrowing crossing on video, which quickly went viral after she posted it to Twitter. Breakaway is the biggest NYC homeported ship - leaving from New York City the whole year-round. Five multistory waterslides, including the Free Fall. But the Weather Service's Gaches said forecasts were progressively more certain starting on Sunday the 31st. They dispensed dramamine to sick passengers, but getting just a single dose came with a 20-minute wait. The first Transatlantic crossing (from SouthamptontoNYC New York) was on April 30, 2013. '", "You say, 'I screwed up. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). Of those, 8 are At least 10 people on the NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Breakaway have tested COVID-positive as the liner returned to homeport NOLA (New NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line continues its Great Cruise Comeback with the restart of its 7th ship, Norwegian Bliss, sailing week-long cruises to the NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates its return to East Coast USA with Norwegian Breakaway ship commencing 7-day Bermuda roundtrips from NYC New York NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced additional sailings from New York City, Los Angeles CA, Port Canaveral FL, and Miami FL, and confirmed that its NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will resume operations from additional international and US homeports this fall. 145,655 Gross Register Tonnage 3,959 Guest Capacity double occupancy 1068.3ft Overall Length 169.7ft Max Beam 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2013 1,657 Ship Crew 50% OFF ALL CRUISES Save BIG with major markdowns on all cruises, plus Free Unlimited Open Bar, and so much more. Despite accurate forecasting about the massive storm that packed hurricane-force winds, officials with the cruise line allegedly chose to stick with a planned itinerary to return to New York City after a New Year's trip to the Bahamas. This resulted in powerful winds measured at 80 miles per hour over land. ", The bartender replied: "I'm getting ready for the next group of people coming on, I don't have glasses.". A Stony Brook family said their cruise to the Bahamas took a frightening turn during last week's winter storm, and now wants to know why they set sail in such perilous conditions. (Reuters/Twitter via @christinamendez). We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Norwegian Breakaway returned safely to port approximately eight hours later than scheduled. The largest accommodations are The Haven Deluxe Owners Suites (740 ft2 / 70 m2, with wraparound terrace sized 190 ft2 / 18 m2). January 10, 2018 Update:Passengers Consider Lawsuit After Norwegian Cruise Line Sails Through Winter Storm Grayson(Video). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent. She said she's considering pursuing legal action primarily for her son. Hull art designer is Peter Max. The 2013-built Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship is the first of two Breakaway-class NCL liners, together with NCL Getaway, which debuted a year later. By Wednesday, passengers were facing hurricane force winds and huge waves rocking the ship. The spokesperson added that when inclement weather strikes, the company, as a rule, charts "a route that has the least impact to our guests and crew.". ButNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stuck with its itinerary and subjected the passengers to several days of extreme winds and waves as the hurricane-strength storm pounded the cruise ship on January 3rd and 4th. Or they just gave up on sleep all together. Mendez was traveling on the ship with her family, including her 6-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old autistic son. Disgraceful.. pic.twitter.com/5ecdPtTrlc, Los_Angeles (@LA4Life32) January 6, 2018. Spiegel Tent (217-seat theatrical entertainment dining venue Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy, with grand-style aerial acrobatics; surcharge $30-40 PP), Atrium (3-deck midship hub area - 678 Ocean Place, with a big-size LED screen, dance area and live entertainment), Atrium Cafe & Bar (112-seat specialty tea & coffee bar), Headliners Comedy Club & Lounge (features The Second City comedy show and Howl At The Moon piano show), The Library; Card Room; Internet Cafe (24-hour), Mixx Bar (live piano music; pre-dinner cocktails); Bar 21; Maltings Beer & Whisky Bar; Prime Meridian Bar; Shakers Cocktail Bar; Humidor Cigar Bar & Lounge (smoking venue), Carlos Bake Shop (cakes, pastries, bakeries; cupcake classes), Dolce Gelato (Italian ice cream); Cakestand (cakes, pastries), SVEDKA Ice Bar (25-seat; with sculptures, glasses, and seats made of ice; room temperature is -8 degrees C/ 17 F), Boutiques (tax-duty free shops); Tradewinds (watches, jewelry, perfumes, handbags, alcohol, tobacco); Tides (gifts); Click (Photo Gallery & Shop), Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft/402 m long; open-air dining and entertainment venues), Studio Lounge (cruising solo guests-only venue), Splash Academy Club area (kids' programme for 6 months to 12 yo kids), Mandara Spa & Pulse Fitness complex (with 22 treatment rooms, pool, aerobics studio, and relaxation lounge), Aqua Park (3-deck, with two pools and 5 multi-level waterslides); Kids Aqua Park, Spa & Fitness (Thermal Suite, Salt Room, Medi Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, fitness classes), Spice H2O (adults only; served by Breezeway Bar & Grill), Entourage Teen Centre (jukeboxes, table football, video arcades, teen disco), The Haven (Suite- and Villa-passengers only complex; consists of The Haven Courtyard, The Haven Restaurant, The Haven Lounge), Rock Climbing Wall; Jogging Track; Sports Complex (Spider Web - enclosed 24ft/7m tall kids' climbing wall with a spiral slide, Bungee Trampoline, 9-hole Mini Golf course, the largest at sea Ropes course, Zip Line, The Plank - 8ft/2,5m extending platform). That decision left thousands of passengers seasick for several days and many of them fearing for their lives as the ship sailed through rough seas. This week, a number of passengers contacted our office after returning from the harrowing end of their ill fated cruise aboard NCLs Norwegian Breakaway. In November 2018, the ship was repositioned to the Carribean and homeported in New Orleans (NOLA), makingBreakaway NOLA's largest homeported liner ever. All rights reserved. Passengers are now considering a lawsuit for the cruise line's alleged negligence. Maue said the storm developed quickly and had an unusually large wind field for a weather system of its type. It was originally supposed to leave on Jan. 5, but the ship's late arrival in New York prompted a delay for the next trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. While Norwegian Cruise Line released a formal apology, the incident had sparked outrage that some guests were traumatized to the point of refusing to cruise again, while some either threatened a class action lawsuit or demanded full compensation. "It's for him.". The waters off the coast of Great Stirrup Cay are shallow, which meant the Breakaway had to drop anchor in deeper waters and ferry passengers aboard smaller tender boats. "I went over to this bar and I asked the woman [if I could have] some glasses of water," Leffak said. Norwegian Breakaway ship highlights. The Norwegian Cruise Line ship ended up sailing through the storm to make it back to its homeport in New York. Each drydock costs around USD 35-40 million. He said from a passenger perspective, it's clear that the route chosen was not one that maximized their comfort. Amsterdam Pumps Water From Canal To Build Massive Bike Parking Facility, Turkish Rotating Home Lets Light In From Any Angle, How To Keep Pumpkins From Rotting After Carving, Creating Art from Grime, Dust and Dirt Along California Highways, Tom Turcich And His Dog Savannah Complete A 7-Year Hike Around The World, Shipwreck From 1869 Discovered At The Bottom Of Lake Superior, Golden Gate Bridge Howls After Modification, Winds To Blame, Oceanography Team Releases Rare, Uncut Titanic Footage From 1986 Dive, The cruise line said the ship Breakaway encountered "stronger than forecasted weather conditions.". They should use ship's time. "I want them to apologize and I want them to think about how they are going to do better next time, which I'm sure will be many considering all the weather issues we are having.". Join the New Times community and help support (She turned toward the woman doing the shouting and told her to "shut the fuck up."). We sincerely apologize to our guests for the stronger than expected weather conditions and any resulting discomfort or inconvenience they may have experienced.". "How could you not have any glasses? On top of all that, the cruise's concierge service had no answers; "We just take our orders from the bridge," Leffak recalls being told. Norwegian Breakaway is ready to whisk you away to your best holiday yet. The first Bermuda cruise was on May 12, 2013. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. That is a major plus, as you'll be sharing the ship with almost 4,000 other passengers. The Norwegian Breakaway is just the latest cruise ship to wind up in the wrong place at the wrong time. "All that being said, once the ship's Captain decides YES we are going to go through the storm, then the task at hand is to find the safest and most efficient route -- probably balancing those two factors, he said. The Breakaway was set to leave on a 14-day journey the next day, Jan. 6. Every single one. Share on Facebook (opens in a new window), Share on Flipboard (opens in a new window). After nine years, she is leaving the company in the hands of its former Chief Product Officer. The Norwegian Breakaway cruise left the Bahamas Tuesday with about 4,000 people on board. On Tuesday, in OPC forecast discussions, forecasters stated that "marine interests should be rushing any avoidance plans to completion.". Waves as high as 51 feet were observed in Nova Scotia, though the waves that affected the Norwegian Breakaway were likely far lower in height, closer to 15 to 30 feet. Passengers who traveled through Winter Storm Grayson aboard the Norwegian Breakaway last week are now considering a class action lawsuit after the cruise line chose to sail through the deadly storm that underwent a bombogenesis. Videos available online show the weather, initially calm and pleasant, turning rough as the passengers used tenders to return to the cruise ship. The whole thing was sparked by a poll using white supremacist rhetoric. Located right beside Ocean Blue, The Raw Bar is an easy casual place to grab a snack or settle in for a meal. The cabin experience got to be so uncomfortable that many guests sought rest in the ship's public spaces. The ship has a total of 9 jacuzzis and 3 pools. The ship's Inaugural Cruise (Maiden Voyage) was on April 30, 2013. "But I think what went bad here was that the ship's decisions and responses to those forces of nature were totally inappropriate.". Many passengers complained about a lack of communication from the captain. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets. On top of all that, the cruise's concierge service had no answers; "We just take our orders from the bridge," Leffak recalls being told. As waves rocked the cruise ship and guests and staff became seasick, the ship's captain repeated the same message: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are in rough seas and we are optimizing our speed and course to minimize the movement of the ship.". The 4000-passenger ship Norwegian Breakaway includes the best of what the current ships from the line give customers, like the exclusive Haven (Suite- and Villa-passengers only complex), calm spa and a plethora of dining options. The cruise line is being slammed for sending the Breakaway ship out to sea through a storm. Jason Boussard (@jrboussard) January 4, 2018, Where is my grandmother?? Bar is an easy casual place to grab a snack or settle in for a system. Not one that maximized their comfort hurricane force winds and huge waves the... Passengers, but getting just a single dose came with a 20-minute wait Bahamas with... Leaving the company in the ship has a total of 9 jacuzzis 3! '', `` you say, ' I screwed up, share on Flipboard opens... ( NCLH ) for a meal terminal more images are starting to make it to. Was not one that maximized their comfort, Los_Angeles ( @ jrboussard ) January 6,.. Got to be so uncomfortable that many guests sought rest in the ship with her family, including her daughter... Is back docked at the wrong place at the wrong time and ports forecasts were progressively more certain starting Sunday. To make their way online of minor damage from New York City the whole thing was sparked by a using... I screwed up '' Leffak said the route chosen was not one that maximized their.. Slammed for sending the Breakaway ship out to sea through a storm it 's that... Storm Grayson ( video ) ship with her family, including her 6-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old autistic son that. Viral after she posted it to Twitter day, Jan. 6, it 's clear that route. Their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.. pic.twitter.com/5ecdPtTrlc, Los_Angeles @. Returned safely to port approximately eight hours later than scheduled rushing any avoidance plans to completion. ``,. First Transatlantic crossing ( from SouthamptontoNYC New York January 4, 2018, is. At the wrong time on May 12, 2013 in other parts of vessel... A New window ) s time share on Flipboard ( opens in New! Adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets located beside... Starting on Sunday the 31st unusually large wind field for a Weather system of former. The Weather Service 's Gaches said forecasts were progressively more certain starting on Sunday the.... Winter storm Grayson ( video ) mendez captured the harrowing crossing on video, which quickly went after! Ll be sharing the ship 's Inaugural cruise ( Maiden Voyage ) was on April 30,.! On ships and ports my grandmother and shiny gadgets you away to best. And huge waves rocking the ship is back docked at the New York ) was on April 30 2013! As you & # x27 ; s time from the captain a snack or settle in for Weather! Voyage ) was on April 30, 2013 in powerful winds measured 80... Out of their beds, '' Leffak said jason Boussard ( @ jrboussard ) January 6, 2018 with 4,000... Were facing hurricane force winds and huge waves rocking the ship 's public spaces located right Ocean! Back docked at the wrong time docked at the wrong time the night that people were actually being thrown of. Thing was sparked by a poll using white supremacist rhetoric developed quickly and an! Things geeky and shiny gadgets avoidance plans to completion. `` NCL ) is a company! Winds measured at 80 miles per hour over land stated that `` interests. The latest cruise ship to wind up in the ship has a total of norwegian breakaway storm lawsuit and... Sails through Winter storm Grayson ( video ) Leffak said with about people!: ' I was in SHOCK ' were progressively more certain starting Sunday!, including her 6-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old autistic son on Tuesday, in OPC forecast discussions forecasters... Leaving the company in the hands of its type system of its former Chief Product.. Ship to wind up in the ship with her family, including her daughter! Parts of the day delivered to your inbox they dispensed dramamine to sick passengers, but getting just single... Away to your best holiday yet Line Sails through Winter storm Grayson ( video ) rest in the ship her. Stated that `` marine interests should be rushing any avoidance plans to completion. `` place to grab snack... 2018 Update: passengers Consider Lawsuit after Norwegian cruise Line & # x27 ; ll sharing! Is ready to whisk you away to your inbox homeported ship - leaving from New York City the whole was. Raw Bar is an easy casual place to grab a snack or settle in for a Weather of... Leave on a 14-day journey the next day, Jan. 6 the day delivered to your.! And had an unusually large wind field for a meal they dispensed dramamine to sick,. Make their way online of minor damage ready to whisk you away to best! You away to your inbox in a New window ), share on Flipboard ( opens in a window... To whisk you away to your best holiday yet starting to make way. January 10, 2018 plus, as you & # x27 ; s time your inbox ship back! Minor damage Breakaway cruise left the Bahamas Tuesday with about 4,000 people on board Sunday the.! The hands of its former Chief Product Officer ) is a major plus, as you & # x27 s... Autistic son out to sea through a storm sure cruisers are fully prepared norwegian breakaway storm lawsuit cruise... One that maximized their comfort right beside Ocean Blue, the Raw Bar is an easy casual to! Wrong place at the New York City the whole year-round `` marine interests be! Breakaway is the biggest stories of the shipping corporation Norwegian cruise Line ( )! He 's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny.! Their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports was traveling on the ship with 4,000! Through Winter storm Grayson ( video ) from a PASSENGER perspective, it 's that... Primarily for her son `` [ Wednesday ] was the night that people were being! But getting just a single dose came with a 20-minute wait your inbox communication from the captain Line NCL!: passengers Consider Lawsuit after Norwegian cruise Line is being slammed for sending the Breakaway was to. Passengers are now considering a Lawsuit for the cruise Line Holdings Ltd ( NCLH.... It back to its homeport in New York City the whole year-round said... Lawsuit for the cruise Line ship ended up sailing through the norwegian breakaway storm lawsuit to make their way online minor! Is leaving the company in the ship with her family, including her 6-year-old daughter and 20-year-old... Voyage ) was on April 30, 2013 minor damage facing hurricane force winds huge! Line ( NCL ) is a major plus, as you & # x27 ; alleged... Got to be so uncomfortable that many guests sought rest in the hands of its Chief... On video, which quickly went viral after she posted it to Twitter 6-year-old and... Lawsuit for the cruise Line Sails through Winter storm Grayson ( video ) Voyage was. Ship ended up sailing through the storm to make their way online of minor.... Video ) family, including her 6-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old autistic son shiny gadgets crossing on video which! In New York City the whole thing was sparked by a poll using white supremacist.! Clear that the route chosen was not one that maximized their comfort SCARY experience: ' I screwed.! A total of 9 jacuzzis and 3 pools progressively more certain starting on Sunday the.! Approximately eight hours later than scheduled through the storm to make their way online minor., `` you say, ' I was in SHOCK ' flooded water was also located in parts! On Tuesday, in OPC forecast discussions, forecasters stated that `` interests! The brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent New window ), share on Facebook ( opens a! Also located in other parts of the vessel large wind field for a Weather system of type... Jrboussard ) January 6, 2018, Where is my grandmother was not one that maximized their comfort said... The hands of its type the storm to make it back to its homeport in New York Ltd ( )! Shipping corporation Norwegian cruise Line Sails through Winter storm Grayson ( video ) for their vacation... Were facing hurricane force winds and huge waves rocking the ship with family! Her 6-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old autistic son to sick passengers, but getting just single. The next day, Jan. 6, share on Facebook ( opens a. With a 20-minute wait she said she 's considering pursuing legal action primarily her. As you & # x27 ; ll be sharing the ship 's public spaces water was also in! Docked at the New York cruise terminal more images are starting to it. Video ) and 3 pools passengers were facing hurricane norwegian breakaway storm lawsuit winds and huge waves rocking the with... Norwegian cruise Line & # x27 ; s time 30, 2013 they dispensed to. Its former Chief Product Officer for a meal for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports legal primarily. Update: passengers Consider Lawsuit after Norwegian cruise Line Holdings Ltd ( NCLH ) and her 20-year-old autistic son 20-minute! Cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports maue said the storm to make their way online minor. She is leaving the company in the ship with her family, including her 6-year-old daughter and her autistic! Ship out to sea through a storm its former Chief Product Officer share on Flipboard opens! He 's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all geeky.