Bomb hoax on Norwegian Spirit delays cruise

John · 09-23-2007, 06:20 AM

A bomb threat stranded a luxury cruise ship for hours yesterday at a Manhattan pier, cops said.

Using the city's 911 service, a man reported that a device would explode on the Norwegian Spirit at 7 p.m.

"Sa'id, my brother, works on the boat," the caller said, according to cops. "He has a bomb and it's going to go off at 7."

Heavily armed city cops, including the NYPD's bomb squad, descended on the ship, which was carrying about 2,000 passengers. Several hours later, police officials called the threat a hoax.

Delayed for three hours, the ship embarked on its overnight jaunt at 7:15 p.m., minus several nervous passengers.

"We were sitting in our room and we saw the police," said Gary Phillips, 30. "I went to the desk and they said there was a threat, but they wouldn't tell us any more."

Phillips and other passengers said they were told they would get no refund.

"I'd rather leave the $350 and go home to my 3-year-old son," Phillips said.

Norwegian Cruise Line spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews had no comment on the threat, saying only, "We're glad that everyone was safe."

(NYDaily News)

**Ally** · 09-23-2007, 06:22 AM

Hoax threats are not grounds for a refund IMHO. They happen all the time, rarely make the media and it sounds like the problem was dealt with in the proper manner too.

John · 09-23-2007, 06:25 AM

I agree Ally. The delay here was for 3 hours only. The most important thing is that it was a hoax and everyone was able to go on their cruise safely.

If anyone wants compensation they should contact the hoaxer.

**Ally** · 09-23-2007, 08:58 AM

It appears that this was a one-nighter cruise anyway, not exactly a massive expense nor any real time lost either. One wonders what people would rather the authorities do...ignore the warning or act on it and check things out? And as for the Carnival comment...erm...Carnival ships have hoaxes too...along with every other cruise line. It isn't just NCL who has to deal with nonsense behaviour like this.

Quote:

September 23, 2007 -- A party ship set for an overnight trip called a "Cruise to Nowhere" almost literally went there yesterday when police received an anonymous call warning that a bomb had been placed on board by an employee, cops said.

The Norwegian Spirit was set to sail on a trip to gamble, drink and dance the night away at about 4 p.m. when the call came in, cops said.

"I'm glad I am not on it," said James Colao, 37, of New Jersey, who arrived too late to board. "Maybe next time we'll take Carnival."

After searching the ship, cops determined the threat to be not credible. The 2,000 passengers were given the choice of staying for the cruise or disembarking, and about half left.

(New York Post)

**alphakitty** · 09-23-2007, 11:02 AM

I'm surprised that many chose not to go. I bet they would have gone on the cruise if it had been a longer one. Shame really that people have to do such things that impact on everyone's lives. Hope they catch the perp.