Passengers offered cruise benefits after journey marred by construction

VICTORIA — An offer of a free cruise isn’t enough to quell one passenger’s anger over a Panama Canal vacation that she says was marred by construction noise and fumes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has offered guests who were aboard the troubled voyage a full credit of the fare they paid, to be used toward another cruise of their choice before March 31, 2023.

The company says in a statement that the ship underwent “enhancements” and while it does its best to minimize impacts to guests, the recent sailing did not meet its standards.

Cecilia Jenkins was on the cruise with her family and she says construction began almost immediately, complete with strong-smelling fumes and jackhammers.

She says she doesn’t know how to respond to the offer, and at this point she would never take another journey with the company again.

Instead of a free voyage, she says she wants the company to be accountable for what happened and answer her questions about the air quality on board the ship.

“I would really like ownership of this and the truth,” she said. “I don’t want the next set of passengers that are going to go out on this boat to have the same thing happen to them, or their next boat that’s set for beautification.”

The construction lasted for the entire two-week journey, said Jenkins, from moments after the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel left a dock in Miami to its docking in Los Angeles on Saturday.

A Facebook group called Panama Canal Sun was launched four days before the ship docked. By Tuesday, it had 330 members and some of them had posted pictures and video of renovations taking place on the ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line apologized in its statement for failing to meet the expectations of its passengers.

“We realize that this gesture cannot replace their recent experience but do hope to have the opportunity to welcome them on board again soon.”