Norwegian cruise ship loses power at sea

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Cruise passengers on the Norwegian Dawn arrived at Miami International Airport Sunday after their cruise ship lost electricity at sea.

Their vacation ended abruptly after their cruise ship lost power Friday, seven days into its nine-day cruise to the southern Caribbean. "We got communication from the captain the whole day," said passenger Becky Piersante. "We made the best out of a bad situation."

Passengers on board the ship slept outside on the decks in order to catch a cool breeze. "For about 36 hours we were without air conditioning, it made being on the ship quite uncomfortable," said Marc Goloub.

"There were three or four people on deck that actually passed out and collapsed on the floor," said Jeremy Ide.

The ship was diverted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and that's where some said the nightmare continued. "After four attempts, I figured out I was on the 9:00 flight from San Juan to Miami," said Rafael Dicenzo. "The flight ended up departing at 11:45. We just got here now, waiting for our luggage, missed the connection to go back home in Boston. The company doesn't care."

The cruise line hired charter planes to fly the hundreds of stranded passengers back to Miami. Terminals were busy but some passengers said the staff accommodated them. "They gave us all they could. Thank God we are safe and sound back in Miami," said Cory Pastori. "They paid for everything, and it's just one of those things that happens."

"Bought a book, listening to some nice music. It's Miami. I'm just chilling out," said passenger Kathy Dunagan.

Norwegian Cruise Line released this statement: "Because of this situation, Norwegian will be providing each guest with a 75 percent refund on cruise fare paid, as well as a 50 percent future cruise credit, based on cruise fare paid, which can be used on any sailing through December 31, 2010."

The Norwegian Dawn was scheduled to depart Miami Sunday afternoon for another cruise, but it was canceled.

Passengers on that trip will be given refunds and a 50 percent credit towards a future cruise.

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