May 30, 2003 -- A May 25 boiler room accident aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's venerable Norway resulted in the deaths of six crewmembers. An additional eleven were hospitalized in serious condition.
The incident happened at approximately 6:30am, soon after the ship had returned to Miami from a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Some 2,135 passengers were aboard at the time, but none were affected by the explosion or the subsequent fire. All were evacuated from the vessel as rescue workers and fire crews brought the situation under control.
Norway is one of the oldest vessels currently sailing the Caribbean. Built in 1962 as Charles de Gaulle's dream ship, the ss France, she was sold to NCL in 1981 and converted from an ocean liner into a cruise ship.
NCL has cancelled the vessel's June 1 and June 8 cruises as it assesses the damage. Passengers booked on the June 1 cruise are eligible for a full refund plus a credit equal to 50 percent of the amount paid, which they can apply toward a future cruise. Passengers on the June 8 cruise receive a full refund plus a 25 percent credit. Travelers needing more information about the cancellation and/or compensation package should call 800/327-7030 or their travel agent.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard are investigating the cause of the accident.