COVID-19 pandemic
On 13 April 2020, a 56-year-old Filipino male crew member died aboard Norwegian Gem.[7] The crew member had been treated for pneumonia and tachycardia arrhythmia.[8] NCL claimed they did not believe he was infected with SARS-CoV-2, but appeared to have not offered any explanation as to why an autopsy was not performed, nor why he was not tested for the virus.[7] He was disembarked at Miami by people in hazmat suits.[8]
On 23 April, NCL sent a letter to the crew members aboard stating that another crew member, who was on the cruise ship between 31 March and 14 April, had tested positive for the virus.[9] Notably, this letter was not sent to crew members who were no longer on the ship.[9]
On the morning of 30 April, the senior doctor on Norwegian Gem was found dead in his cabin.[7] NCL claimed that he died of a heart attack in his sleep, though crew members stated that he was being treated for pneumonia and had not been tested for the virus.[7] Also, according to crew members, a nurse who had worked closely with the doctor had reportedly tested positive for the virus after being removed from the ship.[7][8]
There was concern among crew members that NCL had been hiding evidence of the virus on board Norwegian Gem, which may become an issue if NCL carries out plans to combine crews from different ships together before sailing them back home.[7]
In July 2021, the cruise line filed a lawsuit against the surgeon general of Florida, Scott Rivkees, for forbidding the requirement from private businesses for a proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The suit is primarily against the statewide measure allowing the state to fine businesses up to $5,000 for each instance of requiring a proof of vaccination for admittance or entry into the establishment. The company argued that the prevention of vaccine documentation is in effect a violation of the freedom of speech secured by the first amendment by way of "restricting the flow of information", according to the Wall Street Journal.[10][11][12]
