Charges Filed Over Canceled 2026 Cruise; $642,000 ...

Lots of of cruisers are 1000’s of {dollars} out of pocket and on the lookout for solutions after a serious music cruise was canceled on the final minute.

The Capital Jazz SuperCruise, scheduled for late March 2026, by no means left the dock. Now, the state of Maryland is stepping in to search out out the place the cash went.

In accordance with news reports, Maryland Lawyer Basic Anthony G. Brown has filed formal costs in opposition to Capital Jazz and its proprietor, Clifford Hunte.

The state alleges the corporate took at the very least $642,240 from 103 recognized passengers and did not pay it again.

Whereas some friends solely discovered the journey was off just a few days earlier than departure, investigators say the cruise was really destined to by no means occur months in the past.

The 4-Month Hole

The investigation discovered that the ship operator, MSC Cruises, had already canceled the contract with Capital Jazz in November 2025 as a result of the promoter wasn’t paying the payments.

Regardless of dropping the ship, the corporate reportedly stored taking cash and holding onto deposits till the final second. Many individuals had already paid for flights and accommodations in Miami earlier than they have been advised “to not present up” on the port.

A Sample

This isn’t the primary time the promoter has been in scorching water. Capital Jazz was already below a 2025 authorized settlement for failing to refund prospects from earlier years.

The Lawyer Basic says the corporate didn’t simply ignore the 2026 passengers. Additionally they stopped paying the penalties they owed from that first case.

Lawyer Basic Anthony G. Brown stated that “Capital Jazz made a dedication to Maryland shoppers and broke it, after which they openly did it once more.”

Video of the 2025 SuperCruise:

A Choose to Determine

A listening to is about for July 21, 2026, the place a decide will determine on penalties and how you can get the $642,000 again to the individuals who paid it.

If you’re nonetheless ready on a refund for this cruise, the state is urging you to file a proper grievance with the Client Safety Division to be sure to’re on the listing for potential reimbursement.

“I Actually Pray We Get Refunded”

After ABC 7 reported on this story, dozens of friends who have been impacted reacted to the story.

“I’m a part of this cruise and am out of seven,376.00,” one remark acknowledged, whereas one other stated they paid over $8,000 for the journey.

The frustration amongst friends usually targeted on a single theme. It was the sensation that the corporate knew the cruise was in hassle lengthy earlier than they advised the general public.

“I’m a part of this cruise as nicely. The quantity is $7,836,” one passenger posted. “They took cash realizing the cruise was cancelled based mostly upon the data [the state] obtained.”

One other traveler famous that they’d been attempting to get solutions for months. “I’ve identified that the cruise was canceled again in December. My telephone calls to SuperCruise began on Dec 18th… I used to be advised in Mid-January that it was canceled and that I’d obtain an electronic mail with additional data. Did you get an electronic mail? ME EITHER.”

For some, the cancelation felt like a betrayal of years of loyalty. One fan, who had supported the corporate for 15 years, famous that their group was out over $7,000.

“The dearth of communication, the sudden elimination of the web site, the unanswered calls, are ALL utterly UNSATISFACTORY!!!” they wrote. “I actually pray we get refunded.”