New Jersey ? New Jersey’s attorney general sued Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on Thursday for diverting a Bermuda-bound cruise to Canada last summer and refusing to issue refunds.

The cruise line said a looming storm prompted the change, and contends it was adhering to policies made known to travelers.

The state’s lawsuit accuses the cruise line of violating the state Consumer Fraud Act. It seeks restitution for the people aboard the ship plus civil penalties.

“It is unconscionable that consumers showed up for a cruise they paid for with hard-earned money, only to be sent somewhere they didn’t want to go, without access to the amenities they paid for and activities they looked forward to, and were told there was nothing they could do about it,” said Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts.

But Michael J. Sheehan, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean, said the ship was diverted because a tropical storm in the ship’s path threatened the voyage.

“The safety of our guests and crew members is our top priority, and our obligation to ensure their safety required us to alter the sailing to Bermuda,” he said.