Reply #2: "unfounded" ... a good non-denial denial word

[TahitiNut]

Like "baseless," neither means 'untrue.' Both merely claim that those making the allegations have insufficient valid evidence upon which to make such claims - probably because any evidence is either destroyed or well safeguarded.

That "deal" was one of the more blatant giveaways associated with Katrina. Those ships, noormally sailing out of Mobile, New Orleans, and Galveston, were going to generate nearly no business whatsoever for many weeks. Nothing but the expense of upkeep and whatever measures they took to prevent or ameliorate any storm damage to the ships. The "sweetheart deal" made more money, by at least double, for the cruise line than they could've possibly made by actually offering a service. Intolerably disgusting.