CARNIVAL Cruise Lines has cancelled all
Carnival Triumph departures from now until 13
April, in the aftermath of an engine fire which
in turn resulted in what is being dubbed “the
cruise from hell”.
The ship lost propulsion and most of its
onboard power on 10 February whilst sailing
on a four-day cruise in the Gulf of Mexico,
leaving guests without working toilets and
forcing the cruise line to rely on food drop-offs
from other ships to feed the hungry hoards.
According to guest reports, some passengers
even ended up sleeping outdoors on the ship’s
deck to avoid the smell and sickness pervading
the vessel.
The four night cruise, which departed
Galvestone on 07 Feb, was initially due sail
around the Gulf of Mexico before returning to
Galvestone, however the four night holiday,
turned into a seven-night ordeal, as tow boats
were enlisted to pull Triumph into the port of
Mobile in Alabama.
To add insult to injury, whilst towing the ship,
one of the towlines broke and had to be
reattached, adding further delays.
Passengers who suffered through the voyage
have been given a full refund, had their
onboard expense account tab covered by the
company (excepting gift shop and art
given US$500, and a future cruise credit to the
value of the amount paid for their fare.
Guests transportation post cruise was also
covered by the cruise line.
In terms of cancellations, Triumph has
dropped a total of 14 four- and five-day
voyages, scheduled to depart Galvestone
between 11 February and 13 April.
Guests booked on the affected cruises will
receive a full fare refund, as well as nonrefundable
transport costs, pre-paid shore
excursions, gratuities and Government fees
and charges.
The guests will also receive a 25% discount
on a future three- to five-day Carnival cruise,
or a 15% discount on a six- to seven-day voyage.