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Julian Bray broadcasting this morning on 'Market Report,' from American Public Media in Chicago said: The MV Carnival Triumph cruise ship has finally docked in Mobile Alabama after its engines failed five days ago, and knocked out the ships power generators."
Speaking at a press briefing in Mobile Alabama, Carnival Vice President, Terry Thornton said: ‘We have 200 Carnival shore teams standing by but there are some limitations on board, there is only one functioning elevator, which is challenging and It will take four to five hours to get all the passengers off the ship.’
Carnivals VP said the cruise line prided itself on providing a great vacation 'and clearly we failed in this particular case. I plan to go aboard the ship and personally apologize to our guests.
Passengers told stories of failed air conditioning below decks, vacuum toilets not operating and having to defecate into red bio-hazard disposal bags, cold food and some shortages, and companionways only lit by floor level emergency guide lights. Many however commended the hard work of th crew working under difficult and challenging circumstances.
Conditions below decks were so challenging that several thousand passengers abandoned their cabins in favor of a makeshift town of tents on upper decks or in cooler public areas As the cruise ship was nudged by a tug into port, anxious passengers were lining the decks waving, cheering and whistling to those waiting on land. Buses had been assembled to take them to their next stop.
For five days the 100,000 + tonnes Carnival Triumph cruise ship – has been coaxed towards the port of Mobile by a fleet of seagoing tugs
At around midday the Carnival ship finally entered the shipping channel leading to its final destination in Mobile, but as luck would have it the lead tug also broke down and a replacement had to put out to sea.
But within an hour disaster had struck again as the lead tug’s tow gear broke. A replacement vessel was brought it only for its tow line to snap, further delaying the ship’s arrival in port.
Already the cruise line mindful of litigation and the adverse publicity that 3,000 camera phones will create, have offered full refunds and reimbursement of all return air and land travel expenses, and have also offered a replacement cruise, at no cost, plus $500 lodged in an on board account.
Contributor: JULIAN BRAY, Media Expert, Aviation, Politics & Travel, Economics, Broadcaster & Journalist Julian Bray NUJ Life Member, Full EQUITY Member UK Landline: 01733 345581 Mobile: 07944 217476 ISDN2 +44(0)1733 555 319 (UK HOME ISDN 01733 555319) G722/APT-X Dual Codecs SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK
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