Use of Carnival ships
 

Have the names of the Carnival ships that are to be used for relief in NO been listed?

I work for a company that deals with Carnival and must process thousands of these cancellations-You won't believe what people say....One lady was moved to tears by Carnival's gesture and was happy to get her refund and rebook, and will gladly use them in the future based on those actions. Another lady said "I know those people need help and all, but they could of picked a different ship"....takes all kinds I guess...aye.

Last Monday people were laughing at the idea. On Wednesday the director of FEMA was saying they were in negotiations with criuse line companies. I think it is a great idea especially for a major port city.

To think ouside of the box even futher, I wish one of the two 747 Air Force One jets could carry families to D.C. who have family there. Two round trips to LA and MS with a nearly empty jumbo jet makes no sence.

Yes, it's the Carnival Extacy, Sensation and Holiday.

You can read about it at cruise-addicts.com, it's on the front page:)

Oops, I meant Carnival Ecstasy:)

Why on earth were people laughing at the idea? It's such a perfect solution -- beds, bathrooms, kitchens, infirmaries, light and heat -- what's the problem? I don't understand. 'Splain to me, Lucy.

Not to mention some privacy and much-needed dignity.

Hi JocelynP, yes dignity. I read one story yesterday where a nurse rescued an elderly lady who had had the same diaper on for days. She cried from embarasment. And another dear elderly lady that was rescued that had the same dress on the entire time. She apolgized, while patting her dirty and matted hair, about her appearance and was quoted as saying "I am so sorry, I usually look so nice". Stories that make it hard not to cry.

It's not a bad deal for Carnival. Early last week, Carnival was selling $129 5-day and $99 4-day cruise out of Galveston, through various agents in Houston. They have to spend fuel on the ship, pay servers/entertainers, etc...

Now, they just park the ships in Galveston and collect federal money. Much easier for them, and they get some good press.

I heard yesterday that they will be used for the elderly and people with special needs. Good use.

rkkwan, "much easier" is not really true. Carnival will lose huge revenue from doing this and ought to be commended. Think of the bar bills alone - that is a huge part of a cruise ship income which will be missing (I assume!) for many months (til March 2006). What about the gratuities that the 1500 staff members still working onboard will most definitely not be receiving? I commend Carnival. They deserve all the press they can get from this!

It's nice to commend Carnival, but did they really 'volunteer' their ships? As part of the charter for doing business in the US, they may have had to agree to be part of the US emergency transport system, whatever it's called. US Airlines can have their fleet commandeered to transport troops and equipment at the government's behest (and cost). Same is true with the merchant marine fleet.

Volunteer? From a PR point of view, although they are not US ships, they probably didn't have much of a choice. But no matter how you look at it, they will certainly not be making the kind of profit they would if they were sailing with paying customers. Imagine the wear and tear on the cabins compared to paying customers - with no credit card deposits to fall back on.

Heck it may all be a moot point anyway - just heard that they are postponing boarding because the evacuees are refusing to move - "The Dome is Home" apparently is the new chant.

When we had our boat on Lake Michigan, she was registered with the Coast Guard which meant in an emergency they could induct her into use if needed.

These three ships are being "chartered" by the US government. It is worth noting that one of the ships normally goes out of New Orleans (obviously all those cruises were cancelled anyway) and another normally goes out of Mobile, where it will return after the 6 month charter.

Yes, it is a huge "loss" to the cruise line, but don't forget, they were going to probably suffer an even bigger loss without the help of the "charter" of the US government. And also don't forget "loss" writeoffs are a big part of doing big business and do offer certain advantages to the company.

This is NOT meant to diminish the value of using those ships for their new shelter purposes, but I felt these points should be mentioned. It remains a GREAT idea.

I heard on the radio news yesterday that they didn't have enough 'takers' for the ships and they have 'suspended' the idea.

Belle

In general, I think the Carnival Corp is a good company. We were on a cruise before and our ship was late getting into port, causing over 1000 people to miss their flight, the carnival corp paid for everyone's penalties and costs to buy new tickets. And from what I understand, the company was made into the empire it is today by one man/family, and I know that Mr. Carnival is always on the scene when things go wrong on a ship.

"Mr. Carnival is always on the scene when things go wrong on a ship."

Just like our President and our FEMA Chief.

I can see it now: 2008--Mr. Carnival for Pres!

In the paper, people were quoted as saying that they didn't want to live temporarily on the cruise ships because they "don't know how to swim" and "don't want to live over water. I've seen enough water already."

Given the way they've been treated, I think they're afraid they'll wake up and find they've been shipped off to another country.