Yes, Judy24, or not allowed to leave, once on it!

But one other reason I heard was they were still trying to connect with other family members.

Belle

Thanks for the chuckles Judy! That was really funny

My applause to all of you here for the sensibility shown about this issue. On another thread in a different forum this issue got so twisted it was ludicrous and Fodors shut it down. Its good to see plain old common sense in action.

Or it's because Galveston has a lousy Madri Gras, and New Orleans residents don't want anything to do with Galveston.

rkkwan, thanks for the smile in an otherwise miserable week.

I have to admit, however, I always prefered Galveston Mardi Gras only because it WAS a bit tamer.

Judy, I thought the same thing. I've been on a few cruises so I can't understand why someone would want to stay in the Astrodome over a private stateroom. I guess it could be a fear of the water or that they won't be let back on land if they want to get off.I do think it's great of Carnival to donate their ships though.

Maybe there are a lot of people with an obsessessive fear of Gavin MacLeod?

viamar, from what I've seen most people don't want to move to the ships because they have already established "residence" at the Dome complex as far as other family members searching for them, looking for jobs, getting federal assistance, etc. They don't want to have to go thru all the paperwork again to re-establish themselves elsewhere at this point.

Also, the fact that there is public transportation from the Dome to many parts of Houston is a factor. There is no public transport from Galveston to parts of Houston for job and home searches, etc. Galveston is more isolated than the Dome and it's surrounding complex.

The Denver Post reported yesterday that officials could get no takers in the group of displaced New Orleans residents still sheltered various places there. No one wanted to board the ships. Some speculate the 'refugees' are simply too exhausted and wary to make another move. What an overwhelming tragedy.

Carnival Line did not "donate" the ships.

FEMA leased them.

That's a huge financial difference.

Marion

Just from a psychological point of view I think it's better than nothing but still not optimal at all.

People under these circumstances are not going to feel secure on anything that is moving, nor on water.

The evacuees I've spoken with really don't care so much about anything but safety and being able to stay in one place and rest for awhile. And they just need more space than those cabins provide. Most want to stay in their larger groups and do not want to be separated into closures of that size.

It's good for those alone or waiting for notice from some connections or mixed family elsewhere as just a very temporary week or two week fix.

Better than nothing but Carnival is going to take a big hit on this and it is obligatory.

LOL Patrick Well, if no one else wants to go on them, I'm going to book a facial!! I know, I know...sorry.