Fire on Carnival Triumph. No engines, running on emergency generators.

[Half Pint]

Because many Americans are lazy and do not want to take the (little)time it takes to apply for one

 

Yup. It takes a little effort and money.

 

I think ethnocentrism has a lot to do with it, too. Most Americans figure they will never want or need to leave the USA.

[ducklite]

Someone smarter than me will have to explain why/how sewage is running down the walls. I suspect the news media is doing what the news media does...report unfounded "facts."

 

If toilets were overflowing, it could happen. Not saying it is happening, but it could.

[gambee]

Add to this the fact they will not be sailing again for how many weeks?

 

I could not agree more, this might be possibly the worst contract they ever signed. I really hope Carnival does something for them...

[Cruisegirl6]

Honestly, its a bad situation yes, but it could be worse. I like to think its not bad because they are all safe, imagine if something happened up in a plane, now thats worse. They have food and water, they have activities going on so it may be a bit uncomfortable and they need to make adjustments but Carnival in my opinion, giving back full refund plus an equal amount of future cruise credit and picking up their tabs on board, I say that they can choke it up and be quiet and deal with the issue as Carnival has them safe and getting them back home safely.

 

I hear about toilets overflowing and such not sure whether this is true but maybe some will let us know what really happened when they get back, but even so, these things happen in these circumstances. They are lucky they not stuck in a storm, they have two tugs pulling them back to the usa I say for what Carnival has done to make it up to these people if it were me I be very quiet and suck it up and already would immediately asap book up my next two cruises, one with the cruise credit voucher for their next cruise and the other with my refund.

[Zoey]

Why do Americans not like passports? Is it a freedom thing? You travel to another country, you should have a passport.

 

 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my passport and I'm on my third. It's like a ticket to the world. When it gets within several months of expiration, I start thinking about getting it renewed constantly.

[dockmaster]

Someone smarter than me will have to explain why/how sewage is running down the walls. I suspect the news media is doing what the news media does...report unfounded "facts."

 

I think it would be safe to assume that the competition is posting on here and contacting the media. Thats how business works. Then they will say that they want safety for the whole industry....meaning Carnival is the only one unsafe. Take it all with a grain of salt and consider the source.

 

billd

[NTFF]

For those of us with family onboard, this post has been a decent source of information. CCL has been less than useless!!! One automated phone call a day with old information that has been covered on the news! Calling and talking to them is an exercise in frustration. Most of those you speak with either dont know whats recently happening, or are unwilling to give any relevant news!!!

I really fail to understand all the senseless endless debates about passports etc.... I realize that all here have and, are entitled to their opinions, but I wish they would take these debates to another post at least.

 

Does anyone know the current location of the ship? Other than from the old news positions?

[ducklite]

For all the folks who "will never sail Carnival again" or who have never sailed Carnival before and think this proves why they shouldn't:

 

What do you think YOUR preferred cruise line would do differently given the same circumstance? (IMHO, you're pretty much smoking crack if you think it couldn't happen on any line but CCL - and, no I'm not a cheerleader. I've cruised other lines more often than I have CCL)

 

My preferred cruise line had a fire that destroyed a ship. Here's a passenger account with a specific time line and photos. It seems that the cruise line spared no expense to get the passengers taken care of. https://sites.google.com/site/windsongfire/home

[Half Pint]

I think it would be safe to assume that the competition is posting on here and contacting the media. Thats how business works. Then they will say that they want safety for the whole industry....meaning Carnival is the only one unsafe. Take it all with a grain of salt and consider the source.

 

billd

 

I've only cruised Carnival, but somehow I'm the "competition"? LOL That's funny.

 

If people are pooping and peeing in non-working toilets, yeah, I can see how sewage would be running down the walls.

 

Is it true? I guess we'll have to wait until passengers return to find out.

[Feelin' Nauti']

You see I am not entirely sure I agree with you, I understand how this is possibly the worst situation ever that one can be on vacation. But I can tell you that I for one would decline the reversal of the gratuities. Cruise lines are not know for paying well to their crew and it is well known that these people live mostly out of gratuities.

 

You think this situation is bad for the passengers, I am sure it is much worse for the crew and add to that not getting paid for it. I for one would be infuriated if I was in their shoes. Even with carnival paying them or not for this entire ordeal, I would make sure that at least the people that took care of me for those 3 days get paid.

 

I truly feel for the crew and I can only imagine their situation at this point.

Shame on Carnival if they don't compensate the crew.

All guests on the current CARNIVAL TRIUMPH voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise, along with transportation expenses. In addition, they will receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage, as well as reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop and casino charges.

 

After watching this video about how RC swindles their crew :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtaakkly_qU&feature=player_embedded#!

makes me want to forgo automatic tipping and pay the crew directly ;)

[davids68girl]

I did call the number. They tell me all is being handled. They tell me the same stuff I am reading. Very polite and kind but no news on what the employees will do when they reach port or how they are. Are they getting food, water. My concern is that some passenger will go off on him just cus they are mad. We have been on 4 cruises with Carnival and nothing like this has ever happened we have been very happy with Carnival and have always been treated with the best service. I can only imagine what all the passengers are going through and my heart is saddened for those going to miss their scheduled cruise. I know how much goes into the planning having been on 4 cruises myself. I hope that the passengers understand that it is not the fault of the crew members that this has happened..they are suffering also. I have been reading all the comments going on this thread. Concerns about getting a refund or hope they can reschedule their cruise...and although I can understand their concerns what I care about is that my son is safe.

 

I can't imagine how concerned you are for your son. I have thought about the staff a LOT. I can only imagine what they are going through and I'm keeping them in my thoughts and prayers every bit as much as the passengers.

[ducklite]

Yup. It takes a little effort and money.

 

I think ethnocentrism has a lot to do with it, too. Most Americans figure they will never want or need to leave the USA.

 

That's such a sad mindset. There are so many wonders in this world to explore, I can't imagine being satisfied on your deathbed thinking that the most exciting place you'd ever traveled to was Carlos & Charlies.

[MrPete]

Somebody told NBC that people are "acting like savages, fighting over food/tents"

 

How ridiculous! I think in those cases, most everyone would try to make the best of it as theres no where to go. I'm not there but I seriously doubt anyone would "act like a savage" on any ship of any line. God love our media!

 

Did someone tell NBC, or is NBC just reporting that?

[jpurdy]

Why can't they assign a hotline just for those families with pax on the ship? I don't understand in this world of communications that this wouldn't be be the first thing done? Once families reach this hotline they would immediately be put in touch with someone who is on the front lines and knows exactly what is happening. And if Carnival won't give honest assessments of what is happening, then shame on them.

I also don't understand why there wouldn't be more lines for food, i.e. forward, mid and aft.

And if there isn't enough food, drop some by helicopter. Doesn't have to fancy, just ENOUGH for everyone. I realize there will be the hoarders, but maybe it could help.

Being pro-active is good business. Being reactive is only going to be an uphill battle.

Maybe I'm being too simplistic, but the above suggestions come to mind as pretty easy to do.

[bitemyfly]

Because many Americans are lazy and do not want to take the (little)time it takes to apply for one

 

Nope it's not a lazy thing at all , when it becomes a requirement people will comply

While it may amaze some Europeans that a lot of people in the US do not have passports , it's simply because its not required

A very short time ago many peeps in euro needed "papers" to travel , but not here.

I thought it was strange as a kid when I traveled thru Europe that I had to produce a passport

When it becomes mandatory then it will change

[ducklite]

For those of us with family onboard, this post has been a decent source of information. CCL has been less than useless!!! One automated phone call a day with old information that has been covered on the news! Calling and talking to them is an exercise in frustration. Most of those you speak with either dont know whats recently happening, or are unwilling to give any relevant news!!!

I really fail to understand all the senseless endless debates about passports etc.... I realize that all here have and, are entitled to their opinions, but I wish they would take these debates to another post at least.

 

Does anyone know the current location of the ship? Other than from the old news positions?

 

I feel really terrible for you folks. It's becoming pretty apparent that either Carnival is doing a lot of spin doctoring, or they really have a serious communication problem between land and sea.

[AcaCandy]

while it may not be a viable option, I think the question of using lifeboats is a very logical question..regardless of the reasons for not using them..it is still an excellent question and that is what is important

 

 

Viable? 150 miles? No bathroom facilities? And they travel at WHAT speed? It would take how many hours?

Logical? This thread has no logic, it lost logic somewhere immediately after the first post…..in my opinion, should already have been closed.

[RuthlessBoss]

Why can't they assign a hotline just for those families with pax on the ship? I don't understand in this world of communications that this wouldn't be be the first thing done? Once families reach this hotline they would immediately be put in touch with someone who is on the front lines and knows exactly what is happening. And if Carnival won't give honest assessments of what is happening, then shame on them.

I also don't understand why there wouldn't be more lines for food, i.e. forward, mid and aft.

And if there isn't enough food, drop some by helicopter. Doesn't have to fancy, just ENOUGH for everyone. I realize there will be the hoarders, but maybe it could help.

Being pro-active is good business. Being reactive is only going to be an uphill battle.

Maybe I'm being too simplistic, but the above suggestions come to mind as pretty easy to do.

First, a line of communications was set up early on, we had someone report the procedure he went through.

As for food, it's been reported people in line were hoarding food, piling their plates, thus emptying trays too quick. It was suggested that staff sort of ration it out, but some felt that was a waste of staff usage (that was a poster comment)

[avic77]

Ohh my home city will be busy busy Thursday! Good thing Mardi Gras clears out today and tomorrow!

[texast518]

Nicely stated

 

WELL SAID!! You must have attended UT instead of OU, jest from 72 YO that bleeds ORANGE.

[jpurdy]

First, a line of communications was set up early on, we had someone report the procedure he went through.

As for food, it's been reported people in line were hoarding food, piling their plates, thus emptying trays too quick. It was suggested that staff sort of ration it out, but some felt that was a waste of staff usage (that was a poster comment)

 

And It is being reported that communication is useless or 'less than useless'. I am not arguing that something has been attempted, but it appears that both communication with families and food lines are not working either. I am suggesting Carnival could do much better with crowd control and communication and I am frustrated that someone isn't directing/controlling/advising/ in a more pro-active way.

[MissMeggieMurphy]

Why can't they assign a hotline just for those families with pax on the ship? I don't understand in this world of communications that this wouldn't be be the first thing done? Once families reach this hotline they would immediately be put in touch with someone who is on the front lines and knows exactly what is happening. And if Carnival won't give honest assessments of what is happening, then shame on them.

I also don't understand why there wouldn't be more lines for food, i.e. forward, mid and aft.

And if there isn't enough food, drop some by helicopter. Doesn't have to fancy, just ENOUGH for everyone. I realize there will be the hoarders, but maybe it could help.

Being pro-active is good business. Being reactive is only going to be an uphill battle.

Maybe I'm being too simplistic, but the above suggestions come to mind as pretty easy to do.

 

we have no way of knowing if second hand reports are valid, or even truthful. and, not to sound insensitive, a second by second, minute by minute account of what is happening onboard would be of what service to family members not on the ship?

 

the facts are pretty simple and no amount of embellishment will change them: the triumph is dead in the water due to a fire on board. electrical power in the way of auxiliary power is miniscule at best and is probably being used for essential services like emergency lighting and communication equipment for the bridge. non-perishable food is available and is being replenished by other ships. (having lived through a major power outage this ends up being fruits, raw vegetables, bread products, water, peanut butter, crackers, processed cheese). passengers and crew with major health problems are being seen to and evacuated by air-lift if necessary. sanitation is an issue and people are being asked to abide by certain restrictions (though many won't lower their sensibilities and will cause problems to non-working systems). the boat is either being prepared for tugging into mobile or is underway. its probably a 200+ mile trek at 3 or 4 miles per hour, hence 50 hours.

 

now, what kind of updates should be coming from the ship and passed on to emergency contacts? it isn't like they can hand a phone to someone's loved one to ensure that they are hunky-dorey (which they probably aren't).

[Aquahound]

Somebody told NBC that people are "acting like savages, fighting over food/tents"

 

How ridiculous! I think in those cases, most everyone would try to make the best of it as theres no where to go. I'm not there but I seriously doubt anyone would "act like a savage" on any ship of any line. God love our media!

 

The CG, a competent law enforcement authority, is on scene and if this was true, they would intervene and take action. I'm certain there are short tempers and plenty of arguments on board, but "acting like savages" is a gross exaggeration.

 

Why would the USCG have to board the ship???

 

You are correct. The CG has not boarded the ship. They did assist with some transfer of supplies, but they have not been on board.

[Cookie12345]

Does anyone have knowledge that the Triumph is hooked up and on the move? I can't find any information where the Triumph is actively being towed, only that one tugboat has arrived. I'm not talking about news reports either. They seem to be inaccurate or are being fed Carnival PR.

 

There is a Coast Guard Cutter protecting the ship and other Carnival Ships are dropping off food packages as they pass. Two people have been removed, one for a broken leg, and one for Dialysis. They are peeing in the shower, and pooping in hazardous waste bags. They are eating cold-cut sandwiches. They are starting to get stressed, but the report I have is people are not acting like savages, they are all civilized. I'm sure there are a couple of people that panicking, but for the most part, it is very civil, as you would expect.

[sjn911]

We are to sail on the Feb 25th cruise but I doubt that will happen. Tried to cancel and switch to the magic cruise the same week but it was already sold out :( But they did tell me that we could cancel our cruise with no penalties or cancellation fees. We decided to hang on and see what happens but are planning on a trip to San Antonio because we know it will probably be canceled. We have to do our trip that week because time off work already being taken and family flying in just to watch our children. We were really looking forward to a cruise :(

So sorry about your cruise....but safety first and I really think discovering Galveston and then seeing San Antonio would be a great option for those so inclined...San Antonio is magic to me...only have been once..a real surprise it was...and so much history and romance to the place...Sarah