Broken cruise ship upsets passengers

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Usually folks getting off a cruise ship are happy, and relaxed but that's not the case for several passengers de-boarding Carnival's Holiday. "We call this cruise ship the ship of doom," said Mariah Morrissey.

The boat was supposed to make two stops, Progreso and Cozumel. Yet, it never made it to Progreso due to technical problems. Problems passengers said Carnival knew about before they even got on board. "Carnival was aware just taking people's money," said Michelle Wheeler.

Carnival handed the boarding passengers a letter letting them know there was a problem with the cruising speed so they'd only be stopping at one port, Cozumel, and not Progreso.

Some passengers said even the locals in Cozumel knew the boat was having problems weeks ago. "All the locals telling me, don't get on that boat, the boat broke," said Curtis Burns. "I said the boat is broke? How long has it been broke? They said for about three or four weeks," said Burns.

The broken boat left several boy scouts broken-hearted because their stop in Progreso got the axe. They were planning special ceremony on top of ancient ruins. Boy scout leaders weren't happy either. "Scout law is to be helpful, and thought it would be helpful to let people know what they're getting into when boarding ship," said Henry Wood, a scout leader that traveled from Pennsylvania to make the trip.

It's a feeling shared by others. "They're going to re-load right now, ship is still disabled and inconvenience the next 1,500 passengers," said one passenger.

Wood said knowing passengers arriving Thursday will get the same letter he did a week ago isn't right because Carnival has known about the problem for at least a week now.

Carnival issued a statement that said technicians and parts were waiting in Mobile for the ship's arrival, to make the appropriate repairs to the engine, and expects work to be finished in the next couple of days. Because of the Holiday's late arrival and propulsion problem the Holiday will operate on a modified four day itinerary stopping at one port, Progreso.

Statement from Carnival Cruise Lines

"As a result of a technical problem experienced with the Holiday’s propulsion system combined with inclement weather, the ship was late in returning to Mobile today, arriving at approximately 12:30 p.m. It is now expected to depart on its next cruise, a four-day voyage, at 9:30 p.m. today.

This propulsion problem only impacts the ship's cruising speed. All other systems and hotel services are operating normally. Guests on the the five-day voyage that departed Mobile on January 31 were advised of the problem, informed of the modified itinerary at embarkation and were provided with a $20 missed-port credit.

Due to the ship’s reduced cruising speed the original call at Progresso was canceled and the ship proceeded to Cozumel –its next port of call- where it arrived at approximately 4 p.m. on Feb. 2 and stayed overnight departing the next day at noon.

Carnival had technicians and parts awaiting the ship’s arrival in Mobile today to make the appropriate repairs and adjustments to the engines, and expects all repairs will be completed within the next couple of days.

Because of the Holiday's late arrival into Mobile and the propulsion problem, the Holiday will operate a modified four-day itinerary with a call at Progresso, Mexico.

Carnival sincerely regrets this disruption to our guests’ vacation plans."

Letter Given to Passengers Upon Boarding the Ship

Dear Carnival Guest:

Welcome to Mobile. We want to thank you for choosing Carnival for your vacation.

We also want to provide you with some information about our itinerary. Unfortunately, we have experienced a technical problem with the propulsion system. This is only impacting our maximum cruising speed and all other ship systems and hotel services are functioning normally.

Due to our reduced cruising speed, we will need to cancel our scheduled call in Progreso. We will also now offer an overnight call in Cozumel with arrival on Monday at 6:30 PM and departure on Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

We sincerely apologize for this itinerary change. We know how important the ports of call are in your vacation plans. A $20 per person credit to your onboard Sail & Sign charge account will be provided as reimbursement for the government fees and taxes in Progreso. In addition, any pre-purchased shore excursions for Progreso will be automatically refunded to your Sail & Sign account.

Most importantly, we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard the Holiday. My officers, staff and crew are dedicated to providing you with a fun and memorable cruise vacation.

Sincerely,

Captain

Click here for the Carnival Holiday website.