Sunday, July 7, 2013

Carnival Conquest Diverted to Mobile

The Port of Mobile has a ship once again, if only for a day...

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Yesterday evening we were advised of the closure of the Mississippi River as a result of a sunken vessel which the U.S. Coast Guard was working to locate to determine if it posed a hazard for other vessels transiting the river. We were advised to expect another update at midday today. Given the uncertainty as to the when the river may re-open and the approximate nine hour transit time required from the mouth of the river to New Orleans, it was decided last night to divert the ship to Mobile to ensure we are able to get our guests home as quickly as possible. 
Once the ship arrives in Mobile guests will be transferred to New Orleans via motor coach (an approximate two-and-a-half hour distance). 
The next voyage is being shortened to a 6-day cruise which will depart Mobile on Monday and call at Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas. Guests sailing on the shortened voyage will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of their cruise fare and have the option of canceling and receiving a full refund if they do not wish to proceed with the voyage. Embarkation for the new 6-day cruise will take place in New Orleans and guests will be transferred via motor coach to Mobileto board the ship. 
Carnival is encouraging guests scheduled for the new cruise departing Monday to sign up for text alerts by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473) to receive updates.
We sincerely apologize to our guests for the inconvenience this unanticipated deviation may cause. Unfortunately, with no indication as to when the river may re-open, we chose the one option that would guarantee we are able to get our guests home as quickly as possible.

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