Hurricane Ike update: Carnival cancels cruises from Galveston, Texas
In the wake of Hurricane Ike, Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled two sailings out of Galveston set for Monday. Galveston was among the Texas towns hardest hit by the hurricane that made landfall Friday and pummeled sections of the state throughout the weekend.
The Carnival Conquest, which had been scheduled to depart Monday on a six-day cruise (down from seven), will not sail at all. (Carnival originally said it would sail Tuesday if the port was not open Monday.) The Carnival Ecstasy was scheduled to depart Monday for a trip to Mexico. That sailing has been canceled.
Passengers will receive refunds, Carnival said, in about three weeks.
The Conquest, which was on a sailing at the time of Ike, has been diverted to New Orleans. Guests can debark there on Monday or Tuesday or return to Galveston, although Carnival acknowledges that it is not sure when that might happen.
The Ecstasy also has gone to New Orleans and passengers can debark Tuesday or Wednesday or stay on the ship and sail back to Galveston. Again, Carnival is uncertain when that might happen.
Here is what Carnival’s website said: “We do not currently have a lot of information about the status of the shipping channel, cruise terminal or the port access infrastructure. Local communication has been very challenging, and there are restrictions against incoming traffic into the Galveston area.”
Carnival said there was “tremendous uncertainty about when the port will be available to us.”
— Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times Travel editor
[Photo: The Ecstasy, docked previously in New Orleans, is one of three Carnival ships that was leased to the government after Hurricane Katrina; by Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times]
61 Comments on “Hurricane Ike update: Carnival cancels cruises from Galveston, Texas”
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September 15th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I am on the carnival ecstasy now. We’re not sure if we should get off in New Orleans Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. or wait and try to get back to Galveston to assess damage to our cars. Also, not sure how we can get out of Galveston if the ship is able to port. Please anyone out there respond and let me know if you’ve heard if cars are getting IN AND OUT of galveston.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Tishy- The conditions in Galveston are bad. Not a lot has been reported on the condition of the port or the cars that were/are parked in the cruise terminals. Galveston was hit very hard. A lot of the roads are blocked by debris. Galveston island is closed an the only people allowed IN are emergency persons. You can get OUT of the city, but that is only if your car is still operational. It would probably be best to get off in New Orleans and drive (rent a car) or fly back to your home.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:43 am
The news is telling people to stay out of galveston. In addition, I saw the pictures of galveston on TV and it is destroyed. I can’t tell you what to do but chances are your vehicle is damaged or destroyed.
We were scheduled to for Monday’s cruise which was cancelled.
September 15th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
We are wondering what they are going to do about the cruise that is to leave 9/20 from Galveston? I am sure they won’t leave from Galveston and see where the 2 ships that were out are heading to New Orleans. Will they offer us to leave from that port or cancel? It would be nice to know so we can make travel plans to somewhere or forget it.
September 15th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Tishy–You may know this by now, but Carnival’s spokeswoman just told me your ship may stay longer in New Orleans while Carnival evaluates the situation. So you may not have to decide right away. I’ll do a post on this shortly.
Jane Engle
Assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor
September 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Tishy,
You need to stay of out Galveston. They are not going to allow you access to the island. That may turn into a bigger headache for you. I know thats not news you want to hear.
good luck
September 15th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Anybody heard anything about the cruise that was supposed to leave on 9/20. I can’t find an answer anywhere. Sorry for all the people that may have lost there cars and homes down there.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Teresa–As of now, Carnival still plans to operate the Sept. 20 Ecstasy voyage and Sept. 21 Conquest voyage, its spokeswoman told me today. Of course, that could change. Carnival is pretty good about updating ship changes on its website, http://www.carnival.com. More on this soon.
-Jane Engle, assistant travel editor
September 15th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I am leaving out on Ecstacy on 9/29. I am also wondering if we will be leaving out of New Orleans since it’s already there. If anyone had any news please post.
Thanks
September 15th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I was supposed to be on the Conquest that was going to sail out today instead of yesterday..however they cancelled it… We re-booked for Sunday 9/21 hoping we can go, but by the looks of it, that may not be happening. I wish everyone on the 2 ships in N.O, all the best.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
We go out of Galveston on 10/18. I know this is still a ways off–but if the port if serverly damaged it might be closed still. I would love to know any info asap so I can rebook flights before they go sky high!
September 15th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Just talked to travel agent in Houston and was told that Carnival may wait till thursday to tell us about the cruise on Sept 20…My take on this is that carnival is trying to get as many cancellations from people that are nervous about the cruise because if you cancel the last week all your cruise money is kept by carnival if you do not have insurance…any comments, please post….we also as many other people have made a lot of plans for this cruise that involves more than 2 day notice of what is happening..
September 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Yes, we know how it feels, you see, we lost the Carnival Conquest ship after Katrina. Carnival removed it from New Orleans and sent it to Galveston. It is interesting to see that they are so anxious to get it back to a Texas port. That did not happen in Louisiana! But i know how important it is to not lose a major tax base such as a major cruise line, just ask our city.
Best to the people of Galveston in their recovery. Our hearts go out to them.
September 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Do NOT get into Galveston! They are not letting people leave…and the people that are leaving are loading up on buses going towards shelters. When the people leave for a shelter, they do not even know which direction they are going. It is BAD in Galveston!!! Good luck with your vehicles, but they probably are not in very good shape if they are even there! I would get off in New Orleans and then find a way home. Good luck!!
September 15th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Earl: I so believe what you posted. I am with a party of 12 that is booked for 09/20. We have been given the run around all day. I can’t imagine where one would even park in Galveston with all the devastation. This is not good PR for Carnival leaving us with all this uncertainty. They should just Man up to the situation. I will remember this if I ever book a cruise again.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
We are scheduled to sail on Conquest on Sept. 21. So, I called Carnival today and they said they will let us know on Sep. 20 if we are going on Sep. 21. This is not acceptable because we are flying from Pennsylvania for this cruise. We have insurance through Carnival so I called them today and was informed that if we choose not to go we are NOT covered by the insurance that we PAID EXTRA for! It only covers illness. What a deal for Carnival and a bad deal for us.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
my wife and i are on the same ship 10/18 from Galveston. if we or you find any info will you tell us or vise versa.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Really need to know about my car parked at 2502 Harborside Drive in Galveston. We are on the Ecstacy.
Does anyone have any idea what or when we can go in to Galvestion and assess the damage to our car? I cannot reach the parking lot by phone. Advise. Thanks.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Sad to say, Galveston is impassable—no traffic is being let in. Your car most likely has suffered four feet of flooding.
They are very worried about disease due to no water, nor sewage. People who chose to ignore the mandatory order to evacuate delayed other humanitarian efforts as others were concerned about their welfare and thus had to devote significant resources to search and rescue.
I am sorry about your car, hopefully you are insured. Whatever you do, do not accept a flooded car, it will never be right again.
I hope this helps?
September 15th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Hello,
I was on the Carnival Conquest that docked in New Orleans today (Monday). We received news at 5pm Sunday afternoon that we were being sent to New Orleans and that we were responsible for getting home any way we could. Shame on you Carnival……
They did let us use the Ships phone, but they had three phones for 2000 people. They then let us use our room phones but all the lines were loaded and you could not get through. Cell phones were all but useless, we also had to pay 85 cents per minute to use the Internet. They kept telling us that Carnival was a billion dollar industry, but they left 2000 of it’s patrons high and dry. I also purchased cruise insurance, but was told that we would loose all our money if we did not sail. I have lost my 2008 vehicle and other valuables that I left in the car. However as far as I know we were not in danger and arrived safely back to the US.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Jennifer - on local houston news tonight they showed the cars parked and they were all under water during the storm. Some cars ran into each other causing damanged others were found several blocks down bobbing in the water. One reports after the storm noted car plates as far as Oklahoma! My daughter is on Escasty as well. I’m not getting any information from Carnival at this end. I’m very dissapointed in Carnival. good luck. I finally got power and water and now waiting to get my daughter off Escasty and back home. How that I dont know.
September 15th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I was on the Conquest that arrived monday to New Orleans. Basically had to find a way home, renting a car or flying. Carnival did not provide transportation but offered the ship as a hotel. Almost everybody had to go back home, I paid over 40 dollars in internet fees just to reserve a car to drive back Dallas, the port was a mess and the car rental facilities did not have enough cars, so they were sending people to the airport agencies.
I finally made it home after 13 hours on the road, there is no gas on the stations and you can feel the tension all over.
September 16th, 2008 at 2:13 am
It’s rather sickening how all of you are worried about your cruises are leaving at the proper times and getting your money back when people are still fighting for their lives in Galveston.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:38 am
I just got off the Carnival Conquest in New Orleans, rented a car and drove back to Central Texas. It was amazing to see the destruction from this one storm from Louisiana all the way to North Houston. Along the I-10 was ripped and bent metal buildings, signs, trees down, roofs gone, and much more. I applaud Carnival in its efforts to deal with such a devasting act of nature which is no fault of their own. Our trip was wonderful, except for some minor stress about when and where we would dock. I parked my car behind one of the hotels, San Luis Resort, off Seawall Blvd. and don’t yet know the fate of my vehicle! My issues are small compared to those who lost homes, so my prayers and thoughts go to them. Thanks.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Jennifer Hendrix, I’m sorry to say your car was most likely completely submerged. I’m from Galveston and spoke Friday with a friend who lives on 25th St. abt 2 blocks from that parking lot. She had 4 feet of water in her downstairs at that time and this was hours before Ike hit. We–Galveston residents–have been told not to come back until at least next Monday, possibly much longer. No power, no water, no medical services except for dire emergencies, so we all need to stay out right now. Check your car insurance, it probably covers a rental under these circumstances. Good luck!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Hi, from my experience after Katrina, I would highly suggest that you debark in New Orleans. There is not a lot of info coming out of Galveston, but it could take weeks to clear paths through the debris. You are better off staying in New Orleans or renting a car until the Texas Coast reopens. Hope this helps.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:33 am
I understand everyone’s frustration, but you need to think about what happened. It is not all about you. Carnival kept everyone safe, and they are in the dark as much as everyone else. We need to remember that they can’t see into the future. They are having a hard time getting answers, too. Let’s just think about others right now, and stop being so selfish.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I was on the Carnival Conquest we docked in NOLA on Monday. Carnival told us to find our own way home or wait on the ship till we get back to Galveston. Carnival let us use the phones for free but that was all they never attempted to offer us shuttle to the airport witch was $30.00 one way! I will never use Carnival again as they never offered any help other than the use of the phone!
September 16th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Operations at the Port of Galveston will remain shut down while underwater debris assessment teams investigate hazards in the ship channel and cruise operations are unlikely to resume for an indeterminate time, according to a report from the Galveston County Daily News. It is also reported that 2 to 3 feet of water flooded the cruise terminal and the wall facing the water has collapsed. Carnival Cruise Lines ships scheduled to return to Galveston on Sunday and Monday were unable to do so and have been diverted to New Orleans. Vehicles parked by cruise ship passengers at the port are most likely a total loss, according to city spokesperson Alicia Cahill.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
There will be NO cruise lines in Galveston until July 2009
September 16th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Here’s the report, and why Carnival can’t go back to Galveston: “Debris clogged the island’s waterways as well: Coast Guard officials said that 90% of the navigational aids used to guide ships through the channel had been destroyed or damaged, and the water was littered with car upholstery, toilet seats and cow carcasses.”
These are extremely difficult times. Carnival can’t get you back to Galveston because even city officials are telling people to stay away. Best bet is to find someplace to stay and make your way back when the city officials open the region. My condolences on on your uncertainty and loss.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:16 am
As for the other cruises: assume they’re canceled, but don’t make any alternate plans just in case it comes about. Don’t drive yourself crazy calling right now, because they won’t have the answers. The “yes” or “no” is completely dependent on circumstances beyond their control –such as when the port and waterway will be safely restored. Instead, go outside and enjoy that you have this to worry about, and that you haven’t lost your house.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Cruise travelers on Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy who parked their cars at the port are in for some bad news, too. According to a city spokesperson quoted in the article, “cars left in port parking lots by cruise ship passengers are most likely a total loss.” The combination of water damage and potential looting means travelers will probably be unable to recover their vehicles.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I spoke with Carnival this morning 9-16 and they said that they expect cruises scheduled after 9-21 to depart out of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal. We’re leaving on the 29th of this month. I think that things this far off are still up in the air, but they are trying to make a tenative plan “B”.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I just returned home from the Carnival Conquest. Yes, it was frustrating how Carnival handled the situation, but some of it has to be on you as we are adults and should be able to take care of ourselves. I was able to text (@ .50 each for outgoing/free for receiving on the international plan @5.99/month) my relatives and get the international calling package on my phone and have a car reserved at an excellent price,before the Disembarkation Talk was even half over.The rental company even offered gas at a guaranteed price of $3.54/gal. I only paid $12 one way to the airport per person. I think Carnival did the best they could, but it takes a team of efforts. I do think they should step up about future cruises and keep their prospective cruisers happy. We also lost a vehicle that had personal effects in it, not to mention a week’s worth of homework for an 8 year old third grader! We are trying to make her look at the bright side and appreciate that that is all we have to worry about, considering.We are thankful we are home safe and our prayers for the losses in Galveston… Best of luck to everyone getting home!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I was on the Carnival Conquest and do not think that being stranded in a city twelve hours away from home is a comfortable feeling. I feel great sorrow for the loss of property (including my own) and loss of life. However I am disappointed in Carnival who did not at least provide an airport shuttle. We did complete our cruise and I am sure the reason we stayed two days in Cozmuel was ordered by their legal teams. The trip was lovely I had a great time and never felt in any danger. But shame on you Carnival you left your patrons in a jam and bascially said “too bad”.
I will be spending my money on another cruise line.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:09 am
From Carnival’s website…
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 - 2:00 PM
We are closely monitoring the situation in Galveston and the impact from Hurricane Ike. We have now made plans to operate from the new cruise terminal in downtown Houston (the Bayport Cruise Terminal) until the pier and cruise terminal in Galveston are available to us. This will be effective with the Carnival Ecstasy cruises starting on September 20, 2008 and the Carnival Conquest cruises starting on September 21, 2008. The address for Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal is 4700 Cruise Road, Pasadena, Texas 77586.
In addition, here are the current plans for guests aboard the Carnival Conquest September 7 and the Carnival Ecstasy September 11 cruises:
Carnival Conquest September 7, 2008 Departure
The Carnival Conquest cruise that departed on September 7 returned to New Orleans on Monday, September 15. Guests were able to debark on Monday and today. Guests will also be able to remain onboard and sail to Houston with the ship. The ship will depart for Houston (the Bayport Cruise Terminal) today at 11:30 AM with arrival in Houston scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at approximately 12:00 noon. All guests will debark at that time.
Carnival Ecstasy September 11, 2008 Departure
The Carnival Ecstasy cruise that departed on September 11, 2008 will return to New Orleans today (1:00 PM arrival). Guests will be able to debark today or Wednesday. Guests will also be able to remain onboard and sail to Houston with the ship. The ship will depart for Houston (the Bayport Cruise Terminal) on Wednesday, September 17 at 11:30 AM with arrival in Houston scheduled for Friday, September 19 at approximately 12:00 noon. All guests will debark at that time.
We sincerely apologize to our guests that were impacted by these modified cruises. Most importantly, we hope that all of those that reside in the areas impacted by Hurricane Ike were able to remain safe. We also wish a speedy recovery to those that may have sustained damage homes or businesses.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I just read in this article that stating with cruises from 9/20 and 9/21 will be leaving from Houston. You can read about it here.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/carnival-cruise-lines-two-galveston-based/story.aspx?guid=%7B1C5577B4-370D-42A6-BFD3-97BEB7F452FF%7D&dist=hppr
September 16th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
On Thurs., Sept. 11, my brother was sent an e-mail by Carnivore Cruises telling him to head to Galveston for that weekend’s departure, and he got a call on FRIDAY 9/12 telling him the same thing - to come on down so that they could depart Monday after Ike blew through. Oh yeah, he was offered a 25 percent discount on a future cruise IF they made it on the boat because the cruise was going to be shortened. (Needless to say, the cruise never left.) It is reprehensible and incomprehensible that a cruise company would encourage people to travel TOWARD a hurricane. Some people have common sense and would not do that regardless, but other travelers, afraid of losing their money — or believing that it was safe because they were told by the company to head toward Galveston — would do so. Regardless, it defies explanation. Send people toward a storm/major disaster area? And you trust these people with your life at sea? No, thanks.
September 16th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Here’s Carnival’s Sept. 12 update to support my earlier e-mail. Sending people into an area just hit by a hurricane?!!! Bad, bad, bad.
(September 12, 2:43 p.m.) — Due to Hurricane Ike’s impending arrival in Texas, officials have closed the Port of Galveston through Sunday, September 14, and possibly through Monday, September 15. In light of this news, Carnival has adjusted its itineraries as follows:
Carnival Conquest: Carnival Conquest will sail a shortened itinerary. Instead of departing Galveston on Sunday for a seven-night cruise, the ship will depart on Monday for a six-night cruise, which will call at Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Passengers booked on this cruise will receive a 15 percent refund on their cruise fare and a 25 percent discount on a future three- to seven-night Carnival cruise. Alternately, passengers may choose to cancel and receive a full refund.
Should the Port of Galveston remain closed through Monday, Carnival Conquest will sail a five-night itinerary to Cozumel and Progreso, departing on Tuesday, September 16.
Carnival Ecstasy: Carnival Ecstasy is currently sailing a revised itinerary to Veracruz instead of Cozumel. Its next voyage, a five-night cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, is currently scheduled to depart on Monday as planned. However, should the port remain closed through Monday, the ship will leave Tuesday on a four-night cruise to Cozumel.
September 16th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Ok guys - I am really sorry you got diverted and your cars are gone, BUT you scheduled a cruise in the Gulf/Caribbean for the middle of hurricane season! Your cruise rates were a lot cheaper than those not during that season. You took the chance and when you gamble, sometimes you lose. You cannot blame this on Carnival - read you agreement! It would be different if their boat broke down or something. Obviously, they kept you safe, fed, and entertained while you were inconvenienced - that’s a far cry from the shelters everyone else are in!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
You guys can’t be serious blaming Carnival for what happend. You booked a cruise in the middel of hurricane season. A cat 3 hurricane hits and destroys a city and your cars and YOU blame Carnival. Give me a break. Your cars are gone. Face it. The island is destroyed. Get a grip people.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Folks, the Conquest has been rerouted from NOLA to the new cruise pier in Houston, and will operate it’s regular schedule from there until the port of Galveston reopens. Anyone booked for a cruise this week will get a full refund.
I agree with the previous poster - you sail in the middle of hurricane season, you take the risk.
Your contract with the cruise line also states that you are on your own if the ship has to divert for any reason.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
At this time I believe safety and property loss are not the real issue. The issue is that Carnival did not do anything to assist it’s patrons after they were taken to a new dis-embarkation location 6 hours away from Texas. Carnival obviously does not care about it’s patrons just it’s bottom line. Make no mistake we were well taken care of. The staff was wonderful however their hands were tied by Carnival’s administration which starts with it’s front line personnel that being the Captain and his administrative staff.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
To everyone currently on Carnival Ships Ecstacy and Conquest in New Orleans: Galveston is heavily damaged. This includes Galveston Bay and the area of the cruise ship terminals. Much of the damage came from the storm surge that was pushed ahead of this storm as well as during the storm. Even before the hurricane made landfall the Strand area was flooded. That would likely include all the areas where passenger vehicles are parked. This is the worst disaster to hit Galveston in at least 50 years, and possibly since the 1900 storm. Do not return to Galveston at this time.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I think you are all forgetting the fact that if you booked through a travel agent THAT person is responsible to get you home, not Carnival. If you booked through Carnival they helped you get home.
Remember it was everyone on those boats choice to get on a cruise, knowing there was a hurricane brewing and entering in the Gulf. They were adults to make the choice to step on and it was their choice to leave their cars in the possible path of destruction.
This is like going to the mall under a tornado warning and your car gets rammed into a light post, then getting upset with the mall cause they will not help you get home.
Personal responsibility is gone, responsibility always seems to land in someone elses lap.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/storms/ike/geo-C25885947.jpg
hey guys on carnival conquest, here is a pic of aftermath of parking lot B took time to find it but figured you might be interested in,i located my car ouch!!!!!zoom in on pic! any ?’s dutton1977@yahoo.com
September 17th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
To Debi C., my husband and I were also on the Carnival Conquest and chose to fly back on Monday, Sept 15th to San Antonio, TX from New Orleans. We sat in the New Orleans airport for 9 hours and did our best to find out information about the status of our vehicle also parked behind the San Luis Resort at 5222 Seawall Blvd in Galveston. Since we are in San Antonio, TX I will let you know if we find out any information. I did find an arial videos on http://www.khou.com website, this is a CBS news channel in Houston, TX. The arial view of Seawall Blvd. was filmed from a helicopter on Monday, Sept. 15th, it does not look like any flooding or damage occurred and I think we have less worries regarding looting since the Mayor, police, and other officials are housed at this hotel. We need confirmation for our insurance company and prefer not to rent a car yet since expenses will not be reimbursed if the car is not damaged. Good look to everyone getting home safely is you are still on the Conquest or Ectasy ships. Also, prayer go out to Galveston residents who suffered many more losses than we have at this time.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Those of us who chose to book during the “hurricane season” also contracted into a business agreement with Carnival. My contract says I would return to Galveston on 9/14/08. Since we were diverted to another port due to natural causes. I believe that Carnival should still be liable for your return. Emergency air fares and rentals should be refunded to it’s patrons, thus completing the contract. I feel great sorrow for loss of life and property but we still entered into a contract with Carnival. Future Carnival Conquest patrons beware.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I can’t believe some of you people! You want to complain about Carnival Cruise Lines not taking care of you. Do you people realize that people have died as a result of Hurricane Ike. People have lost their homes, everything they had. You are breathing, your are alive. You have a home to go back to. Why don’t you get on your knees and thank the Lord above for that instead of complaining about a stupid shuttle service not provided for you!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
To Debi C. and any other cruise passengers that parked their vehicle at the San Luis Resort on Seawall Blvd - After leaving several messages and comments on other blogs, I received a call back from the Public Relations Manager for the Port Authority in Galveston. The cars parked behind the San Luis Resort were not flooded and our personal vehicle suffered no damage at all, my husband and I feel blessed. I was told there are several police, media, FBI, EMS teams and city officials housed at the San Luis Resort, Hilton Glaveston Island Resort and the Holiday Inn which are all next to one another. If you are concerned about looting the Public Relations Manager stated no looting occuring around these hotels, most looting is in the downtown area. We are now waiting to drive from our home in San Antonio to Galveston to pick up the vehicle. The P.R. Mgr also mentioned the possibility of having people flown in via helicopters to check on the status of their vehicles since many of us need to provide information to our insurance companies.If helicopters will be used the media will spread the word so keep checking the KHOU.com website or TXCN.com website for updates. Good luck to everyone!
September 18th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I am very thankful to come home. Yes we did choose to take the cruise. We were on the Ecstacy and all we could think about was our family and friends. Had no way of talking to them lines were always busy. Only info we had was CNN. Our t.v. station was out of Denver so it was hit or miss with local news. Carnival really gave us very little info.My gripe is they should of cancelled the cruise we called up till 12:30p.m. and we were told go or lose your money we called a cab but they told us they could not go to Galveston. So we didn’t want any of our family or friends to go so yes we now have one less vehicle. I do blame Carnival because they know we would not get back and said they had to leave anyway so lets take some people with us.We had lots of food but who could realy enjoy when you think your family is hurt and you really can’t find out what is going on.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Also parked in Lot B on Conquest voyage of 9/7. Any other pics of the parking lot?
September 19th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I find some of the comments on here about how people need to suck it up absolutely ridiculous because they chose to cruise when Carnival WOULD NOT give a refund (even partial) if you wanted to cancel. This left us (potential cruisers) two options. Cancel and take a guaranteed 100% loss of our money, or take the trip and risk something happening to our vehicles. You see what I did there? Risk of loss > Guaranteed loss.
My wife and I were booked for our anniversary on the 9/11 Ecstasy. Upon arriving in Galveston from Dallas at the parking area we were directed to from Carnival, I told the lot attendant I didn’t feel comfortable there and would like to know where an elevated parking garage in the area was that I could try to park at. I was told there were none, but they would gladly take my $45 and let me park there. I was told the lot was elevated before we left and arrived to find it about 2 feet higher than the area surrounding it.
Upon boarding the ship a couple from Houston and another couple from the surrounding area were making small talk and the topic of where they parked was brought up. One couple was allowed to park in the hospital parking garage as it was empty and another in a hotel parking garage. Wow what a kick in the pants. The parking attendant at the flat lot Carnival directed us to wasn’t obligated to tell us where we could have also found those garages (being that we live 4 1/2 hrs away and are in unfamiliar territory) but being that I asked specifically it would have been great if they had been honest and let us know some alternative places we could also have tried to park at. Money over morality at it’s finest.
Someone above said if we booked through Carnival they would get you home. We booked directly through Carnival and were given the exact same options to get home from NOLA as anyone else. Stay on the ship until it could make it’s way back to TX or fend for ourselves. Being that we both have work and a 4yr old and 1 1/2 yr old at home who were being watched by our parents who also took off work to watch them so we could have a nice anniversary together, staying on the ship was not an option. New Orleans was completely out of rental cars from the ship disembarking the day prior (Conquest) and all flights out of NO to Dallas were booked for the rest of the day unless we wanted to fly first class. We ended up getting and at 4am Wednesday to pay for a ride to the airport and fly home.
Overall the way it was handled from start to finish was done very poorly in my opinion. If we were given the option to cancel and get a refund, or even postpone for a later date we would have gladly done so. Carnival wanted to get their ship out of Galveston and used the people who were booked to pay for it’s fuel and crew’s safe delivery out of the Gulf (as well as the crew’s wages). Most likely will never cruise again, with Carnival anyway…
September 19th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I was scheduled for the Esctacy cruise that sailed on Sept. 11, but they were evacuating parts of Galveston, and the weather bureaus were giving advisoree’s and warnings. I also had family members coming from areas of south Texas because of the hurricane. I and the group of friends, I was traveling with(in my car) decided not to put ourselves in harms way. I did not trust a cruise line, who said they would not cancel a cruise with an impending dangerous storm… With My Life. I’m glad I did’nt . My heart goes out to those who were treated unjustly and uncivily by Carnival.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:30 am
We were on the 9/11 Carnival Ecstasy. We stayed on the ship into the Port of Houston. When we set off from NO the crew were over heard calling us “FREE LOADERS”.
The entire remainder of the trip the wait staff complained that there were only some 400 people left and they were not making any tips. They were rude and basically begging for extra tips.
The fact alone that we were called “FREE LOADERS” is unacceptable.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Has anyone seen any pictures of parking lot B after Ike?
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:24 am
I have seen satellite photos of the lot as well as pictures of my car inside the lot taken by an insurance adjuster who made it onto the island on Friday. It’s a total loss with sand and silt up to the top of the dash board on the interior. Headlights and tails full of water still etc.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 am
I agree with “Bad”. This was my first cruise and I had a great time. It was myself and my two daughters. We went when we did for the better prices. It was my choice to park where I did (Yes looks like I lost my car) And to go when we did. I would do it again and I do not blame Carnival. Hello we went when we knew a Hurricane was out there. Thanks Carnival for giving me a great trip with my two wonderful daughters.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Please stop being crybabies all of you. What is it you want? First off, you did choose to go on the cruise. The ships were in NO danger when you got to Galveston & left port. Sure you were scared to go & some of you lost your cars. Sorry to hear that, but ALL of you should have read the Carnival Contract.
I went on the Conquest this past July. There were 15 of us & guess what, I was the only one that read the contract. Carnival can change the route the ships take at any time due to weather. They are not required to even tell you. They are required to keep you safe along with the ship & crew.
The comment about freeloaders. There is NO WAY I believe you. Those crew members know better than that. They could all loose their jobs. Sure they like the tips & who wouldn’t, but they are & have to be very respectful of the passengers. I felt sorry for our waiter on our ship. Some people at my table would order like 4 starter & 2 or 3 main dishes & most times 2 desserts.
Carnival is a great company with great employees. I have gone with other cruise lines & they were ok, but Carnival had a better conection with their passengers. You should be greatful that they let you stay on the ship, kept you out of harms way and got you back to the U.S. ok. It is sad that you lost your cars & some maybe homes. My niece & her husband & my other niece & boyfriend would have lost brand new cars theirselves. But, they would not have blamed Carnival for something mother nature did. I survived the May 3rd, 1999 Moore, Okla tornado. My home was spared by about 8 homes to the southeast. I know what mother nature can do.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
PEOPLE DO NOT BOOK A CURISE DURING HURRICANE SEASON !!! END OF STORY