UPDATE: ‘Welcome aboard’ Another Carnival cruise ship adrift at sea, no power, 4000 passengers/crew, ‘raw sewage everywhere’

Carnival Cruise ship Triumph is floating off the coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, with no power, and being towed to shore by tug boats since Monday.

Click 4 larger view

The cruise left Galveston, Texas on February 7th and is expected to arrive in Mobile, Alabama on Thursday.

As you can see one of life’s pleasures, charging cell phones was at a premium.

Passengers unplugged ATM machines and gathered extensions to charge their smart phones.

Carnival Triumph guests disembark safely in Alabama – Notice the ‘red restroom bags’

Latest UPDATE: Ship is on its way to Mobile, Alabama and will  arrive sometime tonight around 11-12, with 4200 passengers and crew, it is expected to take about four hours for everyone to disembark.

Passengers have praised the crew for all their help while they are coping with many of the same problems.

Even though power was very limited, it seems the ship had power for the ATM machines.

The ship had a fire in the engine room and lost most power, especially to the elevators and the toilet system.

Many have reported it is difficult to find working toilets, and most have been advised to use ‘red bags’ for their restroom.

Emergency lighting was still working but there is no air conditioning throughout the ship and most passengers are sleeping on the main deck, for a little cooling breeze from the ocean.

Food is very limited and many passengers are eating onion sandwiches, and many are hoarding food, since there is very little.

We can only imagine how terrible it is on the ship with raw sewage streaming throughout the ship, down the corridors and through the showers. It will be interesting to see what pictures surface after the ship returns to shore.

Carnival Cruise Lines have announced today they will refund the cost of the cruise for all passengers. They have also offered a credit for any future cruises and $500 cash?

Wonder how many will take them up on that offer, or will they sue?

What about the health consequences that may occur from the constant exposure and contact with the raw sewage since Monday?

Will anyone ever take a cruise again?

When will they get it?

What has to happen before people realize it is very dangerous and unhealthy.

There was much talk about the employees of the Carnival Triumph cruise and how well they adapted to the situation, and gave the guests that extra service that was above and beyond.

If any employees wish to give their side of the story anonymously, we would be very happy to hear from you how it went for you. If you are in the continental United States we would love to hear from you.

We would also love to hear some stories from the passengers as well, how you coped with the ‘cruise’ and what you have to say about Carnival Cruises.

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Daniel … Toronto, Canada,    丹尼尔     دانيال … تورنتو، كندا،
My take on everything
@dandmb50

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Costa Concordia Captain Francesco Schettino attends court to answer to the tragedy that killed 32

Tuscan, Italy – The Captain of the Costa Concordia Francesco Schettino, 51, made his first court appearance today to answer to the charges of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning ship while passengers and crew were still aboard. He has claimed he is innocent of of all charges.

The hearing today was for the Judge to decide if they will go to trial to answer to the charges, and none have been officially laid until the Judge determines if they can go ahead.

It all started back in January 13, 2012 when Schettino allegedly ordered the ship to make a ‘sail pass’ close to the shore of Tuscan island of Giglio off the coast of Italy and caused the ship to run aground and capsize and 32 people died as he made this unscheduled course adjustment to impress his friends with a ‘salute.’

The cruise line which had a total of 4200 including crew and passengers is owned by Carnival Cruise Lines in Miami, Florida.

The turnout was so large at court today it had to be moved to a Theatre in central Italian town of Grosseto. Many of the survivors were on hand to look the ‘coward in his face.’

The Costa Concordia remains on its side with the puncture in the ship and attempts to get it moved are still underway by salvage teams.

To read more about my take on the Concordia disaster CLICK HERE.

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Daniel … Toronto, Canada,    丹尼尔     دانيال … تورنتو، كندا،
My take on everything
@dandmb50

Dutch – French – Spanish – Hindi – Chinese

Translate full Blog into any language. Click your flag above, if it’s not there click any flag. It will take you to Google Translate.There will be a drop down menu for languages, find yours and click to the right.

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UPDATE: Salvage operations started – Costa Concordia – Captain Francesco Schettino rumored to be writing a book

UPDATE: June 14/2012 – It has been reported the Costa Concordia will be salvaged and the procedure can be seen online HERE.

(Salvage will take place until end of August, early Sept.)

The live video camera can only be seen during daylight hours, 5 – 21:00 CET, Italy time.

Captain Francesco Schettino, 52, of the doomed ship Costa Concordia that sank off the coast of Italy January 13/2012, is reported to be writing a book detailing his version of what happened. Schettino is still under house (in Naples) awaiting charges of manslaughter, abandoning a ship and causing a ship wreck. It is believed 31 people died in the accident near the small island of Giglio just off the coast of Naples, Italy.

The Costa Concordia was carrying 4200 passengers and crew and several bodies have still not been recovered.

An Italian newspaper, La Stampa reported he had finalized an agreement to write the book with an unnamed publisher but it is believed to be American. After searching the English section of La Stampa newspaper there was no article on the book that is expected to be coming out.

It is also expected he may give more detail about the night the Concordia ran aground and what relationship he was having with the 24-year-old Moldovian dancer (Domnica Cemortan) who was reported to be on the bridge when the accident occurred.

Captain Francesco Schettino has claimed from the beginning, it was not his fault, his bosses ordered and authorized the close sail past of the Island of Giglio, we’ll have to wait and see if that stands up in court.

There have been many reports about the lurid details of possible drug use by the Captain, but have not yet been revealed.

And if we are lucky, he may explain how he came about to be one of the first people in a lifeboat with several of his other officers. Also inquiring minds are wondering, about his statement, “Everything is under control, it is just a small electrical fire.”

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Daniel … Toronto, Canada,  丹尼尔
My take on everything
@dandmb50

Translate full Blog into any language. Click your flag above, if it’s not there click any flag. It will take you to Google Translate.There will be a drop down menu for languages, find yours and click to the right.

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Please comment what you think about the TRANSLATION full BLOG feature. I’ve been trying to add it for years and I think it’s very powerful, thanks Google. Tell us what you think, leave a comment.

 

UPDATE: 7:30 am (EST) Wednesday – Powerless, Costa Allegra expected to land in Seychelles on Thursday after blackout/fire in Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean (Nearing Seychelles) – A small (295-foot) French fishing ship is currently towing the disabled Costa Allegra Cruise ship towards the island of Seychelles (population 86,000,) and not expected to arrive until Thursday. She lost power in the Indian Ocean on Monday after a fire in the engine room with over 1000 passengers and crew aboard. It is reported that all are safe aboard the Allegra, as reported by the BBC  Tuesday.

The Allegra has been adrift  in the Indian Ocean since Monday, and there is no air conditioning aboard, with the temperatures running around 30C. More safety crews have been dispatched with more tugs and supplies for the passengers. Food and water has been brought to the Allegra by helicopter and most passengers are on the decks to avoid the hot temperatures in their cabins. The Allegra set sail from Madagascar on Saturday and was expected to arrive in Seychelles on Tuesday.

Costa Cruise lines is not having a good year, after the sinking of the Costa Concordia grounding off the coast of Italy in early January where over 30 died and several still missing, of the over 4100 passengers and crew. Just last weekend, the parent company of Allegra and Concordia, Carnival Corporation, suspended onshore excursions on their ships arriving in Mexico. This came about because 22 passengers were robbed while on one of these excursions in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

There is still concern for passengers aboard, as that section of the Indian Ocean is pirate infested, although there are armed anti-pirate Military units aboard the ship to protect the passengers. Several planes are being arranged in Seychelles, so when the passengers arrive, they will be able to get home safely.

Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything

@dandmb50

UPDATE: Costa Cruise Line has another ship in trouble, Allegra is adrift in the Indian Ocean, no power

Yes, the BBC is reporting another Costa Cruise ship the Costa Allegra has lost power in the Indian Ocean with 1000 passengers and crew onboard in darkness.

It happened today and emergency crews are on their way, but it may not be until Tuesday before they reach the abandoned ship. It set sail from Diego Suarez in Madagascar on Saturday and was expected to land in Seychelles on Tuesday but after an explained “fire in the ship’s engine room” it is not known when they will arrive.

After the most recent tragedy which occurred near Giglio Island off the coast of Italy in January, this puts the cruise line on notice. The Costa Concordia tragedy had over 30 deaths and several class action law suits are still pending against the parent company of Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation.

There was some doubt about the condition of the ship and passengers and a plane was dispatched to view the Allegra from the air. It was reported that the fire in the engine room, took two hours to get under control, and was explained that all passengers and crew were safe. However, that is exactly what was said on the Costa Concordia, “We have a small electrical fire” so there is some doubt as to what is really going on.

Welcome aboard!  There is serious concern because of where the ship is adrift, since the area is notorious for pirates from Somalia, although there are armed anti-pirate Military unit onboard and ready to defend the ship.

Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything

@dandmb50

UPDATE: ‘Costa Concordia’ many accepted the $11,000 euros (14,500 USD) others holding out, $460 million suit launched

It appears about 30-40% of the passengers on the Costa Concordia grounding, have accepted the $11,000 euros as settlement. The tragedy which occurred on January 13th off the coast of Italy (Giglio Island) shocked the world and over 30 have been reported dead with another 15 missing.

The Concordia whose parent company is Carnival Cruise Corporation in Miami, Florida have received a class action law suit for $460 million. There were less than 100 Americans aboard the doomed ship, and yet many just want to put the tragedy behind them and take the small settlement. There were over 4200 on the ship when it grounded and none of the settlements have been offered to the crew or onboard staff.

An excellent update can be viewed HERE, on Cruise Critic an online resource for the cruise industry.

CLICK HERE for my previous reports. Italian prosecutors are seeking 2697 year sentence for Captain Francesco Schettino, 52, (dubbed the ‘Chicken of the Sea’ by the New York Post) charges towards the tragedy, if convicted of all charges.

Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything
@dandmb50

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Italian Cruise Ship ‘Costa Concordia’ Captain, Schettino, found cocaine in his hair follicles

Giglio Island, Italy – It has been revealed that the Costa Concordia Captain, Francesco Schettino, 52, (dubbed the ‘Chicken of the Sea’ by the New York Post)  had cocaine in his hair follicles just after the tragedy.

Cocaine can stay in the hair follicles for anywhere from three to 12 months, and it doesn’t have to be a hair from the head. Schettino, is now under house arrest in Italy, and charges have been laid. (prosecution wants him to serve 2697 years)

Approximately 35 people have been reported dead so far with another 15 still missing.

The Concordia is still laying on its side off the coast and salvage operations are underway.

They are continuing to remove the fuel and oil and is expected to take several months. A class action law suit is underway for the surviving passengers, 4200, who are launching the suit against the parent company, Carnival Cruise Lines, in Miami, Florida.

To read more about the tragedy of the sinking of the Costa Concordia CLICK HERE for my previous reports.

Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything
@dandmb50

UPDATE: Amex offers cruise on Costa Concordia – Mediterranean getaway, nice touch ‘Welcome aboard’

American Express mailed out a brochure for a Mediterranean cruise on the Costa Concordia which just arrived in many homes today. Sound familiar, you bet, that’s the one still sinking off the coast of Italy, near Giglio Island, where 17 have been confirmed dead. Amex has announced “Obviously that offer is not valid,” and that is believable.

Full mailer brochure BELOW

Amex has reported that they prepare these mailers many weeks in advance (6 weeks) and of course they didn’t know what would happen in Italy. But I think  In the mailer they say to ‘Immerse yourself’ but I think I will immerse myself in something completely different, like taking a bus or a train.

FULL TEXT – Of the American Express mailer received today.

Immerse Yourself In A Truly European Experience:

‘When you choose Costa Cruises, you don’t just see Europe — you live it. From authentic cuisine and beverages to dazzling decor and exhilarating celebrations, it’s easy to fall in love with the rich cultural heritage that inspires “Cruising Italian Style.” On an Eastern or Western Mediterranean vacation, you cruise through thousands of years of history, pampered with posh resort amenities in a floating environment of art and beauty. You’ll visit picturesque harbours, ancient ruins, busy markets and bustling boutiques — destinations that won Costa Cruises the Porthole Cruise Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for ‘Best Mediterranean Itineraries.’

On board you can relax in the dazzling casino, romantic piano bar, internet cafe or on a dance floor. Dine amidst Roman pillars and Italian marble in the main restaurant, savour a gourmet spa menu, or visit a cosy bistro for authentic pizza, gelato and cappuccino. Take time for a state of the art Technogym workout, a private golf lesson, pick-up water polo or bocce ball. Indulge in a Turkish or Roman steam bath. Or just linger on a spacious teak sun deck and savour la dolce vita.

You can meet fascinating global travellers and dedicated staff with distinctively Continental perspectives. Barriers can dissolve in the high jinks of theme nights on board — tarantella dancing, ice carving or a Roman Toga party. As a member of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience to cherish.’

Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything
@dandmb50