Yesterday, various news outlets reported that the Carnival Liberty was heading back to its homeport of Galveston, Texas because of a propulsion malfunction.
While this is not the news most passengers want to hear of course, it’s probably the best decision.
As many passengers may remember, Carnival has had a history with its cruise ships losing power while at sea. When this happens, both passengers and crew find themselves in a situation that is potentially dangerous and certainly uncomfortable.
Carnival’s infamous ‘Poop Cruise‘ in 2013 left Carnival Triumph passengers stranded at seas after a fire knocked out the ship’s power.
Following a technical issue that caused Carnival Liberty to return to its Galveston homeport several hours late, Carnival Cruise Line has canceled the ship’s next sailing.
Originally, the cruise line cut the port of Progreso from the five-night Mexico itinerary slated to depart on Oct. 31, offering passengers the option to cancel for full refunds or sail with the promise of onboard and future cruise credits.
According to a statement from Carnival, plans were initially to make repairs while the cruise was underway, but after passenger embarkation, an additional problem was discovered with the alternator that powers one of the ship’s diesel generators. Because the ship wouldn’t have been able to sail fast enough to complete the itinerary, the cruise was canceled.
Passengers spent the night onboard while the ship was docked, and each was offered a full refund, a 100 percent future cruise credit and a $90 reimbursement, which includes the previously mentioned onboard credit and a stipend for meals purchased while waiting to board the ship in Galveston.
Two upcoming sailings have also been affected: The ship’s five-night Nov. 5 voyage will skip a planned call on Progreso, and the four-night Nov. 10 cruise will call on Progreso instead of Cozumel. Passengers booked on those sailings can cancel for a full refund or sail with a $50 per-person onboard credit and 25 percent future cruise discount.
Carnival Liberty, which has been sidelined by propulsion troubles in the past, cut one of its sailings short by a day earlier this year to allow for repairs. The ship is scheduled for a two-week dry dock on Dec. 1; Carnival representatives tell Cruise Critic there are no plans for the ship to go in early.
For more information about your legal rights in regards to Cruise Ship incidents, accidents or injuries, please call the attorneys at Waks and Barnett, P.A. in Miami, Florida. 1-800-905-2891.