Mobile Elation Cruise in Aug

[Iowa Hawkeye]

we are scheduled to cruise on the Elation from Mobile in August. Does anyone have any updated info if Carnival is cancelling cruise's or moving them to Galveston due to the oil spill ? I have heard unofficially that a move of NO, Mobile, and Tampa cruise's are moving to Galveston. Also anyone just coming off a cruise that was near the oil spill, and the smell, and dangers of it. Thanks in Advance.

 

[MisterD21]

I have not heard anything about cancellations or moving ports as of yet.. So far they have been able to navigate around the oil...or have minimal impact so far.

 

[Lurline63]

I'm on Elation next month, and have not heard anything about a revised departure port or cancellations. I do know that there have been slight changes in departure times from NO so that the ships enter the Gulf during daylight... but that's about it. This is the most recent update directly from Carnival: Carnival Cruise Lines

 

[ShipMaven]

I have just checked directly with Carnival. As of this date, there are no changes to ports. Itineraries may be altered depending on the oil spill, but as of now, no ports are being eliminated nor are there any changes in port time.

The ships' hulls are being routinely inspected to ensure no damage from the oil spill.

This is the Notice on the Carnival site:

GULF CRUISES OPERATING NORMALLYJune 18, 2010 Like you, all of us at Carnival are deeply concerned about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
and its impact on the environment and the people that live and work in the local communities. We are monitoring the situation closely and continuing to operate all scheduled Gulf itineraries without disruption. Ships sailing from New Orleans and Mobile are making slight course alterations as necessary to avoid the most heavily impacted spill areas. At this time, we are not anticipating any impact to our normal cruise schedules across the entire fleet. Our guests continue to enjoy all that a Carnival cruise has to offer, from waterslides, delicious dining and fabulous entertainment onboard, to pristine beaches and interesting cultural experiences in our ports of call.
We also encourage all of our guests sailing from Gulf home ports, especially New Orleans and Mobile, to spend a few days before or after your cruise in these cities and surrounding areas. It’s a great way to stretch your vacation and enjoy all of the local hospitality and attractions those areas have to offer.

Thank you.

 

[Mbandy]

Travel agencies often receive notification of changes before they are released to the general public. We have had no such notifications here at work yet and I doubt that there will be any changes.

The main inconvenience to passengers and crew will be the smell. Also the fumes from the oil are a respiratory irritant. Those particularly at risk are the elderly, those with respiratory ailments such as astmaha etc. and children.

You can bet that the Captain will see to it that navigating through the spill will be the shortest route possible.

 

[LHP]

We are cruising on the Elation in August as well and do not expect any issues. We sailed out of there last month (on the Fantasy) with any issues.

 

[Cruizer]

I would expect that the ship can slip right through the oil.

 

[WishIwasCruisin]

I wasn't aware that you could smell oil. I live on the water, and even with it coming up on the beach, I can't smell it, and no one I know has ever mentioned a smell from it. Guess I learned something new today. I think the only way the oil would effect you is if you had planned a trip to the beach. As far as I know they are still open, but you can't swim. And watch where you step, if you do go, I've heard it's hard to get off your feet.

 

[Cruzman]

All maritime activity is operating normally at Gulf ports. The likelihood that departure ports will be modified is very remote.