STATEMENT REGARDING CARNIVAL DREAM - March 15, 2013 – 12:30 p.m. EDT
The following provides an update on the Carnival Dream in St. Maarten.
Guest Logistics:
We have arranged for a combination of approximately 50 commercial and private chartered flights departing St. Maarten for the 4,363 guests onboard Carnival Dream. Guests have the option to return to Orlando -- the closest air gateway to Port Canaveral, where the voyage began -- or their originating city. Guests began disembarking the ship this morning to board flights scheduled for today, and will continue to do so throughout the weekend. We are working to try to accommodate special requests from guests, including those who asked to remain on board longer.
We have arranged for motor coach transfers from the ship in St. Maarten to the local airport, as well as in Orlando to the port or hotels that have been arranged for those guests who are staying overnight.
Onboard Activities & St. Maarten
All guests are safe and comfortable. Activities have continued aboard the ship similar to our regular, full “Sea Day” itineraries including children’s programs and full dining options. Entertainment includes live music on deck, as well as a variety of bars and lounges. Last night, we arranged for three-time Grammy winner Jon Secada to perform two shows in the ship’s main lounge.
Wednesday was a scheduled port of call visit to St. Maarten. Guests were able to spend the full day in port and have the option of continuing to do so until their scheduled return home. We have arranged complimentary water taxi service for guests who wish to explore other areas of the island.
Background
The Carnival Dream has a technical issue with the ship’s backup emergency diesel generator which our engineering team is working on. On Wednesday, during regularly scheduled testing of the ship’s emergency diesel generator, a malfunction occurred. At no time did the ship lose power and the ship’s propulsion systems and primary power source was not impacted. The ship is at dock in St. Maarten. There were periodic interruptions to elevators and restroom services for a few hours Wednesday evening. All facilities are fully operational and have been since approximately 12.30am Thursday.
The Carnival Dream was on the last leg of a seven-day cruise and was docked in St. Maarten when the technical problem arose. The ship is based in Port Canaveral, Fla.