Delayed Carnival Cruise Ships Arrived at NOLA Sunday

Two Carnival Cruise Line ships, the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Elation, which were delayed by Tropical Storm Karen, were expected to dock in New Orleans at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively on Sunday afternoon, according to ABC News.

The scheduled arrival was a day earlier than previously expected. The Coast Guard reopened the mouth of the Mississippi River early Sunday morning around 12:15 a.m. According to Carnival Cruise Line's full announcement it takes anywhere from eight to nine hours to move up the river to New Orleans.

Passengers on both ships, 5721 combined, were allowed to leave ships on Sunday but could remain on board until Monday if they chose to do so. Both ships are scheduled to leave today on shortened cruises, Conquest from seven to six and Elation from five to three. Passengers on Conquest will receive a one-day refund. Elation passengers will get a 50% refund and a 50% discount for a future 5-day cruise.

Once Carnival made the decision to delay arrival in New Orleans, passengers were updated with announcements, text alerts, and letters delivered to their cabins. They were also provided with the means to make complimentary phone calls.

On The Web:
http://www.fox8live.com/story/23611750/carnnival-may-delay-cruise-ship-arrivals-in-nola

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/storm-delayed-cruise-ships-head-orleans-20486863

http://www.fox8live.com/story/23611750/carnnival-may-delay-cruise-ship-arrivals-in-nola