Carnival Dream Malfunction Strands Guests

The Carnival Dream remains docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, following a malfunction during a scheduled test of the vessel’s emergency diesel generator.

While the ship did not lose power or propulsion, elevators and restrooms were disabled intermittently across the ship until around 12:30 a.m. Thursday. The technical problem occurred during a scheduled port of call visit to St. Maarten, with the ship already docked on the last leg of a seven-day cruise.

Hotel services have been restored, according to Carnival.

“All guests are safe and comfortable,” said Carnival in a statement.

Triumph, then Dream
The incident occurred a month after the Carnival Triumph was disabled in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine fire. (See: Toll of Carnival Triumph Ordeal Remains to be Seen)

The Carnival Dream is the largest vessel operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, with a capacity of 3,646 passengers and 1,367 crew members.

Earlier this week, CCL president and CEO Gerry Cahill pledged to conduct an intensive review of all Carnival vessels. (See: Cruise Execs Take on Implications of Carnival Triumph)

Agent fallout
Carnival is making arrangement to fly affected guests home from St. Maarten on a mix of scheduled and charter flights. Guests will receive 50% off a future cruise and a refund equivalent to three days of the voyage.

The Carnival Dream’s next voyage on Saturday, March 16 has been cancelled. Booked guests will receive a full refund and 25% off a future seven-day cruise.

Guests who rebook will have their current rate protected on future bookings and will be reimbursed of any non-refundable transportation expenses.

Check Travel Market Report for updates as the story unfolds.