Gustav Forces Fantasy to Extend Cruise

Cruise lines are continually striving to maintain their passengers’ enjoyment, well-being and above all else, safety. It was for this very reason that, under the threat of Hurricane Gustav, Carnival’s cruise ship Fantasy made the decision to extend the cruise from the original five nights to seven.

The Fantasy disembarked from Mobile, Alabama with a planned return date of September 1st. Heading out to sea toward Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, the cruise ship would have been in danger of suffering a backlash of fury from Gustav, a category 3 hurricane headed toward the Louisiana coast. With an anticipated return date in Mobile for September 1st, the ship would have been in extreme danger. Rather than risk the well-being and lives of their passengers aboard the Fantasy, the ship headed instead for the open seas where it safely rode out the fierce storm.

The additional two days ensured the safety of passengers, and allowed the cruise ship to return to its home port out of harm's way after the passing of Hurricane Gustav. Needless to say, the Fantasy’s next voyage had to be postponed for just a few days, which in turn shortened the planned cruise time to four days, since the ship was scheduled to thereafter undergo its normal maintenance. Persons that had scheduled passage on that successive cruise were given discounts on the scheduled cruise as well as on their next booked cruise with Carnival, or the option to cancel their cruise plans with a full refund in an attempt to make up for any inconvenience and disappointment possibly suffered.

While regrettable to alter cruise schedules, all major cruise lines including Carnival need to give first consideration to the safety of passengers in every circumstance. An event such as a hurricane is no small force, and every precaution must be taken when faced with the situation. Carnival must be commended for acting quickly and admirably to ensure the safety of all concerned.