The Carnival Cruise Lines ship Carnival Triumph experienced an engine fire on Feb. 10 that disabled its engines and propulsion system. No passengers or crew were seriously injured, as the ship’s safety systems contained the fire.
Some plumbing issues resulted in several cabin toilets’ overflowing. By Feb. 11, enough emergency generator power was restored to get most of the 23 public restrooms and some cabins’ toilets working as well as some restaurants. Cabins did have cold running water for showers. A few elevators were put back in service. There was no air-conditioning.
The ship had sailed out of Galveston, Texas, for Cozumel, Mexico, on Feb. 7 and was scheduled to return on Feb. 11. The first of four tugs began towing the disabled ship on Feb. 12. The nearly 4,200 passengers and crew debarked in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 14.
The cruise line apologized, reimbursed passengers their cruise fares and all shipboard charges (except those in the gift shop and casino), paid for their airfares and hotel rooms and gave each $500 in compensation. This was fairly generous, since Carnival’s contract of carriage states that if a proposed voyage is hindered by a breakdown, the guest and his baggage may be landed at any port, at which time the cruise line’s responsibility ceases.