Carnival Cruise Lines asked by Feds to aid relief

[Jason]

MIAMI - Carnival Cruise Lines said Wednesday the federal government has asked whether its cruise ships could be used as emergency shelters or help Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in some other way.

The world's largest cruise line said that although "to undertake such an endeavor would involve many complicated issues, we are actively taking a look at it."

Carnival operates 21 ships, each of which holds anywhere from about 1,500 to 3,000 passengers.

"It is our intention to work with federal officials to determine the feasibility of moving a ship into the area if that is their desire," the company said.

Carnival is owned by Miami, Fla.-based Carnival Corp.

[Suzila]

This is what I heard reported on the news today...they're looking in to repositioning some ships for long term living.

Sue

[GottaCruz]

Id read in the newspaper that the ships most likely, if it does happen, would be the Sensation and/or the Conquest.

[schatje]

I for one think that any of the cruise lines that use the devastated ports should support the aid relief.

In The News

If they set up ships for long term living I believe that it will come with a big price tag because they will compare it to elderly living on land? We were paying over $5,000 a month to have my father in a nursing home so don't you think that the cruise lines won't go that way also.

We could do long term living on our own by booking multiple cruises and it would be cheaper too. Just a thought :smiley:

[JoeyandDavid]

I just heard (msnbc) that the crusie ship will be used to house the workers and officials working the disaster.. not for refugees

[Lisa63]

Sadly, a cruise ship could house only a small fraction of those left homeless by Katrina, even if they set up cots in show lounges and other public venues. So, it makes sense to have rescue workers there.

[JoeyandDavid]

plus as recovery continues and clean up those people can then move to land accomadations and the ship can go back to whatever.