Splendor is stranded in Long Beach Harbor!

[Hobie]

The Carnival Splendor was supposed to depart Long Beach yesterday at 5:00 pm.

Instead, because of unspecified technical problems, she stayed docked in Long Beach all night.  At 5:00 am this morning she had to leave her dock and is now anchored in Long Beach Harbor to make room for the Carnival Imagination which was returning from her 3 day Baja cruise and needed the dock to disembark her passengers (only room for one ship at the dock in Long Beach)

The captain of the Splendor sent a letter to all guests advising that they would receive $50.00 OBC.

In my opinion this is inadequate compensation for turning a 7 day cruise into a 6 day cruise (assuming they can make the repairs today) and missing one port (the ship will no longer call in Mazatlan).

I know that "ship" happens but I think Carnival could be more fair with their compensation.

I just hope that they are able to make the repairs today and depart Long Beach.

[cruisequeen4ever]

Oh wow! I hope they can safely take off soon! 

[hard_eight]

Wow, that sucks...

[ecarbine]

 

[tea4ular]

Here's a question - if you were on this ship (The Splendor) and it was having engine issues, how would you feel about continuing the journey into (in this case) Mexico?

 

I've been on ships that couldn't leave port (weather) and so never was concerned about the viability of the trip once we got started, but mechanical issues? I'm not sure.

[Sean_B]

It's the chances you take and acknowledge when you sign up for a cruise but it certainly wouldn't be a lot of fun. I guess as long as the onboard facilities are still running and you can have some kind of onboard fun, then it's not a total loss. I think the $50 OBC could/should be bumped to the $100 range as a gesture of good faith.

 

Having spent over a decade in the Navy, I know that stuff can happen mechanically at the most inopportune time and it often takes a super-human effort to get them fixed on a deadline. As much as everyone is inconvenienced, it's just that, an inconvenience. Relax, grab a drink or three with your OBC and chill until the boat starts moving.

[Sean_B]

1 minute ago, tea4ular said:

Here's a question - if you were on this ship (The Splendor) and it was having engine issues, how would you feel about continuing the journey into (in this case) Mexico?

 

I've been on ships that couldn't leave port (weather) and so never was concerned about the viability of the trip once we got started, but mechanical issues? I'm not sure.

This isn't a 3rd world dow. The modern engineering in these ships is outstanding and I would have no issues sailing on her after the repairs were made.

[jasong38501]

I understand the disappointment with missing a port but I think the title of this post is beyond misleading. They aren't stranded by any means. By all accounts the opposite is true. The ship moved under her own power to an anchorage point. All accounts I have saw indicate the ship has full hotel functionality and the crew is running a full schedule of activities. In the cruising industry this has a special term, it's called a sea day. I'm very sorry these guests are missing a port and fully understand the worry about further changes to the schedule, but let's not pretend they are stranded.

[bury me at sea]

Not quite a sea day.  Casino and shops would be open and busy.

[Purvis1231]

3 hours ago, Hobie said:

The captain of the Splendor sent a letter to all guests advising that they would receive $50.00 OBC.

I know that "ship" happens but I think Carnival could be more fair with their compensation.

I just hope that they are able to make the repairs today and depart Long Beach.

 

 

Carnival could be more generous with their compensation but this is more than fair. There is no law saying they have to give any compensation. Good luck to the officers and crew and their passengers. 

[Hobie]

1 hour ago, jasong38501 said:

I understand the disappointment with missing a port but I think the title of this post is beyond misleading. They aren't stranded by any means. By all accounts the opposite is true. The ship moved under her own power to an anchorage point. All accounts I have saw indicate the ship has full hotel functionality and the crew is running a full schedule of activities. In the cruising industry this has a special term, it's called a sea day. I'm very sorry these guests are missing a port and fully understand the worry about further changes to the schedule, but let's not pretend they are stranded.

Splendor is still "stranded".  She cannot leave the harbor and she cannot return to her dock.

I don't want to be negative but when there is nowhere to go, I think it fits the definition of "stranded,

My home overlooks the Harbor of Long Beach so I"m keeping a close watch.  I really do want her to get repaired and want the guests of the ship to enjoy the rest of their cruise.

It's now 1:14 pm. on Sunday and she is still anchored in the harbor.  Making it worse is that it is now lightly raining (I hope the rain doesn't get worse).  Guests on the ship cannot now even enjoy the outside decks because of the rain.

 

Again, I apologize for my negative attitude.  What set me off is the offer of $50 OBC which I think is insulting.

Edited May 26, 2019 by Hobie

[Hobie]

2 minutes ago, ronbe65 said:

 

Haven't seen the Splendor for a while.

Beautiful ship.

 

2 minutes ago, ronbe65 said:

She is a beautiful ship and I really enjoyed my one cruise on her.  Great crew!.

Note in the photo, the anchor line that is keeping her anchored in Long Beach Harbor.

 

 

 

[jasong38501]

20 minutes ago, Hobie said:

Splendor is still "stranded".  She cannot leave the harbor and she cannot return to her dock.

I don't want to be negative but when there is nowhere to go, I think it fits the definition of "stranded,

My home overlooks the Harbor of Long Beach so I"m keeping a close watch.  I really do want her to get repaired and want the guests of the ship to enjoy the rest of their cruise.

It's now 1:14 pm. on Sunday and she is still anchored in the harbor.  Making it worse is that it is now lightly raining (I hope the rain doesn't get worse).  Guests on the ship cannot now even enjoy the outside decks because of the rain.

 

Again, I apologize for my negative attitude.  What set me off is the offer of $50 OBC which I think is insulting.

The definition of stranded is to be left without means to move somewhere. That is the opposite of the case here. Should Carnival have opted to sail the ship with her limited propulsion she certainly could have became stranded. Instead they chose to stay in Long Beach to await a repair of the problem. They can move back to the dock as soon as the other ship leaves. While it is no consolation to those trying to enjoy their vacation in less than ideal conditions, I believe Carnival chose the most responsible course available to them in this situation. As for compensation, I will leave it to those on board to decide if they are appropriately compensated. It's certainly not my place to be "offended" by something that doesn't happen to me. 

[Hobie]

Since Splendor has not yet left the harbor and is now accompanied by two tug boats, I'm guessing that she will return to the dock after Independence departs this evening.  Not sure if they will cancel the Splendor cruise or offer an even shorter (5 day) cruise (just guesses by me).

I agree that Carnival definitely made the correct decision to stay in Long Beach.

In 2010 or course, she was stranded at sea for over 72 hours without power, propulsion or electricity.  The guests were fed spam and were forced to poop in biodegradable bags since the toilets didn't work.  I remember that Carnival was very generous in their compensation at that time.

Carnival's obligations (after passenger safety of course) are to their shareholders (including me), so I'm sure that they made the correct decision to stay in Long Beach rather than to risk problems when off the coast of Mexico.

I'm glad that you are not offended by an offer of $50 OBC for a shortened cruise with 1/3 of the ports missed because of mechanical problems, but as a shareholder, I'm greatly offended for the harm to the reputation to a company which would treat their "guests" this way.

 

I'm looking forward to when the new Carnival Panorama  home ports in Long Beach, later this year.

 

[Hobie]

Yeah!

Carnival Splendor is now sailing out of Long Beach Harbor (23 hour delay!)

 

Fair winds and following seas for the Carnival Splendor and I hope to see her safely back at her dock next Saturday.

Edited May 26, 2019 by Hobie

[bury me at sea]

Three cheers!

[Nic6318]

3 hours ago, tea4ular said:

Here's a question - if you were on this ship (The Splendor) and it was having engine issues, how would you feel about continuing the journey into (in this case) Mexico?

 

I've been on ships that couldn't leave port (weather) and so never was concerned about the viability of the trip once we got started, but mechanical issues? I'm not sure.

 

Hi 

 

Have you never been on a plane that was delayed from leaving the gate due to "mechanical" issues. I can tell you that the last thing I would be thinking when they say that they are good to take off, would be that maybe I don't want to go. 😃 My usual thoughts are something like, I hope they can make up some time in the air. Somehow I feel that most people would feel much more comfortable with the same situation on a cruise ship.

 

For those that are not happy with the proposed compensation, I guess they could make their voices heard and choose to apply for the "Carnival great vacation guarantee". I have never been in this situation, perhaps they might up their offer. Of course if they don't, one would be committed to changing their vacation plans completely. That would seem an extreme choice to me. 

[chengkp75]

Here's my take on this.  Given the Captain's wording of his announcement, that the problem only affected the ship's top speed, but that the ship had a two tug escort when leaving, I think the USCG Captain of the Port required the tugs (common for a ship with reduced steering capacity) and actually prohibited Splendor from sailing until the repairs were made, given the USCG's general frustration with Carnival over the multitude of pollution violations they have been shown to have while on probation for these same violations.  Could be wrong, but that's the feeling I get from the whole scenario.

[jasong38501]

57 minutes ago, Hobie said:

Since Splendor has not yet left the harbor and is now accompanied by two tug boats, I'm guessing that she will return to the dock after Independence departs this evening.  Not sure if they will cancel the Splendor cruise or offer an even shorter (5 day) cruise (just guesses by me).

I agree that Carnival definitely made the correct decision to stay in Long Beach.

In 2010 or course, she was stranded at sea for over 72 hours without power, propulsion or electricity.  The guests were fed spam and were forced to poop in biodegradable bags since the toilets didn't work.  I remember that Carnival was very generous in their compensation at that time.

Carnival's obligations (after passenger safety of course) are to their shareholders (including me), so I'm sure that they made the correct decision to stay in Long Beach rather than to risk problems when off the coast of Mexico.

I'm glad that you are not offended by an offer of $50 OBC for a shortened cruise with 1/3 of the ports missed because of mechanical problems, but as a shareholder, I'm greatly offended for the harm to the reputation to a company which would treat their "guests" this way.

 

I'm looking forward to when the new Carnival Panorama  home ports in Long Beach, later this year.

 

As such a concerned shareholder, perhaps you should start learning the names of the ships Carnival has homeported at a port you can apparently see from your home. Carnival doesn't have a ship named Independence. Imagination is at port in Long Beach today. She is joined by Inspiration doing three and four day cruises.

[BlerkOne]

It could be argued that Carnival Splendor is the best ship to be "stranded" on in inclement weather, as the retractable roof is in the middle of te ship and covers a large area, including the big screen. Dream class and newer don't even have a retractable roof.

[BlerkOne]

Breakdown of major CCL shareholders. Individuals don't rank.

 

Major Holders

Currency in USD

Breakdown

17.33%	% of Shares Held by All Insider
79.25%	% of Shares Held by Institutions
95.86%	% of Float Held by Institutions
1,101	Number of Institutions Holding Shares

[Don Kehote]

3 hours ago, Hobie said:

Again, I apologize for my negative attitude.  What set me off is the offer of $50 OBC which I think is insulting.

Now we're complaining about cruises we're not even on.  I can't wait to tell my friends about this!

[Hobie]

1 hour ago, jasong38501 said:

As such a concerned shareholder, perhaps you should start learning the names of the ships Carnival has homeported at a port you can apparently see from your home. Carnival doesn't have a ship named Independence. Imagination is at port in Long Beach today. She is joined by Inspiration doing three and four day cruises.

I apologize for the typographical error.  Need to be a more careful proofreader!

[shof515]

any day on the ship is a better day then being stuck on land. maybe i am the rare few people who will not mind being on a ship that can not move or go to a port

[shof515]

Ship is near San Diego doing about 20.5 knots, looks like things is back to normal.