When Carnival announced they would be homeporting Carnival Triumph in New Orleans, we've had several subscribers write to tell us they are excited about 7-day Carnival cruises returning to the city beginning in November 2009.
But knowing it will then be a ten-year-old ship, they've also wondered about its condition when it gets to New Orleans.
We checked with Carnival for any major refurbishment plans before it moves to its new assignment. Carnival tells us that they have been doing some ongoing work as they always do, and one of the most notable additions was the addition of Club O2, the teen club, which was constructed while Carnival Triumph was in service.
They did report that Carnival Triumph will go in for its biennial drydock next month. During that two-week time frame, in addition to the mechanical work (which is the main reason for these regular drydocks) they will do some general freshening (deep cleaning, carpet replacement, minor refurbishment, etc), and they will install one of the giant SeaSide Theater screens at the pool area.
So late in September, the ship should come out looking fresh and clean, but, of course, who knows what will happen to it over the next year. So to anyone sailing on it in the next year, we're sure the people in New Orleans would appreciate it if you keep your feet off the couches and use a napkin under your glass.
For those who are statistic-minded, here's something to keep you busy:
CARINVAL TRIUMPH
SIZE/CAPACITY:
GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 102,000
LENGTH: 893 Feet
BEAM: 116 Feet
BEAM AT POOLDECKS: 125 Feet
MAXIMUM DRAFT: 27 Feet
TOTAL GUEST CAPACITY (INCLUDING UPPERS): 3,470
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY CAPACITY: 2,758
APPROXIMATE CREW SIZE: 1,100
SHIPYARD: Fincantieri at Monfalcone, Italy
INAUGURAL CRUISE: JULY 27, 1999
COUNTRY OF REGISTRY: BAHAMAS
SPEED: 22.5 Knots