How were the victims of hurricane Katrina who occupied the 3 Carnival cruise ships treated- like passengers?

Question

When Hurricane Katrina hit and carnival sent 3 ships to house victims, how did it work? Were they treated like passengers? What food did they eat? Did they get to have entertainment? What rooms were used? Did some get inside rooms, some suites, some balconies? Were they able to use the pool? What was it like? Did they get regular room cleaning? To sum it up, did they get everything a normal passenger would when they stayed on the carnival ecstasy, carnival sensation, and carnival holiday?

Answer 1

Why didn't the government bring in an aircraft carrier and offer to use their ships ?  Instead of paying a leasing contract with Carnival.

Answer 2

no, it was overcrowded and the full staff were not able to get there

Answer 3

They weren't "on a cruise".  The government leased the ships for housing only.

There were simple meals made available - mostly the buffet type.

All shops and entertainment venues were closed - including the casino.

Answer 4

Let me assure you Carnival didn't offer these ships as a "Good Will" gesture...The taxpayer payed a handsome price for those ships, and it was agreed up front the taxpayer would re-furbish all 3 ships.

The ships were completely trashed!

Everytime I turn around, Katrina bites me.. (the taxpayer) in the butt!

Answer 5

they did offer free arcade to the kids as aposed to making them pay but kids were breaking the games. people actually vandolized some of the areas which is sad. there were some people that yelled cause they didnt like the food etc...  whatever cause it was free and some people had to go to shleters. they got to use the pools but people again vandolized some areas. nopw i dont know if it happend to all the ships but i know on one this happend. one of my friends were on one for this reason and they only stayed for two weeks cause their fellow citizens ruined it. she said that they were treated good and that they had people cleaning etc just like a cruise. its a shame that carnival helps out and people ruin it.

Answer 6

Well, no live entertainment as far as I could tell, but the kids had access to the arcade :D  I wish that I could have been on there.

Answer 7

The cruise ships were leased to the government for use as HOUSING for Hurricane Katrina Refugees. That s alot different than being on a cruise.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/spec...

Answer 8

Well the ships were sent here by the companies that owned them as a good will gesture.  That deserves a thank you.  The leasing issue was only to help Police, Firefighters, and first responders have a place to house their families while they worked on restoration of the city and local area.

     No it was not a Cruise, and many families lived on board in separated areas.  There was a no alcohol rule in effect, but we all know those are only honored by the honest people.  Yes even Police and Firefighters brought alcohol on board.  the ships were a blessing however.

     Remember it was an emergency situation.  The ships allowed families to be together and that was a big step forward at a time when the city needed it.