Local couple talks about Carnival Dream experience

MIAMI -- Carnival Cruise Lines is making arrangements for passengers aboard the stranded ship Dream to fly home.

The cruise line made the announcement Thursday morning. The ship encountered a technical issue with its backup emergency diesel generator during a scheduled port of call Wednesday in St. Maarten. There were brief interruptions to the elevators and toilets Wednesday night.

The company says engineers are working on the problem, but they are making arrangements to fly passengers home. They did not indicate when the flights would leave St. Maarten. The ship, with a capacity of 3,646 passengers, is docked at Phillipsburg.

Beejay Kendall of Gloucester, Mass. is on board the Carnival Dream.

“We didn’t really know there was any problem with the generator until this morning. I guess that’s the only thing I could say that I wish they would have told us,” said Kendall.

On Wednesday, moments after walking onboard the ship, Kendall noticed problems.

“The elevators weren’t working so we would have to use the stairs,” said Kendall. “No bathrooms, no toilets. Those couldn’t be used.”

“I think Carnival has really made up so far with the problem. I hear they are doing a good job. I think they are doing everything in their manpower to accommodate us,” said Kendall.

The Dream's March 16 voyage from Port Canaveral has been canceled.

Late Thursday, the company said "a technical issue" affecting the sailing speed of another Carnival ship, the Carnival Legend, forced the cancellation of a stop at Grand Cayman Islands. The Tampa Bay Times reports the ship is expected to arrive in Tampa as scheduled Sunday following a seven-day cruise. Passengers will get a $100 credit, refunds on pre-purchased shore excursions in Grand Cayman and half off on a future cruise.

An engine fire crippled the Carnival Triumph in February, leaving 4,200 stranded for five days without working toilets or power.

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