All Aboard
The Carnival Triumph "floating biohazard" ship sells out: Hot ticket demand surprises
Overflowing toilets. Empty pool. Hours-long food lines. No alcohol or gambling. It's not hard to see why the Carnival Triumph, which broke down in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico in February, was called a "floating biohazard" and a "nightmare."
But seafaring travelers have proven quick to forgive and forget: The first two cruises aboard the Triumph have been booked solid, according to KHOU Channel 11 News in Houston(perhaps thanks to the deep discounts offered earlier this summer). In fact, the first two cruises completely sold out.
The cruise liner arrived in Galveston earlier this week — 10 days later than expected, thanks to that mishap in Mobile — just in time for a four-day cruise, which departs from the island on Thursday, and a five-day cruise, which leaves next Monday.
The associated tourism influx means good things for area businesses, which have experienced an estimated loss of $700,000 in the vessel's absence.