Planning a Cruise? Carnival Cruise Ship Stranded

A fire on Sunday debilitated a Carnival Cruise Ship in the Gulf of Mexico. More than 4,200 people are on board without power or plumbing. Two tugboats will be required to tug the larger-than-Titanic Carnival Triumph. The ship had drifted north and is expected to arrive in Mobile, Alabama on Thursday. Until then, other ships have brought much-needed supplies.

Zoom in to find Mobile, Alabama on this Countries of the Caribean Wall Map

Because of plumbing issues, many passengers are sleeping in the hallways or on the deck. With limited access to bathrooms, food and hot coffee, passengers are forced to simply wait it out until they get tugged to port.

Cruises are a popular type of vacation. For the ticket price, a passenger gets pampered while visiting different countries or islands. While passengers may brave getting off the ship to explore different ports for a period of time, they are able to return to the ship in time to enjoy a lobster dinner and hot tub soak. For those unwilling to trust flights, foreign hotels or food, it is a way to safely explore some of the world.

Take a cruise or backpack in the wild?

However, many people commenting on the yahoo.com top stories report who have plans to travel on a Carnival cruise later this year are debating or flat-out stating that they will cancel their cruise. We may see a decrease in cruise ship vacation popularity. Perhaps we will see an increase in other types of travel vacations, traveling by flight or car with visitors venturing farther into foreign countries, beyond the tourist-geared ports. When planning your vacation, be sure to ask around, explore some maps, and research your location first!

This Antique Countries of the Caribbean Wall Map shows the Gulf of Mexico with shipping lines. Zoom in to find where the Carnival Triumph will be towed: Mobile, Alabama.

Which would you rather do: take a cruise, or backpack in the wild?