HOUSTON — The disabled cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico had mechanical problems last month that delayed its departure from Galveston on a previous voyage.
Debbi Smedley was a passenger aboard that cruise. She says the Triumph was scheduled to leave at midday on Jan. 28 but did not sail until after 8 p.m. Passengers received an email from Carnival Cruise Lines telling them the delay was due to a propulsion problem.
Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen says there had been electrical trouble with the ship’s alternator, which was repaired. He says there does not appear to be any link between that issue and the fire in the engine room that caused the Triumph to lose power Sunday.
The ship is currently being towed to Mobile, Ala., with some 4,000 people aboard.
Meanwhile, Carnival says it is canceling another 12 voyages for the disabled ship that is being towed to Alabama after an engine room fire left it powerless at sea.
The cruises aboard the Triumph were to take place from Feb. 21 through April 13. Those cancellations are in addition to two other cruises that were called off shortly after Sunday’s fire.
The company says passengers will be fully refunded and get discounts on future cruises.
Passengers aboard the disabled vessel have reported dismal conditions. Carnival has disputed those claims.