Carnival Delays Ships, Cuts Voyages And Diverts Destinations To Avoid Gustav

September 1, 2008 6:12 p.m. EST

Galveston, TX (AHN) - Two ships of Carnival Cruises, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Fantasy, will stay at sea for two days to avoid collision with the heavy winds of Hurricane Gustav.

The two vessels reportedly should have docked at their home ports on Monday: Carnival Ecstasy in Galveston, Texas, and Carnival Fantasy in Mobile, Alabama, according to USA Today citing a statement from the cruise liner.

Further delays and cuts in sailings are also expected: Carnival Ecstasy's five-night cruise will be shortened to three nights and Carnival Fantasy's five-night will become a four-night cruise.

Travelers on the reduced voyages could avail of 25 to 50 percent refunds and a discount on a future cruise. Early reservations could be canceled for a full refund.

Carnival has ordered its other ships to change course due to the storms: Carnival Inspiration, which left Tampa on Saturday, will divert to Key West, Florida instead of sailing to Grand Cayman.

Carnival Conquest, which departed Galveston today, is heading to Progreso, Mexico instead of Montego Bay, Jamaica, its original destination.

Other vessels affected by the bad weather are the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Legend.