CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's ship Carnival Ecstasy experienced mechanical problems during her first voyage from Mobile (Alabama USA) since COVID halted cruising.
The crew members had difficulty getting 2 lifeboats back on the liner during a safety drill on Tuesday, March 8, delaying the departure of Ecstasy from Cozumel (Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya) until midnight. The ship's Captain informed guests that the vessel would return to Mobile AL at ~12:30 pm on Thursday, March 10, several hours late.
CCL confirmed the issues, stating that Carnival Ecstasy’s crew had completed necessary maintenance on one of the lifeboats, which delayed its return to Mobile. The company apologized for the late return and said the safety of guests and crew was always their priority.
CCL planned to retire the ship in mid-October. Mobile AL will be without a liner until September when Carnival Spirit arrives but she will sail out of the port only 6 months per year and then relocate to Alaska. This is expected to cut the ~US$12 million economic impacts for the port in half.
Clients now can book 6- and 8-day sailings online. The shorter roundtrip from Mobile visits Cozumel and Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan, Honduras). The 8-day roundtrip from Mobile visits Roatan Island, Belize City, Mexico (Costa Maya, and Cozumel).
There is also an 8-day roundtrip itinerary that visits The Bahamas' Bimini, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
For more Carnival Ecstasy incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.