In 2005, several cruise ships became floating hotels in Jacksonville during Super Bowl XXXIX due to lack of hotel capacity.
Cruise ships were also used to house victims of hurricane Katrina in 2005.
WCVB in Boston is reporting that yet another cruise ship is serving as a floating hotel.
“A cruise ship has arrived in Boston to house more than 1,000 gas workers who are assisting in the service restoration efforts in the Merrimack Valley.
The Grand Celebration docked Friday at North Jetty after the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line chartered the ship.
The cruise line had to cancel trips for October and November. The company is standing by its decision to help a community in need.
The port was outfitted to house equipment for the workers.
It’s unclear when the workers will arrive on the ship.
Pressure surged through several miles of natural gas lines on the afternoon of Sept. 13, fueling explosions and fires in three Merrimack Valley towns.
The disaster killed one person and injured at least 21 others, including two firefighters. The explosions damaged 131 structures, including five homes that were completely destroyed.“
I think it’s great that cruise ships can be used for humanitarian purposes.
Unfortunately news reports stated that a few of the people who stayed on cruise ships after hurricane Katrina left their cabins and the ship worse off than the day they stepped onboard.
No one seems to know the cost of chartering a ship for hotel or humanitarian purposes, but you can bet that it’s not cheap.
Keep in mind that the cruise lines lose precious alcohol, casino, pictures and other revenue.
In addition, consider the thousands of passengers who had already booked their cruise vacations months, or years in advance.
Refunds very well may be paid out to these folks counting on a great vacation.
Click on the link below for the full story from WCVB:
https://www.wcvb.com/article/cruise-ship-to-house-1000-gas-restoration-workers/23741206
