FEMA charters cruise ship for National Guard assisting US Virgin Islands cleanup
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has commissioned a former Carnival cruise liner to house National Guard and first responders helping with recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The 1,900-pssenger MV Grand Celebration, now operated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, will arrive in St. Thomas on Saturday and will be chartered by FEMA through late December.
That effectively leaves Bahamas Paradise’s business in limbo until late December as it only operates the single ship.
"We feel badly about this 90-day disruption but believe the extensive needs of the St. Thomas people to be of greater importance at this time," said Oneil Khosa, the cruise line’s CEO.
"We will be reaching out to all of our guests and travel partners this week."
The Grand Celebration operates two-night sailings from West Palm Beach to the Bahamas.
Regular sailings will resume again on December 23.
Customers already booked on cruises can claim a full refund or reschedule their trip and receive a $100 on-board credit.
The ship was operated by Carnival Cruise Lines for more than 25 years until 2014 and has 750 staterooms.
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