Starting October 15, 2017, to February 3, 2018, the Carnival cruise ship Carnival Fascination, will serve as the new home for hurricane relief workers in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
As per request by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the vessel will be docked in St. Croix, to provide housing and meals for relief workers stationed on the island. The Miami-based cruise company finalized a four-month charter agreement with FEMA on Wednesday.
Many of Carnival Fascination crew will remain on board during the charter period, while others will be transferred to other vessels or go on early vacation, Carnival said. The cruise line released a statement saying “Carnival Cruise Line’s history is deeply linked to the Caribbean and our ships have been sailing within the region for more than 45 years. We are pleased to be partnering with FEMA on this charter in support of the ongoing relief efforts in the Caribbean.”
Carnival Senior Cruise Director John Heald, released the following statement on Facebook:
“Carnival Fascination will return to normal cruise service sailing year-round from San Juan to the Southern Caribbean on February 18, 2018 following a drydock in the Grand Bahama shipyard where she will receive a number of new features including Guy’s Burger joint and Blue Iguana Cantina among other highlights.
I also want to mention something I know you will be asking me because so many of you care about the crew who for so many of our guests remain the best part of a Carnival cruise. So with that in mind I want to tell you what is happening here on the ship.
The Captain and senior management are working on informing the crew. Some of them will be assigned to other ships, many will stay and work here to serve and assist the relief workers and some will be excited to be offered early vacation before returning to another ship or indeed back here to the Carnival Fascination.
Every crew member will be supported and looked after by Carnival and the ones staying on the Carnival Fascination during the FEMA charter will I know represent this great cruise line with care and dedication. I am proud of all of them.”
