**New Orleans cruise ship diversions; part of Mississippi R. closed

[J&Jtravelcouple]

A 48-foot tug is reported to have sunk in the middle of the river near Venice, LA. According to this report, cruise ships are being diverted from New Orleans to Mobile, AL and passengers being shuttled to NOLA. The Carnival Conquest is one ship reported to have been diverted and its next trip will reportedly be shortened with PX being offered a pro-rata one day refund or the option to cancel the trip.

 

http://cumberlink.com/news/national/miss-river-closed-during-search-for-sunken-tug/article_aa41ee1e-2fbc-5912-86fc-083e5f00d596.html

 

According to this report, the river was closed from Milepost 0 to Milepost 10:

 

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/07/coast_guard_closes_mississippi.html

 

More on this story, indicating that as of late Sunday night the river is open to alternating one-way traffic. However, there is no indication if cruise ships can pass in this manner. It seems unlikelya cruise ship or its captain would navigate the river while the search is underway for the sunken tug:

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/part-of-miss-river-closed-during-search-for-sunken-tugboat-coast-guard-says-2-people-rescued/2013/07/07/662fcda6-e77f-11e2-818e-aa29e855f3ab_story.html

[rvsullivan]

Well, the articles you list clearly state the river is reopened and Mondays cruise ship is coming in on schedule and plans to leave this afternoon. Other than the first ship being diverted, there seems to be no impact on cruise activity. Currently a non issue it seems.

 

Thanks for the info.