By six am Thursday morning, you could see the Carnival Splendor as it neared the port of San Diego, but for the nearly 4500 passengers and crew, it fell far short of a splendid voyage.

On Monday evening, early into the seven day journey along the Mexican Riviera,  fire broke out in the engine room, knocking out power to the entire ship.   Passengers got cut off from some basic vacation necessities: hot water, hot food, and air condition along with cell phone and internet service.  Once auxiliary generators were turned on, guests  at least regained access to cold water, and working toilets.

“The conditions on the ship have been challenging and we are very very sorry for the discomfort and the inconvenience that our guests have had to deal with in the past several days,” said Gerry Cahill, President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.  “They signed up for a great cruise vacation and obviously that is not what they received.”

By late Tuesday evening, the USS Ronald Reagan which was in the area for training maneuvers was being utilized to help transfer food and supplies to the stricken ship.  But instead of gourmet seafood buffets, passengers were dining on spam, pop tarts and croissants, hardly the lavish spread they were anticipating.

“We know we ruined their vacations” said Cahill, and so to make up for it Carnival is offering every passenger a full refund plus another future cruise of equal value.  The Cruise line is also picking up the tab for all costs associated with transportation home whether via plane, train or automobile.

Reports from the ship indicated long lines for food, and smelly conditions, but a general camaraderie among the passengers.  “Everyone is stepping up,” Said Debbie Blocker.  “When they get on edge, it seems like everyone is working very hard to turn that around and cheering each other up and helping each other.”

With the assistance of six tug boats and five Coast Guard ships, the Carnival Splendor sailed ever so slowly into the Port of San Diego, after four long days at sea.  Passengers could be seen waving from the decks, most likely relieved to see the shore.  It’s a vacation that will provide them with stories for years to come.