2 Carnival Cruise Ships Delayed By Tropical Storm

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Two Carnival Cruise Line ships bound for their homeport in New Orleans this weekend face delays because of Tropical Storm Karen.

The storm was tracking toward the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, prompting the closure of the river.

A Carnival news release said the Elation had been slated to arrive Saturday from a five-day trip, and the Conquest was scheduled to return Sunday from a seven-day cruise.

Carnival said both would return Monday instead, with the exact time depending on the river's reopening. The length of each ship's next cruise will be cut short, and Carnival said passengers will receive partial refunds.

Carnival has worked to restore passengers' confidence following the February breakdown of the Carnival Triumph, which stranded passengers for five days in the Gulf.