Huh? I didn’t really read that a Texas judge ordered Carnival Triumph to be detained in Galveston, did I?

Alan Whitt

This ridiculous turn of events has nothing to do with ship safety, a criminal act or non-payment of any debt.

The judge did this in connection with a $10 million lawsuit filed by the family of a German tourist lost in the Costa Concordia tragedy two months ago.

So what does the sinking of Costa Concordia in Italy have to do with a cruise ship in Galveston? Other than the fact that Costa Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are both owned by Carnival Corp. … absolutely nothing.

The judge’s warrant allowed Carnival Triumph to disembark passengers until a “prompt hearing” could be scheduled. Carnival eventually struck an agreement that allowed the ship to sail as originally scheduled.

I’m not going to share my opinion about the legal profession and some of its slimy members, but this is exactly why people have so little faith in the system. Forget maritime law and all that mumbo jumbo. Whatever happened to common sense?

Does this mean that every ship in the Carnival Corp. fleet can be grounded, including ships with Carnival, Costa, Holland America, Cunard, Princess, etc.? Does it mean that thousands of people could possibly have their cruises ruined around the world even though their only “crime” was booking a vacation?

I’m all for those impacted by the Carnival Concordia getting their pound of flesh and a hefty payday. But I resent anyone else being turned into collateral damage.