Carnival Triumph arrived in New Orleans today, and to celebrate its arrival, Carnival and the Port of New Orleans held a charity party. There were representatives from four local music organizations, competing for $35,000 in donations to music charities.
Shamarr Allen, a trumpeter and vocalist, competed on behalf of the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Jazz Camp; singer Robin Barnes competed for the Tipitina’s Foundation; saxophonist Derek Douget, representing The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation; and Rebirth Brass Band Drummer and Roots of Music co-founder Derrick Tabb participated in a series of comical “minute to win it” games, with Tipitina’s Foundation winning $15,000. The other groups split $20,000 in runner-up contributions.
Officials from Carnival, as well as President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans Gary LaGrange hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange to celebrate the ship’s arrival in port.
Carnival Triumph will increase capacity by 34% for the cruise line in New Orleans. Together with Carnival Dream, the cruise line is expected to carry 450,000 passengers each year from the renovated Erato Street Terminal. Carnival is the only line to operate year-round from New Orleans and offers the biggest variety of cruise lengths and itineraries.
The ship kicked off its New Orleans cruises today with a four-day cruise to Cozumel. The four-day cruises will depart Thursdays and call in Cozumel, while five-day sailings depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso. Recently, the ship was enhanced to receive Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, Alchemy Bar, and Cherry on Top – a candy and dessert store. The Triumph also features over 500 balcony and suite staterooms.
Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.
