Nearly half the passengers head to New Orleans

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - We’ve seen the images of the weary passengers making their way off the Carnival Triumph Thursday night, most of them just wanting a warm bed and hot shower but that was delayed for the majority.

About 2,000 passengers were loaded up on busses and taken to New Orleans to catch charter flights Friday morning.

Carnival Triumph passengers walked into Mobile ready to leave the Triumph behind and ready to enjoy the comforts they have been without for days.

"I want to take a shower. I haven't had a hot shower in four days,” said Vivian Henderson.

For the majority of passengers, the journey wasn't over. They left the terminal in busses for a long ride to New Orleans. That's despite the fact Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said there were 7,000 hotel rooms all less than 15 minutes away.

"They accommodate them by bussing them out of here. Other people really wanted charter flights. We could have handled that out of Mobile,” said Jones.

Joseph Alvarez and his wife were not amped about to the two hour trip.

"Very bummed," said Alvarez.

The pair was looking forward to a warm bed, not a bus ride.

"I've had a lot of back problems, back surgeries, seven of them as a matter of fact, and there was only one elevator and climbing up those stairs up and down is not good,” said Alvarez.

So why not stay in Mobile? Carnival responded to our question in an email.

It read in part:

“Ultimately, we selected to stage the hotel and airport operation in New Orleans as it offered additional capacity and flexibility which was important to us given that the complexity of the towing operation creates an uncertain arrival time in Mobile."

Jones said he was not asked to consult on the travel plans.

"They have admitted they could have done better in the beginning,” said Jones.

Despite Carnival's choice, Mobile stood ready to welcome the passengers. Samantha Teague waited with a group at the terminal cheering for every passenger.

"We're not getting the respect, were welcoming them home. The passengers have gone through so much. We're here with open arms,” said Teague.

Passenger’s not willing to be bussed hours away took matters into their own hands by booking flights and having family pick them up.

Jones said he is proud of this city, and the southern hospitality in return passengers have sung praises for Mobile.