MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Mayor Sam Jones spoke at Wednesday's news conference, saying the passengers aboard the Triumph have been calling the city and asking that their family members come here and pick them up rather than dealing with the arrangements Carnival has made for them.
The city says it will accommodate those passengers.
Crews Wednesday were testing out the Cruise Terminal, making sure it's ready for the Triumph. Hundreds of extra personnel have been hired to handle the overflow.
Local 15's John Dzenitis asked the mayor how much this is going to cost the city, and will Carnival pay it back?
"I don't have an exact cost on it, but it's really not a whole lot more than our normal cruise that would come out of this particular facility," said Mayor Jones.
Jones said Carnival will reimburse the city for any costs.
The mayor also said restaurants and businesses have come forward to provide free food and drink for the passengers.
Carnival announced late Wednesday that it would give passengers $500, in addition to travel expenses.
