Carnival: Elation has 'minor issue,' gets precautionary tug escort

Carnival says Elation scheduled to arrive on time

NEW ORLEANSCarnival Cruise Lines says the Carnival Elation is on schedule despite what it calls a 'minor issue' with the ship's maneuvering system.

Carnival released a statement, saying that the Carnival Elation, which is based year-round in New Orleans, is "not under tow nor was it under tow at any point in time."

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The company said the ship had a minor issue with one of its two Azipod units, which control the ship's maneuvering. They said that unit has been taken offline temporarily. The other Azipod, says Carnival, is fully operation.

The ship's speed, hotel services and all critical systems are operating normally, said Carnival.

Carnival said it requested a tugboat to remain alongside the ship as it maneuvered away from the dock and into the river in New Orleans at the start of the voyage.

The tugboat then trailed the ship down the Mississippi for good measure, although Carnival said it was not needed.

Carnival said Elation is currently en-route on its own to its first port of call, where it is scheduled to arrive on time.

The company said technicians are expected to board the ship later this week to begin repairs on the one Azipod.

The ship's full itinerary, said Carnival, is expected to operate normally.