Triumph set to return to sea for first time since February fire

RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside Caribbean-themed watering hole, was added to the Carnival Triumph. (Carnival Cruise Lines) RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside Caribbean-themed watering hole, was added to the Carnival Triumph. (Carnival Cruise Lines) Image 1 of / 105 Caption Close Triumph set to return to sea for first time since February fire 1 / 105 Back to Gallery

The Carnival Triumph sets sail again this week from Galveston with extensive upgrades after an engine fire in February made national news by stranding passengers at sea for several days.

The 2,758-passenger ship returned to Galveston on Tuesday with $115 million in repairs and upgrades. Its first cruise, which is sold out, sets sail Thursday.

According to Carnival, all guests whose cruises were canceled during the repairs received full refunds and a discount off a future cruise.

Galveston port officials told KHOU (Channel 11) that the Triumph's absence the port nearly $700,000 in revenue.

Without the Triumph there, some businesses in the nearby Strand area have also suffered.

Shop owners are thrilled to see the Triumph come back, with a lot of traffic coming from people killing time before setting sail or those waiting to pick up friends and family just coming ashore.

Jennifer Caravageli works at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on the Strand.

"Lots of people come by and get chocolate as gifts for those who have been house-sitting for them," Caravageli said.

Mod Coffeehouse is located a few blocks from the port, and owner Holly Hopkins said that business has still been brisk even without the Triumph.

"Downtown has been a little quieter so far this summer, but I am not sure that is related to the Triumph," Hopkins said.

The Triumph was scheduled to be back in Galveston over a week ago, but damages sustained at a repair dock in Alabama in April pushed back the plan.

The ship's upgrades include new bars and restaurants, including a poolside eatery designed by the Food Network's Guy Fieri, according to a statement from Carnival.

All 24 of Carnival's ships have now been outfitted with advanced fire-suppression systems. They also have installed secondary emergency backup generators to power toilets, elevators and food service stations since the February incident, the cruise line said.