Diedrich also believes travel is one of the sectors strongest industries, deeming cruise line operator Carnival a gem within the group.

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Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen acknowledged issues, while noting the cruise line's efforts to address the situation.

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Carnival CEO Gerry Cahill told reporters on Tuesday evening that the cruise line is using its full resources to assist passengers and family members in a "very challenging" situation.

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Carnival also brought meals aboard from two other cruise ships, the cruise line said Monday.

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Carnival has also brought meals aboard from two other cruise ships, the cruise line said Monday.

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Carnival said the ship's emergency diesel generator failed, but the cruise line disputed notions of a widespread system failure.

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After being towed to port, those aboard the Carnival Triumph will be flown home at no cost to them, the cruise line said.

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After being towed to Progreso, those aboard the Carnival Triumph will be flown back to the United States at no cost to them, the cruise line said.

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After they are towed to Progreso, those aboard the Carnival Triumph will be flown back to the United States at no cost to them, the cruise line said.

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But as bad as the potential damage to Carnival's image may be, the company, as well as the rest of the cruise line industry, has an opportunity to blunt the impact, if it acts quickly and wisely.

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Two tug boats are dragging the nearly 900-foot, 14-story Triumph at a jogger's pace to the harbor, where Carnival hopes to return 3, 143 passengers and 1, 086 crew members to freedom on Thursday, the cruise line said.

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