The Mariner of the Seas will offer cruises departing from New Orleans during the 2026-27 winter season. Repositioning from Galveston, the Voyager-class ship from Royal Caribbean International is scheduled to arrive in Louisiana in early November for itineraries to the Western Caribbean.

The refugees were found adrift between Cuba and Mexico Wednesday, and cruise staff helped them aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is providing food, water, and medical care to those in need, said VACAYA, an LGBTQ+ vacation company that was chartering the cruise ship.

Former MTV VJ Downtown Julie Brown was on board Brilliance of the Seas as it rescued 11 refugees from a vessel in distress.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Officials rushed to reschedule Mardi Gras celebrations and warned revelers against brining umbrellas and tents as powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes were expected to strike Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Powerful storms with a threat of tornadoes are expected to punch through Louisiana and other parts of the South on Tuesday just as costumed revelers celebrate Mardi Gras with huge parades and partying in the streets of New Orleans and other cities in the region.