Passengers Begin Disembarking Disabled Carnival Cruise Ship in Mobile, Ala.

Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed by Snapped Tow Line

After eight days at sea, many of them without power, the ship's owners have increased the compensation for what some on board are calling the vacation from hell.

All 3,143 passengers aboard the 900 foot colossus, which stalled in the Gulf of Mexico after an engine room fire early Sunday, were already being given a full refund for the cruise, transportation expenses and vouchers for a another cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines is now boosting that offer to include another $500 per person. Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, announced the additional compensation Wednesday.

Dave Martin/AP Photo

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is towed... View Full Size

Dave Martin/AP Photo

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is towed towards Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island, Ala., Feb. 14, 2013.

Stranded Carnival Cruise Ship On Its Way to Port Watch Video

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Carnival Cruise Ship Making Its Way to Port Watch Video

"We know it has been a longer journey back than we anticipated at the beginning of the week under very challenging circumstances," he said in a statement. "We are very sorry for what our guests have had to endure. Therefore, in addition to the full refund and future cruise credit already offered, we have decided to provide this additional compensation."

Carnival added that it has canceled a dozen planned voyages for the Triumph and acknowledged that the crippled ship had been plagued by other mechanical problems in the weeks before an engine-room fire left it powerless in the Gulf of Mexico.

ABC News flew over the ship providing the first aerial views of the ship showing curious passengers gathering at the rails, looking up at the ABC News plane. It also seemed from the air that deck chairs had been turned into beds.

"[There are] no showers. The smell's terrible. We are camping on deck," passenger Ann Barlow told ABC News.

Mary Poray, whose 12-year-old daughter Rebekah is traveling on the Triumph, teared up when shown images of the ship's deck.

"I just need to know that she's OK," Poray said. "The worst part was when she said, 'Mommy, I'm afraid I won't ever get to see you again."