Cruise ships for Katrina disaster relief?

Reports this morning indicate the federal government has asked several cruise lines whether their ships could assist the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in some way, from evacuation to long-term housing of victims. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have indicated they are all looking at how to help, and the International Council of Cruise Lines says that all of its members -- including virtually every major cruise line -- are doing the same.

Miami Herald: Government asks cruise lines to house Katrina victims
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Cruise lines debate use of ships to house Katrina victims