Last Minute Cruises Can Sometimes Be The Cheapest Cruise Deal
Sometimes, but not always, the cheapest cruise deal is a Last Minute Cruise. You wont get a wide selection of stateroom categories or a chance to select your stateroom location but if your schedule is flexible you just might find a cheap cruise price on a last minute cruise. Last minute cruises are cruises leaving in the next 90 days. The cruise line really wants to fill those last few staterooms and sometimes will offer them at a discount cruise price in exchange for you giving up your right to a full selection of cabin categories or deck locations. CruiseExperts.com makes it easy for you to poke around and see whats available in last minute cruise deals. View our Last Minute Cruise Deals by clicking here and give it a try. This is one of our most popular website features.
Expert: Unvaccinated Cruisers Should Just Wait As Carnival Backs 95% Passenger Vaccination Rate
Carnival Cruise Line will restart sailing from Mobile on October 21, an announcement that drew an applause during Tuesdays City Council meeting.
But at least one cruise expert, and representatives with Visit Mobile, are encouraging anyone who wants to take an initial cruise from the Alabama Cruise Terminal to get vaccinated. If cruisers are unvaccinated, the message conveyed from the industry: Its best to just wait.
The cruise lines are saying that we want to be able to sail with everyone who is vaccinated, said Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert who is referred to as the Cruise Guy.
He added, People who are unvaccinated should just wait. The experience they will have on board the ships wont be very pleasant. There are certain dining areas they cannot come in. With Royal Caribbean, they cant go into a spa, the casino and relegated to certain areas of the dining room. They are doing everything possible to have zero cases.
David Clark, president & CEO with Visit Mobile said that for anyone wanting the full cruise experience, they will need to get vaccinated.
I think Carnival is doing the right thing, Clark said. As an operator, you cannot take chances with your customers. You cannot take any chances at this particular time or at any time. Carnival has always maintained that safety is the first priority of their customers and their team and I applaud them for keeping that standard.
Vaccination protocols
Carnival Cruise Ship Arrives In Alabama Port For The First Time
Carnival Sensation arrived in Mobile, Alabama for the first time yesterday where the cruise ship will begin offering cruises later this year.
Im sure I speak for everyone on board when I say It was quite emotional seeing all the people who came out to welcome us today. Mobile certainly misses cruising and we miss our guests, too! said Carnival Sensation Captain Giuseppe Strano. Its great to see how excited our guests are for the return of cruising. We cant wait to start sailing again.
Fans had a chance to get a first-hand look at what promises to be an exciting new option from Mobile as Carnival Sensation offers a greater variety of balcony accommodations and onboard features like a Bonsai Sushi Express and Cherry on Top sweet shop.
After her arrival, the cruise ships crew members had the opportunity to get vaccinated in the cruise terminal by representatives of USA Health.
The crew also enjoyed a special treat gumbo from Mobiles legendary seafood restaurant, Wintzells Oyster House, delivered to the cruise ship.
Learn the cruise secrets most people don’t know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation.
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Helpful Cruise Line Information
If youve cruised before you probably have a favorite cruise line. Here at CruiseExperts.com we make it easy for you to sort through the cruise line of your choice for the best cruises at the best discounts on your favorite cruise line. Choose from the best cruise lines in the world including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Avalon, and Disney. You can be confident that youll get the cheapest cruise price possible with concierge like service from our cruise experts here at CruiseExperts.com. View information on your favorite cruise line.
Best Handicap Cruise Parking At Mobile Al
The most convenient cruise parking for those with limited mobility, disabled or handicapped drivers and/or passengers is the on-site parking lot at the port. There are dedicated spaces for registered handicap vehicles/drivers on each level of the garage. The price and terms are exactly the same as listed above. You can pre-book or turn up and pay on the day of departure. Parking starts at $19 per day for regular vehicles with a surcharge for oversize vehicles, RVs and buses.
The cruise terminal has wheelchairs for transporting passengers to and from the ship. They are available from cruise staff on a first-come, first-served basis. They cannot be taken onboard.
If you need an onboard wheelchair or electric scooter, you need to book one privately through a rental agency such as Scootaround.
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Cruise Parking At Mobile Cruise Terminal
Mobile cruise terminal includes a covered parking garagewith 500 parking spaces. It includes six lanes for drivers to drop off cruise passengers and their luggage before parking. From there, cruisepassengers can walk a short distance to the screening area for check-in.Elevators are provided along with stairs.
On-site parking at Mobile cruise terminal currently costs$19 per day for regular vehicles $36 for RVs and oversize vehicles and $54 perday for buses. It is slightly more expensive than some other cruise ports as itis on prime land on the waterfront and close to downtown.
Cruise parking reservations are not usually necessary at Mobile cruise terminal. However, you can make an online reservation for parking at Mobile port for peace of mind if you wish. Those who arrive without pre-booking cruise parking should follow the pre-pay information posted at the entrance to the parking garage.
If the garage is full, drivers will be directed to droppassengers and luggage and then proceed to the overflow parking lot near theCivic Center. This has free shuttle transport back to the cruise terminal.
For more information, read our comprehensive article dedicated to Essential Facts about Mobile Alabama Cruise Parking
Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Ship For Mobile
Carnival Cruise Lines 2,052-passenger Sensation is shown off the Bahamas.ANDY NEWMAN/CCL
Carnival Cruise Line announced updates to its fleet plan Thursday, including word that it will bring a newer ship, the Sensation, to Mobile
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson shared the news on social media after asking Whos ready for some good news?
Indeed, the word from Carnival follows recent news that the Carnival Fantasy, the ship that previously operated out of Mobile, had been sold and apparently was on its way to a scrapyard. This didnt necessarily mean Mobile had lost its footing as a cruise port Carnival had previously announced plans to replace the Fantasy with the Fascination in 2022 but it did create some uncertainty.
While its still unclear when the COVID-19 epidemic will subside enough for the cruise industry to get back up to speed, Carnivals announcement does provide some assurance Mobile wont be left behind when that happens.
Its a big, big, big, deal, said David Clark, president and CEO of Visit Mobile. This is years of work to make it happen.
Clark said the effort to build a relationship with Carnival has been a team effort. Among those who deserve credit, he said, are Stimpson, the city council, Visit Mobile and Joe Snowden, Stimpsons executive director of maritime and transportation.
Clark said he sees Mobiles inclusion in the Carnival announcement as a signal that the city isnt an afterthought for the company.
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Carnival To Resume Mobile Cruises On March 5
Carnival cruising will return to Mobile on March 5, nearly two years since sailings were halted during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line confirmed on Thursday that all 22 of its U.S.-based ships will be back in guest operations by March 2022, with the Carnival Sensation sailing out of Mobile on the first Saturday of the month and four days after the city celebrates Fat Tuesday.
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Its great news, said David Clark, president & CEO with Visit Mobile who confirmed that Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, contacted Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson to inform him about the cruise ships pending return to Mobile.
We are thrilled, Stimpson said in a statement.
Carnival confirmed the date for the return of the Mobile excursions within a news release that focused mainly on an announcement that the company was playing its third Excel-class ship — the Carnival Jubilee — in Galveston, Texas, in 2023.
Alabamians are ready to cruise again and they want to do it from their home state, Stimpson added. That is why we have been working closely with our partners at Carnival to help clear the way for their return.
Stimpson said that cruising brings in $6 million in annual gross revenues to the city from wharfage and parking alone, and some of that money is utilized to offset the existing debt on the Alabama Cruise Terminal.
Try Something Short And Sweet
For travelers who dont have a lot of time or are taking their first-ever cruise, Carnival offers a four-day itinerary from Mobile through the Western Caribbean. The schedule includes two days at sea with one port day in Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Mobile. Carnival also features three five-day itineraries that explore a number of ports in the Western Caribbean. Depending on the itinerary, port choices include the Mexican cities of Cozumel, Progreso and Costa Maya, as well as sea days. All of these sailings start and end in Mobile.
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New Orleans Cruise Lines
Six cruise lines operate out of New Orleans: American Cruise Line, American Queen, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Viking River Cruises. Take your pick and enjoy a voyage on a New Orleans cruise ship.
Carnival Cruise Line specializes in affordable cruises to the coast of Mexico from New Orleans. 4-, 5- and 7-day cruises sail to ports like Cozumel, Progreso and Jamaica. They also offer cruises to the Bahamas. Departures all year-round on “fun ships.”
Norwegian Cruise Line makes 7-day western Caribbean cruises leaving from New Orleans. You’ll visit Costa Maya, Belize, Roatan Island and Cozumel. A Norwegian “Freestyle Cruise” offers a variety of exciting restaurants, a relaxed dress code and lots of choices of things to see and do. Norwegian also offers a 15-day Panama Canal cruise to Los Angeles.
Disney Cruise Line is new to New Orleans. The famous family cruise line offers cruises from here to the Bahamas, Cozumel, Western Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal.
American Cruise Line has two riverboats making cruises up the Mississippi River that leave from New Orleans. These are real paddlewheel boats with spacious overnight staterooms.
The American Queen Steamboat Company offers luxury steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River out of New Orleans. Some are round-trips and others are one-way to Memphis.
Viking River Cruises will offer Mississippi River cruises starting in 2022.
Driving To Cruise Parking At Mobile Port
From I-10 West:
Continue over Mobile Bay Bridge and the George Wallace Tunnel. After one mile take the Exit 25B Virginia Street. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and follow signs to rejoin the I-10 East. Follow the directions below.
From I-10 East
Keep right and take the exit 26A Canal Street. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Water Street. Drive just two blocks and you will see the garage and cruise terminal on the right.
From US Hwy 90
Follow Hwy 90 west, passing shops, businesses and historic mansions in the downtown district. West of I-65, drive west for 4.6 miles then turn right onto South Broad St. After 300 yards, head left onto Canal St. Stay on this road for 1 mile then turn right onto Eslava St and after 1/2 mile you will see the terminal and parking garage.
From I-65
Take I-65 south and join the I-10. Follow the I-10 east to Exit 26A Canal St. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Water St. In two blocks you will see the parking garage and cruise terminal.
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Carnival Leaves Mobile Again And Taxpayers Are Stuck With The Bills
The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship sits docked at the Alabama Cruise Terminal on Monday, March 30 2020, in downtown Mobile, Ala. .
Its been six weeks since passengers from Mobile last ordered pitchers at the Carnival Fantasys RedFrog Rum Bar. This was supposed to be the heyday for Mobiles cruising business. Last fall, the city signed its longest deal with Carnival since the cruise line first returned to Alabama waters in 2016.
The port is well positioned to draw customers from around the Southeast but, now, its unclear how long it will be before tourists flock to the city for their chance to eat one of Guy Fieris cheeseburgers at sea.
Mobile taxpayers could be on the hook for more than $3.4 million in annual expenses if its downtown terminal remains empty while Carnival Cruise Line works itself out of a coronavirus-era funk.
According to city figures provided to AL.com, Mobiles annual debt payments on the cruise terminal are around $1.9 million. The city had been paying off the debt by utilizing revenues from wharfage and parking fees by having the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy docked in downtown Mobile. The cruise ship, which last sailed out of Mobile in mid-March, left Alabama last month and is now part of a fleet of vessels returning crew members to their home countries.
The ship is currently docked in Miami and is scheduled to sail to Panama. There is no timetable for its return to Mobile.
Mobiles pitch: Drive to us
Challenging times
Unchartered waters
Mobile Hotels With Cruise Parking
The Admiral HotelThe Admiral Hotels offers a Park, Stay, and Cruise package for its guests. About $30 more than the lowest base rates in our search, the package includes complimentary breakfast for two and free parking while you take your cruise . Note that there is no mention of transportation to the port, which is about a mile drive away.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.8 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Extended Stay America Mobile Spring HillExtended Stay America offers rates that start at under $100 per night, making it affordable. We called and were also told they offer five nights of cruise parking for $40. Thats more than half off the rate charged at the cruise port. You will need to find your own transportation, but the ride should only take about 15 minutes.
- Price: $-$$
- Distance to Port: 6 miles
- Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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Which Cruises Sail Out Of Mobile Al
Currently Mobile, AL is only used by Carnival Cruise Lines.Their ship, Carnival Fantasy, currently operates from Mobile during thewinter season. It offers shorter mini cruises of 4 and 5 days in the WesternCaribbean visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Yucatan in Mexico.
Longer 6-day cruises visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman andMahogany Bay while 7-day cruises head to Cozumel, Grand Cayman. GrandTurk, Amber Cove and San Juan beforereturning to Mobile Port.
Carnival also offers one-time adventure cruises from Mobile,AL including a 10-day Panama Canal cruise. This trip includes a partial transitthrough the amazing Panama Canal before visiting Limon , MahoganyBay , Cozumel and then returning home to Mobile.
Another popular 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Mobilecalls in at Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove , Grand Caymanand Cozumel before arriving back in the Port of Mobile cruise terminal.
There are plans for the newer Carnival Fascination toreplace the Fantasy in 2022.
Highway signs will direct you to Union Pier and all general cruise traffic should head to parking gate #2. Parking is $17.00 per day for traditional vehicles and $40 per day for larger vehicles.
One may also ask, how far is cruise port from Mobile Airport? about 13 miles
Additionally, what cruise lines leave from mobile?
Carnival is the only major cruise line offering cruises from Mobile. Itineraries include 4- to 8-night Caribbean cruises aboard Carnival Fantasy, usually 4- or 5-nights in length.
Carnival Cancels All Cruises Out Of Mobile Until March 2021
Carnival Cruise Line announced Wednesday that all cruises from the Port of Mobile are canceled until March 1, 2021, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The news about Mobile is part of a larger series of cancellations announced by Carnival on Wednesday.
Cruise lines were shuttered under a No Sail Order from the CDC from March 14 until November 4.
Carnivals shuttering of operations since Nov. 4 has been on a voluntary basis as the company seeks to implement a gradual resumption of its normal business.The cruise line said Wednesday that Miami and Port Canaveral are the locations it is targeting for its first cruises since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in the spring.
Like Mobile, most other ports out of which Carnival sails, such as New Orleans, Charleston, and San Diego are shuttered until February 28.
We are committed to meeting the CDC requirements and keeping our guests and business partners informed of our progress, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a release.
The CDCs rules for cruise ships are can be accessed here.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: or on Twitter
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Carnival Cruise Line To Resume Sailings From Mobile On October 21
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the cruise industry in March, a cruise ship will sail out of Mobile with passengers on board.
But there is a catch for those cruises who are unvaccinated: You will pay $150 to be tested before and after the cruises. Also, on board youth programs will only be available to vaccinated children and youth ages 12 and older.
The Carnival Sensation, one of the Miami-based companys four upgraded Fantasy-class ships, will resume operations on October 21 from the Alabama Cruise Terminal in downtown Mobile. The cruise ships initial voyage will mark the first time one of the companys vessels has left Mobile with passengers on board since in early March 2020, during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
It will also mark the first time the Carnival Sensation was in Mobile since mid-May, when the cruise ship arrived to vaccinate the crew members who were on board.
We are very excited about our restart and greatly appreciate the support of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line in a news release that announced the companys plans on Monday.
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, in a statement, said the city and Carnival Cruise Line have been in communication so that were ready to meet their needs as a home port city when cruising starts in October.
Were excited to see a definitive date set for the resumption of cruises out of Mobile, Stimpson said.