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.
The Carnival Cruise Ships Resuming Sailings Through 2021
Take a look a which Carnival cruise ships are resuming operations in 2021 including the new Mardi Gras and ships for September and October.
As summer rolls on, we start to have a clear view of what Carnival cruise ships are resuming sailings, and which we have to wait a little longer. Three ships are already operating from Galveston and Miami, while we only have one more week to go before Mardi sets sail with guests for the first time.
The last week has been dominated by Carnival Cruise Lines announcement that it plans to start up an increasing number of ships over the next few weeks and hope to have its entire US-based fleet operational by the end of the year.
Also Read: When Will Cruises Resume in 2021?
Celebrate Any And All Occasions On Perdido Queen Cruises
Help us welcome the Perdido Queen Dinner Cruise to the Alabama Gulf Coast. This is the only dinner cruise in Mobile providing an entertaining and unique way to enjoy our beautiful, scenic waterway. Ideal for anniversaries and special occasions or just a night out with the family or that special person.
Take downtown Mobile dining to a new level! Enjoy dining on the water while cruising along the Mobile waterfront. Dinner is catered by Dauphins and served at your private table and includes two entrees with plenty of sides and salad to select from. During your cruise, the vessel is heated or cooled for your comfort. Perdido Queen dinner cruises feature live entertainment, providing space for dancing and dining.
Cruises operate rain or shine. Reservations are required and suggested to be made early to guarantee seating for the date you wish to attend. Avoid the lines and forget about a wait! Parking is available on the south side of the convention center.; Covered parking is available under the convention center, after-hour parking requires cash. Train: In case of a train stopped on the tracks, please park on the south side free parking and use the stairway crossover by the convention center to avoid the railroad tracks.
You May Like: What Do You Do On An Alaskan Cruise
Carnival Cruises To Return To Mobile In October
MOBILE, Alabama — Carnival Cruise Line announced this week that cruises out of the Port of Mobile will resume in October, marking the first cruises from Mobile since the CDC first suspended passenger cruises in March 2020.
The Carnival Sensation will homeport at the Port of Mobile and guest operations will officially resume Oct. 21, Carnival announced. The Sensation will be the first cruise ship sailing out of Mobile since the No Sail Order was first implemented March 14, 2020.
Were excited to see a definitive date set for the resumption of cruises out of Mobile, said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Weve been continuing to communicate with Carnival so that were ready to meet their needs as a home port city when cruising starts again in October. Carnival plays a critical role in the Citys economic strength, and we are pleased to continue this successful partnership with the return of the Carnival Sensation.
Cruising from Mobile is estimated to bring in 200,000 guests, creating more than 35,000 overnight stays in local hotels, and direct spending across multiple business segments.
Its Sensational to have Carnival Cruise Lines return to Mobile, and a new ship to boot, said David Clark, President & CEO of Visit Mobile. Carnivals partnership brings a tremendous boost to Mobiles hotels, restaurants, attractions, and the surrounding region. We are excited to have the Carnival Sensation as a part of our skyline and to welcome back more visitors into our city.
More Fun To Come In September And October
September and October will see eight more ships operating from US ports, divided equally over both months. Additional homeports that the cruise line will add include New Orleans, Baltimore, and Mobile, Alabama. Some ships have seen some changes over the last week; check our dedicated article on these changes to find out more. The following ships and cruises are on the program:
Recommended Reading: What Cruise Lines Depart From Savannah Ga
Customers Love Cruising With Us
A must do when visiting Mobile. Great views of the bay while watching the sunset. Live music, good catered food, great mixed drinks and friendly staff that makes sure youre being well taken care of. Thanks for offering this new outing in Mobile and well definitely be back!
If you like being on the water, this is a must do. Between the live music, great service, and beautifully lit skyline, it is a wonderfully unique experience. I am a sucker for photos and I loved the unique view it offered of the USS Alabama.
Cruised with friends celebrating their anniversary. In spite of the fog, we had an enjoyable evening. The crew was friendly and helpful. The food was delicious – buffet style. Cash bar was reasonably priced. The musicians were talented and engaging. Lots to see along the waterfront. I would go again.
We cruised during the week and it was very enjoyable, peaceful, and quite relaxing. Food was good. Drinks were awesome. Live music had us all dancing. The crew was super friendly!! Highly recommend. We’ll be back!!
Facts About Mobile Cruise Terminal
The purpose-built cruise terminal in Mobile Port is spreadover two levels connected by four elevators, escalators and stairs. It covers66,000 square feet and has state-of-the-art security in place for checkingcruise passengers and their baggage before departing on a Caribbean cruise. Itis connected to a 4-story parking garage. An enclosed walkway/ramp leads fromsecurity and check-in directly onto the ship.
As the cruise terminal is on the edge of the downtown area,it has many hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions nearby. They are allwithin easy walking distance for cruisers with time to spare after parkingwhile waiting to board the ship.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Go To Alaska
Msc Cruises Receives Approval To Sail From New Homeport In Florida
MSC Cruises has received approval from the CDC to restart cruises on MSC Divina on September 16.; It will be the first time that the cruise line has sailed out of Port Canaveral as the ship will offer three, four, and seven night cruises.MSC Divina will be the cruise lines 11th cruise to resume cruises and their second out of a U.S. port.After officially resuming cruises from the U.S. with
Which Carnival Cruise Ships Are Sailing In March 2021
Carnival Cruise Line has updated its website and we now have a clear view of which ships are currently set to be sailing in March 2021. In an announcement this week the U.S. largest cruise line said it hassuspended all sailings through February 2021, while some ships will not sail until April, May, or even September 2021!
The situation, as it is right now, does not guarantee the ships will be sailing at this time, yet it looks good with the majority of ships setting sail upon resumption. Weve collected the first voyage of each Carnival Ship that set sail in March according to the official website in one handy post!
There are a few surprises with departure ports, as Carnival has minimized departures from Port Miami, and increased other ports. Departure ports now include Mobile, Alabama; Port Canaveral, Florida; Long Beach, California; Miami, Florida; Baltimore, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas; San Diego, California; Jacksonville, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Read Also: What Ships Cruise Out Of New Orleans
Another Us Cruise Port Reopens As Carnival Brings Back Another Cruise Ship
The Port of Baltimore became the latest cruise port in the U.S. to reopen when passengers began boarding a Carnival Cruise Line ship earlier today.Carnival Pride will set sail on the first cruise out of Baltimore in more than a year as the vessel heads to the Bahamas for a week long voyage.Prior to departure, a Back to Fun event was held in the terminal during which Carnival Cruise Line
Back To Sea: Disney Fantasy Resumes Sailings From Florida
After 18 months, a second Disney Cruise Line ship has resumes sailings from Florida. Disney Fantasy set sail from Port Canaveral on Saturday evening for a four-night cruise to the Bahamas.Disney Fantasy Sailing at a reduced capacity, Fantasy will stop twice at Disneys private island Castaway Cay and have one day at sea. The double-dip itinerary was rare prior to the shutdown but
Read Also: How Much Is Norwegian Cruise Line
Things To Know About The Mobile Cruise Terminal In Alabama
Things you need to know about the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama. Covering facilities and travel tips for before or after a cruise from the port.
Mobile cruise terminal began as a home port for CarnivalCaribbean cruises in 2001. The busy commercial port now has a dedicated cruise terminal which provides state-of-the-artfacilities and convenient on-site parking for cruisers.;
Well located for those living in the southern states, Mobile cruise port has proved popular for shorter 4- and 5-day cruises as well as longer itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean. Ports of call on cruises from Mobile, AL include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Amber Cove , San Juan , Limon , Mahogany Bay and partial Panama Canal transits.
If youre within easy driving distance of this northern Gulfport, check out the facts about the cruise ships, cruise parking, itinerariesand amenities offered at Mobile cruise terminal before booking your nextCaribbean cruise. Get ready to cast off and set sail!
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, it’s unclear how long it will be before tourists flock to the city for their chance to eat one of Guy Fieri’s 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 Cruise Terminal Past Present And Future
The first cruises sailed out of Mobile Port, AL in 2001.These cruises were with Carnival Cruise Lines who still operate out of thiscommercial deep-water port. These cruises from Mobile proved popular withtravelers from the southern states. In fact, they became the fastest selloutsin Carnivals cruise history.
The initial cruises proved to be a boost for the whole city of Mobile, bringing cruisers who dropped their dollars in hotels, cruise parking lots, restaurants and other local attractions before and after setting sail.
With this in mind, the city council invested $54,000 to develop the waterfront at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in readiness for a purpose-built cruise terminal. They had interest from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America cruise lines.
In 2004, the new cruise terminal was opened, costingsomewhere between $10 and $20 million. It was the home port of Carnivals Holidaycruise ship with itineraries mainly to Mexico showing 100% capacity.;;
In 2007, Mobile won the coveted Port of the Year awardfrom Carnival, based on excellent feedback from cruise passengers. In 2008,Carnival announced the Holiday would be replaced by the Fantasyin 2009. The city responded by promising a new gangway at Mobile cruiseterminal and 450 more parking spots on-site.
In 2010, despite the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf ofMexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, the Mobile cruise industry had itsbest year ever
Caribbean Cruises Leaving Mobile Alabama
Snorkel the coral reefs in Cozumel.
The city of Mobile, Alabama, welcomes travelers from the South and beyond to come and embark on a cruise vacation sure to produce priceless memories. Located downtown, the city’s cruise terminal includes 66,000 square feet of space to check in passengers and process luggage, and an attached parking deck with parking for 500 vehicles. Currently, Carnival Cruise Line is the only cruise company sailing from Mobile to the Caribbean. At this time, cruisers can select a trip from nine itineraries, all sailing on the Fantasy cruise ship.
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.
Carnival Pride Resumes Cruises From Baltimore
Carnival Cruise Line is officially sailing again from Baltimore. On Sunday afternoon, Carnival Pride set sail on a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, where itll visit Freeport, Nassau, and the private island Half Moon Cay.Before the ship set sail, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, two past guests, Captain Maurizo Ruggiero, and Port Director cut a ribbon to
Frequently Asked Questions On The Mobile Cruise Terminal
What cruise lines leave from Mobile?
Currently the Port of Mobile cruise terminal only serves Carnival Cruise Lines and is the home port of Carnival Fantasy.
Where do you park when going on a Mobile cruise?
There is plenty of covered parking at Mobile cruise terminal with prices from $19 per day. On-site cruise parking at Mobile Port is located at 201 S. Water Street, Mobile AL 36602. From there its a short walk to the terminal.
How far is the cruise port from Mobile Airport?
Mobile Regional Airport is 13 miles from Mobile cruise port. Allow at least 30 minutes for the journey by taxi, hotel shuttle service or rental car, and up to an hour when traffic is heavy.
How large is the Port of Mobile, Alabama?
The Port of Mobile covers an area of over 4,000 acres and is the only deep-water port in Alabama. It is the USAs 12th largest port based on tonnage. It has two harbors and 41 berths handling mainly container ships, coal, aluminum, lumber, paper, iron, steel, grain, paper, heavy lift and oversize cargo.
Be A Part Of World Of Cruising
Sign up to receive the latest cruising news, views and opinion and the very best Cruising offers.
Please check all fields are filled in and your email address is valid.
Thank you for joining our newsletter!
By providing your email address and clicking Register Now you consent to us sending youinformation by email. For more information see our privacypolicy
Why Doesn’t Travel Insurance Cover Cruises What You Must Do Before You Travel
Be a part of World of CruisingSign up to receive the latest cruising news, views and opinion and the very best Cruising offers.Please check all fields are filled in and your email address is valid.Thank you for joining our newsletter!By providing your email address and clicking Register Now you consent to us sending youinformation by email. For more information see our
What Can We Expect For July And August
Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Breeze have resumed sailing already this month, and we have another two ships to go.
Carnival Miracle will be sailing to Alaska on 7-day itineraries from July 27. The vessel will call at Tracy Arm Fjord; Skagway; Juneau; and Ketchikan sailing to and from Seattle. Of course, while the start in Alaska is another milestone and one that many have been looking forward to, the big news for this month is surely .
Carnivals newest vessel, the LNG powered 180,000 tonnes, and 5,282 passenger will sail from her homeport of Port Canaveral on July 31. The cruise ship is the biggest in the Carnival lineup and seen as a gamechanger. Her first cruise will see Mardi Gras sail from Port Canaveral on an itinerary calling at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Nassau in the Bahamas.
By the end of July, we will have five Carnival cruise ships in operation, but the fun doesnt stop there. Carnival aims to take full advantage of the busy summer months, in August Carnival Magic, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Sunrise will start-up operations. The cruises for these ships look as follows: