Carnival Cruise Line has departed on a commercial sailing from the Port of Baltimore for the first time since the industry-wide pause in operations.
Carnival Pride is on a seven-day cruise to The Bahamas, calling at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay private island resort.
Prior to departure, a "Back to Fun" event was held in the terminal during which Carnival President Christine Duffy, Carnival Pride Captain Maurizio Ruggiero and Port of Baltimore Executive Director William P. Doyle cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially welcomed the first guests.
"We’re thrilled to be back in Baltimore, supporting the local economy and offering our crew members an opportunity to support their families back home," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
"Baltimore has been a wonderful partner for more than a decade and we are delighted to get Back to Fun in this key market."
Port of Baltimore Executive Director William P. Doyle called it a ‘great day’ for the city.
"We have waited a long time to welcome back the Carnival Pride to Charm City," he said.
Carnival Cruise Line launched the first year-round cruise program from Baltimore in 2009 and since then has carried more than one million guests.
In November, a newer ship, Carnival Legend, will replace Carnival Pride in Baltimore when Carnival Pride shifts to departures from Tampa.
