News that Carnival Cruise Line is likely coming back to Mobile, AL., has created a buzz in the local business community.
The city of Mobile is close to finalizing a deal with Carnival that would bring a ship back to the port for the first time since 2011.
Mobile city mayor Sandy Stimpson hasn’t disclosed whether it will be a seasonal or year-round deployment but said: "I don’t think anybody’s going to be disappointed in the contract."
More details would be announced by the end of September, the mayor said.
It will be a much needed boost to the local economy and the $28 million Alabama Cruise Terminal which has stood virtually idle since Carnival pulled out four years ago.
Speaking to local news station WKRG News 5, Steve Cape of Cape Travel said: "The great thing about having a cruise ship in your backyard is that it’s like an extra vacation you can take because the prices are great. Cruises are the best deal in the travel market right now. You can get a better deal on a cruise than you can get flying any day of the week."
"As a hotel here, we’re always looking at conventions and things that are bringing people in. The cruise ship really did affect all of our budgets, and we’re really looking forward to having it back," added Kelsey Sunderman, sales manager at Mobile’s Hampton Inn & Suites.
Mayor Stimpson called the news ‘a great day for the City of Mobile,’ adding that bringing a cruise ship back to the city has been one of his major goals since taking office.
