United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Carnival cruising back to Mobile
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.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled