Friday, September 22, 2023
Carnival Cruise Lines is set to make a return to Mobile in October, and the city is gearing up for the arrival of a newer and larger cruise ship, the Carnival Spirit. As part of the preparations, the Mobile City Council recently approved several agreements to facilitate the smooth operation of the cruise terminal.
The council approved a one-year agreement worth $75,000 with Securitas Security Services USA to provide security services at the Mobile Cruise Terminal. Additionally, a $50,000 one-year agreement was authorized with ZTrip to offer shuttle services to the cruise terminal. Both contracts have the option to be extended for two one-year periods, ensuring ongoing support for the cruise operations.
Last week, the council also gave the green light to a new five-year berthing agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the Carnival Spirit. This agreement allows the cruise line to use the Mobile Cruise Terminal for its 5, 6, 8, and 12-day trips starting in October. Carnival will pay the city $8 per passenger, with a 3% annual increase over the five years. The agreement also includes two one-year extension options.
The Carnival Spirit will offer voyages around the Caribbean Sea, with stops at various destinations, including Key West, Florida; Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas; Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos; and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. It’s important to note that this cruise ship is seasonal, with plans to dock in Mobile for six months at a time.
The demand for the Carnival Spirit is evident, as the first trip scheduled for October 6 is already fully booked. The return of Carnival Cruise Lines to Mobile signifies a positive development for both the city and the cruise industry, with Mayor Sandy Stimpson expressing optimism about the mutually beneficial arrangement.
Tags: Carnival Cruise, Mobile, Mobile City Council
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