CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's vessel, Carnival Spirit, with a capacity of 2,124 guests, marked her inaugural departure from the new homeport in Mobile (Alabama USA) on October 6, 2023.
This relocation introduces an increased variety of offerings by Carnival Cruise Line departing from Mobile, both in terms of onboard experiences and the itineraries available from this port.
In celebration of Carnival Spirit's maiden voyage from Mobile, Captain Salvatore Siviero and the ship's leadership team extended a warm welcome to cruise embarkation guests. The occasion was further graced by distinguished visitors, including Mayor Sandy Stimpson of the City of Mobile and David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile. An onboard celebration, led by Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival's Senior Vice President of Guest Operations, commemorated this significant event.
To infuse a touch of Mobile's spirit into the onboard experience, the ship's culinary team presented a grand rendition of the city's iconic MoonPie dessert. Traditionally, MoonPies are tossed to spectators during Mardi Gras parades in Mobile. Carnival Spirit's colossal MoonPie, adorned with a CCL funnel design, was shared among the ship's guests following Mayor Stimpson's ceremonial first slice.
Guests embarking on this day embarked on an 8-day Bahamian voyage visiting Bimini, Freeport, Half Moon Cay and Nassau. The ship is scheduled to undertake a series of sailings, ranging from 6 to 8 days, spanning from the present time until March 2024. Carnival has additionally unveiled cruise options from fall 2024 to spring 2025 on Carnival Spirit from Mobile. These offerings comprise 5-, 6-, and 8-day itineraries, along with a 12-day Carnival Journeys Southern Caribbean cruise - an inaugural Carnival Journeys voyage originating from Mobile.