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It's official: Carnival inks 5-year extension in New Orleans

Port of New Orleans
Carnival Dream and Carnival Elation alongside in New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans and Carnival Cruise Lines signed a new agreement that will keep at least two ships operating year-round through 2019. As earlier reported, the agreement has three one-year options, making this the longest potential cruise deal in history for New Orleans.

The options could guarantee Carnival homeports at least two ships of equal or greater size than the Dream-class and Fantasy-class ships sailing from the port today through 2022.

'This is a clear demonstration of Carnival’s belief in New Orleans as one of its top homeports,' said port president and ceo Gary LaGrange. 'We look forward to helping Carnival grow its business in the Crescent City for the long term.'

'Carnival is excited to continue our outstanding relationship with the Port of New Orleans,' added cruise line president and ceo Gerry Cahill. 'We greatly value the professionalism of our partners at the port, the ease of operating from New Orleans and the tremendous support we receive from the local community and our valued travel agent partners.'

Cahill said Carnival passengers, particularly those from Louisiana, 'love cruising from the Crescent City and we look forward to continuing our New Orleans program for many years to come.'

Carnival Dream and Carnival Elation currently sail from the recently renovated Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Together, the two ships carry more than 400,000 passengers annually from New Orleans, the most of any line.

Carnival Dream offers alternating weekly eastern and western Caribbean itineraries while Carnival Elation sails four- and five-day jaunts to Mexico.