Carnival Sensation arrives to new home Mobile, crew vaccinations begin

'I’m sure I speak for everyone on board when I say It was quite emotional seeing all  the people who came out to welcome us today. Mobile certainly misses cruising — and we miss our guests, too,' Carnival Sensation Capt. Giuseppe Strano said. 'It’s great to see how excited our guests are for the return of cruising.  We can’t wait to start sailing again.'

In late 2019, Carnival and the city signed a three-year extension, to November 2022. Carnival Fantasy previously served Mobile but last year was sold to the breakers for demolition.

Sister ship Carnival Sensation is new to Mobile and offers a greater variety of balcony accommodations and features like a Bonsai Sushi Express and Cherry on Top sweet shop.

Shots and gumbo

After the arrival, crew members had the opportunity to get COVID-19 vaccinations in the Alabama Cruise Terminal from USA Health representatives.

The crew also were treated to gumbo delivered to the ship from Mobile’s legendary Wintzell’s Oyster House.

'We are excited to be a part of this first step towards bringing cruising back to Mobile and look forward to the near future when we can welcome thousands of people to our city as they embark on a great cruise aboard Carnival Sensation,' Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. 

'We appreciate the support of Mobile officials in our efforts to vaccinate Carnival Sensation crew members,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said. 'We value the partnership of the port and city of Mobile and look forward to resuming sailing from the Alabama Cruise Terminal as soon as we can.'