Festivities mark Carnival Spirit's new Mobile deployment

Special visitors included Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Visit Mobile President and CEO David Clark at the celebration led by Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival’s SVP guest operations.

'It’s great to see another Carnival funnel amid the Mobile skyline today. We are truly pleased to continue our strong partnership of more than 21 years with the city of Mobile,' Reno said. 'Carnival Spirit is the perfect ship to carry out this new cruise program for Mobile, offering more accommodation options and all that our guests expect to find on a Fun Ship, along with longer itineraries that offer guests a wider range of destinations to explore.'

At the celebration the ship’s chefs served a large version of the city’s iconic MoonPie dessert. MoonPies are traditionally tossed to spectators during Mardi Gras parades in Mobile.

'Best ship we've ever had'

'Mobilians love to see a cruise ship on the waterfront, and Carnival Spirit is the best ship we’ve ever had,' Stimpson said. 'It will offer unparalleled itineraries and experiences and have a positive economic impact on the local retailers, restaurants and hotels that serve Carnival’s guests.'

Passengers departing today are sailing on an eight-day Bahamas cruise that calls at Bimini, Freeport, Half Moon Cay and Nassau. The ship is set to sail a series of six- and eight-day cruises through March.

Carnival has also opened Carnival Spirit's bookings from fall 2024 to spring 2025, featuring five-, six- and eight-day itineraries, as well as a 12-day 'Carnival Journeys' southern Caribbean cruise, the first of its kind scheduled from Mobile.