It’s time to be Back to Fun as Carnival Cruise Line announces October 21, 2021, Sail Date.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the Carnival Sensation will soon officially call the Port of Mobile home and will resume guest operations effective October 21, 2021. This will be the first cruise ship to sail out of Mobile since the CDC first implemented the no-sail order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re so excited to restart cruising from Mobile and to finally welcome our guests on Carnival Sensation, which will be making her debut,” said Chris Chiames, Chief Communications Officer for Carnival Cruise Line. “Thanks to everyone in Mobile for their incredible support and loyalty during this time. We can’t wait to get Back to Fun in Mobile!”
After the success of the company’s initial resumption of service and the guests’ response to onboard experience and health and safety protocols, Carnival has decided they will continue to operate all ships as vaccinated voyages through at least October but may be extended based on guidance from public health and medical advisors.
“It’s Sensational to have Carnival Cruise Lines return to Mobile, and a new ship to boot! Carnival’s partnership brings a tremendous boost to Mobile’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, and the surrounding region” said David Clark, President & CEO of Visit Mobile. “We are excited to have the Carnival Sensation as a part of our skyline and to welcome back more visitors into our city.”
Each year, cruising from Mobile brings in 200,000 guests creating an immense economic impact with more than 35,000 overnight stays in local hotels, and direct spend into multiple business segments.
Mobile Mayor, Sandy Stimpson added, “We’re excited to see a definitive date set for the resumption of cruises out of Mobile. We’ve been continuing to communicate with Carnival so that we’re ready to meet their needs as a home port City when cruising starts again in October. Carnival plays a critical role in the City’s economic strength, and we are pleased to continue this successful partnership with the return of the Carnival Sensation.”
The Carnival Sensation is moving from San Juan to Mobile and will take up itineraries previously assigned to the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Fascination. Cruising from Mobile offers exciting experiences to cruisers before and after they set sail through various attractions, restaurants, and shops. To learn more about Park and Cruise packages, the Very Important Cruiser program and more, visit mobile.org/cruise.
According to Carnival, the company will continue to welcome unvaccinated guests on board, but all unvaccinated guests including children under the age of 12, will be subject to pre-cruise and pre-embarkation testing and testing again prior to debarkation (on cruises longer than four days) along with a $150 per person charge to cover the costs of testing, reporting and health and safety screenings. Guests, travel advisors, and news media with additional questions are encouraged to review Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page and FAQ on Carnival.com.
Mobile’s Cruise Industry Consultant, Roger Blum followed, “I’m proud to be part of the team that has worked so hard to bring cruising back to Mobile. Carnival’s return is a testament to these efforts, and their confidence in this region’s love of cruising. After this challenging period, we’re all ready for a Fun Ship cruise!”
