As part of its restarting plan, Carnival Cruise Line announced it will suspend cruises out of Mobile, Ala. for nearly a year.
Cruises on Carnival Sensation from Mobile that were planned for Oct. 15, 2022, through Sept. 20, 2023, have been canceled. Carnival said it will announce a new operating plan for Mobile cruises at a later date.
In the meantime, Carnival Ecstasy will reposition to Mobile from March 5 through Oct. 10, 2022.
“As part of this deployment plan, Carnival Sensation will not restart guest operations and Carnival Ecstasy’s last cruise in guest operations will be the Oct. 10, 2022, departure from Mobile and both ships will leave the Carnival fleet,” Carnival stated in a press release.
The cruise line is notifying guests of the changes. The restart is part of Carnival’s adjustments for the “continued uncertainty of cruising in Australia.”
In Australia, Carnival canceled planned operations of Carnival Splendor from June 10 through Sept. 26, and of Carnival Spirit from June 5, 2022, through Oct. 5, 2023.
“Our guests have remained passionate and supportive throughout the restart and 2022 gives us plenty of reasons for enthusiasm and excitement as we reach full operations in the U.S., prepare for our 50th birthday celebration, and await the arrival of Carnival Celebration this fall,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our very loyal guests, our vibrant homeport strategy and our fleet of popular ships are strengths to our advantage as we adapt to changing opportunities and circumstances.”
Carnival Spirit will replace Carnival Ecstasy in Jacksonville, Fla., through April 9. Eventually, a new ship will be assigned to Jacksonville.
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said while the city is disappointed, he believes the relationship between Mobile and Carnival Cruise Lines will remain positive.
“Christine Duffy is planning to be in Mobile to personally welcome guests and celebrate the company’s 50th Anniversary with us when cruises resume on March 5, 2022 — further signaling their commitment to the City of Mobile and our port,” Stimpson said.
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