The council approved a one-year agreement worth $75,000 with Securitas Security Services USA to provide security services at the Mobile Cruise Terminal. Additionally, a $50,000 one-year agreement was authorized with ZTrip to offer shuttle services to the cruise terminal. Both contracts have the option to be extended for two one-year periods, ensuring ongoing support for the cruise operations.
Last week, the council also gave the green light to a new five-year berthing agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the Carnival Spirit. This agreement allows the cruise line to use the Mobile Cruise Terminal for its 5, 6, 8, and 12-day trips starting in October. Carnival will pay the city $8 per passenger, with a 3% annual increase over the five years. The agreement also includes two one-year extension options.
The Carnival Spirit will offer voyages around the Caribbean Sea, with stops at various destinations, including Key West, Florida; Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas; Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos; and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. It’s important to note that this cruise ship is seasonal, with plans to dock in Mobile for six months at a time.
The demand for the Carnival Spirit is evident, as the first trip scheduled for October 6 is already fully booked. The return of Carnival Cruise Lines to Mobile signifies a positive development for both the city and the cruise industry, with Mayor Sandy Stimpson expressing optimism about the mutually beneficial arrangement.
Tags: Carnival Cruise Lines, Mobile, Carnival Spirit Mobile City Council
