Mobile’s Fantasy Coming in November, 2009

Since almost the second Carnival announced they'd homeport a ship in Mobile, AL over 4 years ago, Mobile has been lobbying with intensity and consistency for another ship, or perhaps a larger ship, and for 7-night itineraries. Part of their efforts will bear fruit in November, 2009, when the Carnival Fantasy replaces the Carnival Holiday in Mobile.

The Fantasy is a significantly larger ship than the Holiday, bringing a 42% increase in capacity. She will undergo her "Evolutions of Fun" makeover in the fall this year, so will embody quite an upgrade in facilities to this port. While Mobile hoped for a 7-night itinerary with a second ship, at this time that's not to happen as the Fantasy will be taking over the alternating 4- and 5-night itineraries the Holiday is currently sailing.

The Holiday will be transferred to the new joint venture in Spain, Iberocruceros, where she will join her sister ship Celebration.

Wondering what will replace Fantasy in New Orleans? Stay tuned - that announcement is promised soon. My personal hope is for a Conquest-class ship, and hopefully it will be the Conquest herself returning to the port for which she was designed.

Carnival Fantasy to Sail Out of Mobile Through August

Carnival Fantasy, normally based in New Orleans, will operate out of Mobile, AL through Sept. 1 because of the recent oil spill on the Mississippi River.

The ship will operate six cruises out of the Alabama port city before it goes into dry dock for her "Evolutions of Fun" 28 day makeover. The Fantasy will then return to New Orleans in October.

Carnival Fantasy has been departing from and arriving in Mobile since the oil spill on July 23. Though my clients have already been notified, if you're booked on any of the affected sailings, you'll want to contact Carnival or your agent for details on transportation arrangements.