MIAMI (July 24, 2006) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, has extended its contract with the City of Mobile, Ala., for another year, thus allowing the line’s 1,452-passenger Holiday to continue operating its popular four- and five-day Mexico cruises from the Alabama Cruise Terminal.

Carnival launched the first and only year-round cruise program from Mobile in October 2004. Since then, the voyages have been enormously successful, consistently operating in excess of 100 percent occupancy (based on two per cabin) and accounting for approximately 125,000 passengers annually from that port.

“Consumer response to ‘Fun Ship’ cruising from Mobile aboard the Holiday has been exceptional. We are very pleased to extend our contract with the city – a valued business partner - and continue offering fun, affordable vacations from one of the cruise industry’s finest terminal facilities,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. 

“Mobile’s partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines has been a tremendous success, boosting the city and the state of Alabama tourism market,” said Mobile Mayor Samuel Jones. “Mobile is a great port for cruising, so Carnival’s third year contract extension is welcomed news and a testament to the city’s positive value for the industry.”   

On its Mobile-based cruises, the 46,052-ton Holiday departs from the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel, and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cozumel and Calica/Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya.

The SuperLiner Holiday is part of Carnival’s fleet of 21 “Fun Ships,” which operate voyages ranging from three to 14 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations on all of the Holiday’s 2006-2007 departures from Mobile.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.