MIAMI (Aug. 12, 2005) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, today announced that it has extended its contract with the City of Mobile for one year. As a result, the 1,452-passenger Holiday will continue to operate year-round four- and five-day cruises from the Alabama Cruise Terminal. 

Carnival originally signed a one-year contract with the City of Mobile for the Holiday to launch the first year-round cruise program from Mobile in October 2004.

“Response to Mobile’s first cruise program has been nothing short of sensational, exceeding our already high expectations. In addition to providing one of the finest terminal facilities in the cruise industry, the Mobile community has demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and support for ‘Fun Ship’ cruising and contributed greatly to the success of this program,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

“Mobile’s vision of becoming an exciting and competitive cruise ship homeport was made a reality when Carnival’s Holiday was homeported on the Mobile riverfront last year,” said Mobile Mayor Mike Dow. “This venture has been successful for all parties and with Carnival’s announcement today of the extension of the Holiday in Mobile, that progress will continue.”

Dow added that he is grateful to Carnival and the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), the latter of which financed, constructed and operates the Alabama Cruise Terminal, for their partnership and confidence in Mobile.

Said Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the RSA, “When great companies like Carnival and The Retirement Systems of Alabama work together with an outstanding city like Mobile, wonderful results can and do happen. The RSA will do whatever is necessary to help and assist Carnival’s efforts and expansion in Alabama. Carnival's success is another Alabama success story.”

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 Holiday typically sails in excess of 100 percent capacity (based on two guests per cabin) and over the past 10 months, the ship has carried nearly 100,000 passengers from Mobile.

The Holiday is part of Carnival’s fleet of 21 “Fun Ships,” which operate voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations on all of the Holiday’s 2005-2006 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.