Cruise Ships Return To Alabama Coast

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) – Authorities say the Carnival Fantasy will begin voyages from the Alabama coast, marking the return of cruise ships to Mobile after a four-year absence.

The Mobile City Council on Wednesday approved the deal between Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line and the city-owned cruise ship terminal.

Officials said the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy will offer four- and five-day cruises to ports in Mexico. The agreement approved by the council is for about 13 months, from early November 2016 to late November 2017.

Carnival ended its seven-year tenure with Mobile in 2011 and relocated to New Orleans because the trips weren’t making enough money. Carnival’s departure left Mobile with an empty passenger terminal, which has been used for dances, weddings and other events.