Mobile Bay Wins "Best New Homeport" Award

Article reprinted from Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau newsletter

The world's leading cruise magazine, Porthole Cruise Magazine, named Mobile as the Best New Homeport in their annual Editor in Chief Awards featured in their February issue. "Mobile has definitely proved successful as a new U.S. homeport for the cruise industry," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine, the nation's leading cruise and travel publication. "Because of its beauty, history, attractions, and location, there's no doubt that Mobile will continue to attract the cruise lines and their passengers." Published bimonthly by Fort Lauderdale-based The PPI Group, Porthole Cruise Magazine is available on newsstands nationwide and by subscription and will celebrate its 10th year as a consumer publication in 2006. Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO Leon Maisel stated, "To be chosen as the best out of a group of top-rated destinations and homeports just strengthens and supports the fact that Mobile has a lot to offer those who visit our city." Mr. Maisel also stated, "This recognition is well deserved. The Mobile community should be proud for helping create and maintain such a beautiful, historic and exciting homeport."

Mobile is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest homeport. In October, four and five-day Western Caribbean Cruises began departing from the historical bay front area. A top-security, state-of-the-art cruise terminal was built in less than a year to accommodate Carnival’s Fun Ship the HOLIDAY.