Carnival Bringing Valor to Mobile, AL Year Round in 2027

Carnival Cruise Line is giving cruisers in the Gulf Coast something big to look forward to. As part of its 2027–2028 deployment plans, the line is making major changes across its fleet and homeports. After years of operating seasonal sailings from Mobile, Alabama, Carnival is committing to the port year-round and sending a larger, freshly updated ship to make it happen.

Goodbye Carnival Spirit, Hello Carnival Valor

Currently, the Carnival Spirit is doing sailings from Mobile. That changes in March 2027 when the ship will move to other ports. When Carnival returns to Mobile in May, it will sail its largest ship yet from the port, Carnival Valor.

Carnival Valor is a Conquest Class ship, and while it’s 24% larger than the Spirit, it’s not a mega ship by any means. The ship can hold 40% more guests than the Spirit, meaning the cruise line now has much more capacity in Mobile.

Valor is only three years newer than Spirit, and it was just refurbished earlier this year with minor upgrades like the Heroes Tribute Bar, an upgraded waterpark, and an expanded casino. It features many of the things people love about the Spirit including Alchemy Bar, Blue Iguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Red Frog Rum Bar.

Mobile Switching to Year-Round Sailings

Currently, Mobile, Alabama, is a seasonal port, sailing from October until April each year. But starting in May 2027, the port will transition to year-round sailings. The Valor will offer 6- and 8-day sailings visiting Carnival’s private destinations like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, as well as other Bahamas destinations. The ship will also sail two 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises: one in September 2027 and one in January 2028.

“This is a big win for our guests who love the convenience of cruising close to home, and for the community that has supported us for many years. Carnival Valor will bring even more opportunity for fun, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

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