More parking could attract new cruise ships to Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – After a city council meeting on Tuesday, Executive Director of Administrative Services Joe Snowden said the city of Mobile is looking to expand the cruise terminal in hopes of attracting a new cruise line.

“Currently we can handle one ship at a time because we have the parking, but if another ship comes in, we have to have parking for them too,” he said.

Snowden told reporters he can’t yet say which lines might come to Mobile, but he did say they are not Carnival ships.

We asked some locals what they thought about buying a second cruise ship.

“I think it’s a great idea. I think this would bring more business to downtown Mobile, more hotel stays, restaurants, etc.,” said David Mayer.

Since Carnival Spirit just returned to Mobile in 2023, a few people didn’t know Mobile had a cruise ship.

“I guess considering I’ve been here for a few years and didn’t even know one existed, I don’t know if they really need a second one… but hey, why not? If it makes money for the city, yes,” Jennifer Tanner said.

“I feel like it would be fun for younger people and more families,” Daangela Battles said.

“It would be a nice way to get out of the city and relax, you know, clear your mind,” said Pedro Ulia.

But by adding another cruise ship to Mobile, the city will have to provide room for more parking.

City officials said the parking garage currently holds about 500 cars, but could add a few hundred more.

“To ensure that we are strategically attractive to other cruise lines, they want to have premium parking for their passengers,” Snowden said.

He told us that the goal would be to create a total of 750 parking spaces.

Snowden said at this time there is no specific timeline for the terminal expansion project, but he did say the sooner the better as one cruise line could come to Mobile as soon as next year.