A larger turning basin has been approved, but not yet funded, for Mobile. The current basin limits ship length to 850 feet. The new basin will allow ships of 900 feet or more to use the port.

Obviously this is going to fuel more speculation about a larger Carnival ship (or perhaps other cruise lines too) coming to Mobile.

Well, at least its been approved. That means Mobile is at least serious about getting a larger ship in there. I bet that Carnival is waiting for that to happen before given a firm date on moving in a new ship to replace the Holiday. If Mobile was smart they would fund that quickly. Can you imagine the money that having a cruise ship port brings to Mobile? The hotel and other tourist business gets a big shot in the arm with a port.

It also will mean higher port fees on your cruise. Probably higher parking fees too. With air rates getting so high though the drive ports gain more popularity.

I'd love to see it funded, however, the budget has been cut dramatically for FY2009. The loss of revenue from taxes was huge for this upcoming year, not to mention the rest of this fiscal year. They're cutting higher ed (my job) by 14% next year, K-12 by 3%. I'm sure the pork projects will not suffer, but this is one they need to fund immediately.Farming and factory work is very noble, but this state has GOT to do something to elevate revenue.

I figured something would give. As much as I love the Holiday, it can't go on forever without some major renovations. I see a Fantasy class ship in Mobile's future.

Dwayne