Cruise ship and potential travel to Cuba

MOBILE, AL (WALA) –

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson says he wants Mobile to become one of America’s top travel destinations for global travelers. He announced the city is in the final stages of bringing carnival cruise lines back to Mobile.

He couldn’t comment on any particulars, like when we can expect to see a ship, how much money it will generate, or if there is a guarantee the cruise line won’t back out of mobile again. He says all that will be revealed after the contract is finalized later this month. Once the contract is finished, it’ll be up to the city council to approve it.

As the barriers between the U.S. and Cuba fall, a cruise line in Mobile could open doors for Americans to potentially travel to Cuba. Former Mobile Mayor Mike Dow stopped by our studio during FOX10 news at 4 p.m. to talk more about that. He revealed his reaction to the mayor’s announcement, saying a cruise terminal will be good for the city. He laughed saying that he plans to be on the first cruise out of Mobile.

At one point the cruises were netting $1 million a year. Parking revenues and other fees were covering the city’s debt payments. Dow explained what he believes the cruises could bring in today.

Carnival reportedly expects to begin cruising to Cuba next year. Dow believes that signals there’s a demand. Watch the interview, and let us know how you feel about the possibility of traveling to Cuba.

FOX10 News will be sure to keep you in the loop on the cruise ship contract as new information is released.