My twitters are telling me Carnival plans a major announcement at 2pm eastern today. Stay tuned...

They are early....

Carnival Fantasy will sail year-around from Charleston starting in May 2010!

No word on Mobile!

Apparently John Heald jumped the PR staff and posted the news on his blog.

The Carnival Elation will move to Mobile to replace the Fantasy.

That's great news. Will it be Charleston to Bermuda or to the Bahamas? I sure hope they'll keep Mobile, but would like them to change up the itinerary once in a while. Or maybe 2 ships in Mobile, one could do Mexico and the other could do Key West or Belize and Grand Cayman. I'll bet Dwayne's dancing in the streets! http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif

No Bermuda. Charleston will have 5,6, and 7 night cruises to Nassau, Freeport, Key West, Grand Turk, and the private island...these varied depending on the cruise length.

Carnival appears ready to standardize the 7 night cruises from Mobile to, in addition to the usual 4 and 5 night versions.

I am looking for a cleared copy of the PR so I can post it.

This is good for us too. The drive to Charleston from Athens is only about 9 hours.

I guess this means we have a new option for an informal group cruise?

WOO HOO!!!! http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif

I had a hunch what it might be, but didn't want to jump the gun. I'm always afraid I'll jinx it. I am absolutely THRILLED with this on so many levels. I have campaigned for this for years now.

Yes, Penny, I am DANCING!! http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...on_biggrin.gif

Finally! Finally! Finally! http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif

Dwayne

I knew when I read that announcement it would make you a happy man Dwayne. Now you can cruise without the additional airfare. Good for you! I was hoping that the announcement was that the Magic would home port in Galveston.. but I knew that was dreaming..

Read the Press Release HERE