We’re cruising again! But this time we are headed to Mobile, Alabama where Carnival Fantasy will begin boarding passengers on 4-5 day cruises visiting Cozumel, Progreso and Costa Maya. And guess what…I found a great cruise deal during Mardi Gras 2017!

By choosing the Mobile, Alabama cruise terminal (2 hours away from me) versus my local New Orleans cruise departure port, I managed to save $341 plus have a upgraded room on a higher deck. I can use that savings to arrive (or stay) an extra day in Mobile and visit a few Mobile tourist attractions while we’re in the area.

But where will I stay? What about parking? I found several hotels that offer discounted parking, cruise stay and park packages and a few that offer a shuttle one or both ways to port. All options listed are various price points and offer varied amenities.

1. Quality Inn & Suites Mobile / Spring Hill

* Offers a Cruise & Stay Package including Shuttle (possibly 1 way) and Parking*
Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access
Indoor Whirlpool/Hot Tub
Hot Breakfast
Smoke Free
Pet Friendly
Fitness Center

Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

* Personal Thoughts: I called and was told to book online. Price would cost around $135 plus tax (may differ depending on day of departure/arrival) which includes parking and a one night stay. Indoor pool is perfect for those cruising during low season. Great option for those traveling to port from out of state!

2. Holiday Inn Historic Downtown Mobile Alabama

Located in the heart of the Government and Entertainment District and situated just off I-165 and I-10. Daily Parking Per Day $7 without Cruise Package
Kids Eat Free
Outdoor Pool
Health/Fitness Center On-Site

4DAY PARK CRUISE PKG
From the website: Bon Voyage with our Stay, Park and Cruise Package. This package includes overnight accommodations for up to four people for one night, free parking for four days and transportation to and from the Mobile Cruise Terminal.

Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

* Personal Thoughts: Kids eat free is always a plus! Also, the cruise package also includes shuttle to AND from the cruise ship.

3. Candlewood Suites Downtown Mobile

Short walk to Bienville Square, Mobile Carnival Cruise Terminal, GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Arthur Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, and Dauphin Street Entertainment District.
Minimum Check-In Age: 19
Self-Parking Fee $8.00
Pets Allowed with $75.00 Fee

* Personal Thoughts: I did not see a cruise package although, they may offer one by phone or closer to November 2016. Self parking is affordable and a savings of about $10 per day compared to cruise terminal. Not bad!

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile- Downtown Historic District

Service animals allowed ONLY
Self parking: $9.00
Non-Smoking
Free hot breakfast or grab one using the free Hampton On the Run® Breakfast Bags
Clean and fresh Hampton bed®
Free high-speed internet access in every room
Gym/Fitness Center Use

Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

They offer a Stay, Cruise & Play Package as well. Info listed if directly from their website: Sleep, Park and Cruise with Hampton, the closest hotel to the cruise terminal. What’s included? One night’s lodging and parking at our newly renovated hotel. Wake up and enjoy our complimentary breakfast, pack up your car, and transport yourself over to the cruise terminal. From there, unload, park & sail away. No need to pay or wait for transportation pre or post cruise. To sweeten the deal, we include a $50 voucher towards the cost of parking at the terminal.

Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

*Personal thoughts: You will still utilize the cruise terminal parking option but obtain a voucher for $50 through their cruise package offer.

5. The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa

Pets allowed, non-refundable sanitation fee: 75 USD; contact hotel for details
Parking – Valet parking, fee: 19 USD daily, Day Valet Parking $14.00
Buffet breakfast, fee: 18.00 USD
Full Service Spa
Fitness center
Pool
Pet friendly

Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

*My personal thoughts: Although the hotel is pricier than other lodging options mentioned yet parking is less expensive than utilizing the cruise terminal. For those traveling with comfort pets aboard ship, this is a solid option.

6. Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel

Located in downtown Mobile, the luxury hotel offers nautically inspired hotel rooms which is perfect for the avid cruise traveler. The Fathoms Lounge offers daily live music as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. Enjoy the fitness center or outdoor pool on a warm day. Rooms also include a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, and in-room dining.

Near Mobile Civic Center and USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. On-site parking, fee: 4 USD hourly, 14 USD daily
Fitness center
Pool
Free high speed Internet
Pets not allowed

7. The Admiral Hotel Mobile, Curio Collection by Hilton

Southern classic, the historic 1940s-era The Admiral Hotel was one of only three hotels in Mobile, Alabama. The Admiral Hotel was also the 1st to offer air-conditioning in the mobile area.They have come a loooong way since then! The Admiral also offers luxurious bath products, plush bedding and an outdoor pool with cabanas.

NEW ~~>Corner 251 Bakery/Cafe
Room Service
Multilingual Staff
Outdoor Pool
Lobby WiFi
Launch Restaurant/Lounge
Complimentary WiFi
100% Smoke-Free Accommodations

* I did not notice a cruise package but this is a historic hotel and a solid lodging option.

8. Fort Conde Inn

Built in 1836, the AAA Four-Diamond Fort Condé Inn is Mobile’s second-oldest house and located heart of downtown Mobile. You can find chandeliers, spacious dining room, shaded courtyard with oversized parlors and a verandah with century old oaks which shade the property.

Accommodations range from spacious rooms to suites private cottages which surround Fort Condé Inn. I did not notice a pool area but the outdoor area is spectacular!

I did not see a cruise package available at this time, but visit their website and social media accounts for specials or packages in the near future. The reservation system is not available for dates starting in November 2016 which is when mobile will Carnival Fantasy will arrive. Keep an eye for the calendar to open!

9. Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast

Charming B&B located in downtown Mobile on Government Street, just minutes from all of Mobile’s tourist attractions. Tee Queen Ann influenced home was built in 1858 through 1895 in three sections. Berney/Fly Bed & Breakfast has several rooms available and perfect as an extension to your romantic cruise vacation. Rooms average $100 a night & up. Includes a newly completed, lush Healing Gardens and Pool area.

*They may offer a cruise package in the future. I thought it was a charming option for cruise travelers.


10. Wingate by Wyndham Mobile

Recipient of the 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Free Wi-Fi Internet access
Free continental breakfast & newspaper
Oversized guest rooms
Outdoor Pool
Fitness Room
Rooms equipped with microwaves and refrigerators
Pet Policy – ADA defined service animals are welcome at this hotel. Sorry, no other pets are allowed.
Close to Interstate 65 with Airport Shuttle
Free Mobile Downtown Airport shuttle service from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Offers a Cruise Park & Cruise Package

Wingate’s complimentary breakfast buffet includes hot items such as scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage and bacon as well as fruit, cereal, juice, yogurt, hot coffee and bagels.

* I checked 2 different dates and the cruise packages were both $129. This includes shuttle to the cruise but did not mention complimentary shuttle upon returning. Part of a larger loyalty program which can save you $$ in the long run!

Note: All photos are taken from the hotel’s Facebook page or Website.

Let me know if I’m missing any. Find me on Facebook & Twitter