The Port of Mobile in Alabama is situated on the sheltered Mobile River estuary in Mobile Bay which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. For those cruising from the port, we have everything you need to know about Mobile Alabama cruise parking right here!
1. Which Cruise Lines Use Mobile AL Cruise Port?
Currently, only Carnival Cruise Line has cruises departing from Mobile, Alabama. It offers 4, 5 and 10-night Caribbean cruises with ports of call including Cozumel, Roatan, Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Cayman. The cruise terminal was updated in 2016 and has upgraded security and on-site covered garage parking.
2. Where is Mobile Alabama Cruise Port?
Easy to reach from the I-10, the Port of Mobile is midway between Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi, about 60 miles from each. Although it is not a major cruise port, Mobile is conveniently positioned for cruisers living in any of the Gulf States and major cities such as New Orleans, LA; Tallahassee (state capital of Florida); Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA.
Most cruisers from the surrounding states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle can easily drive to the Port of Mobile – all they need to find is some cheap cruise parking in Mobile Alabama before setting sail.
3. Why is Mobile Cruise Parking Expensive?
Mobile, AL has limited cruise parking, and it is more expensive than some other cruise ports so we’re here to help you find the best deals. There are two reasons why cruise parking in Mobile, AL is more expensive. Firstly, cruise parking is right in the port, on the edge of downtown. It is very convenient, but the land is valuable and space is at a premium. This drives up the price for any cruise parking business serving the Port of Mobile.
Secondly, there are less cruises departing from Mobile port than other dedicated cruise ports. Once again, the lower demand encourages less car park companies to operate in the area. Less competition inevitably means higher costs. Basically, if you’re planning to cruise from Mobile, Alabama, brace yourself for higher car parking prices at the cruise port.
Also Read: Big Easy Guide on New Orleans Cruise Parking
But now for some good news! We have a choice of options when considering Mobile AL cruise parking. Check out the park and cruise packages offered at hotels in Mobile, or consider using cruise parking at the airport or further afield and taking a taxi or shuttle to the port. We’ve done all the research and hard work for you so read on to compare prices and get the best deal for Mobile Alabama cruise parking.
4. Mobile Alabama Cruise Parking at the Port
On-site cruise parking at Mobile port is located at:
- Address: 201 S.Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602
- Distance from cruise terminal: on-site
- Tel: 251-338-7447
- Cost: $19 per day for regular vehicles; $36 for RVs and oversize vehicles; $54 per day for buses
Cruisers can make an online reservation for parking at Mobile port for peace of mind, but booking ahead of time is not necessary. Just select the date and your cruise ship, complete the online information and prepay. You need to arrive in the vehicle that matches the license plate on your booking.
Currently, there is ample car parking for cruisers departing from Port of Mobile to turn up on the day of departure and pay with cash or credit card. You can arrive and then “text to pay” by sending code “P2603” to (754) 227-2176 as per signs at the garage. Alternatively, you can pay for cruise parking at one of the cash machines located in the elevator lobbies on each floor. Alternatively, download the Premium Parking app and pay online.
The multistory state-of-the-art cruise terminal covers 66,000 sq.ft. It includes 500 spaces with six lanes for drivers to drop off (and pick up) cruise passengers and their luggage before parking.
You can’t get any nearer to the cruise ship than this! Cruisers can use the elevators or stairs and then walk a short distance with their luggage to the screened area to start the cruise embarkation process.
This on-site parking lot at Mobile cruise port is ideal for those who have limited mobility, young families, or those who may have difficulty getting to the cruise terminal from further afield.
This Port of Mobile Alabama cruise parking also has overflow parking west of I-14 at the Civic Center. If the on-site car park is full you can drop off passengers and luggage and then follow directions to the off-site parking lot. A free shuttle will transport drivers the short distance back to the cruise port.
5. Driving to Cruise Parking at Mobile Port
From I-10 West:
Continue over Mobile Bay Bridge and the George Wallace Tunnel. After one mile take the Exit 25B Virginia Street. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and follow signs to rejoin the I-10 East. Follow the directions below.
From I-10 East
Keep right and take the exit 26A Canal Street. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Water Street. Drive just two blocks and you will see the garage and cruise terminal on the right.
From US Hwy 90 (Government Blvd)
Follow Hwy 90 west, passing shops, businesses and historic mansions in the downtown district. West of I-65, drive west for 4.6 miles then turn right onto South Broad St. After 300 yards, head left onto Canal St. Stay on this road for 1 mile then turn right onto Eslava St and after 1/2 mile you will see the terminal and parking garage.
From I-65
Take I-65 south and join the I-10. Follow the I-10 east to Exit 26A Canal St. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Water St. In two blocks you will see the parking garage and cruise terminal.
Other Cruise Parking near Mobile AL Port
6. Instapark
Instapark is an online booking company that allows cruisers to prebook a parking space at the port terminal. However, they charge a fee for this reservation service. Cruisers are better off booking directly with the official Mobile Port Cruise Parking website. Alternatively, arrive and pay at the ticket machine for the parking service as required. Fees start at $19 per day.
7. Cruise Parking at Mobile Airport
Think outside the box! Mobile Regional Airport is 17 miles west of the cruise port. It offers long-term parking and valet parking for $8 per day. However, there is no bus or train service from the airport to the city or cruise port at Mobile. Taxis cost $13 per person to and from the cruise port. This could work out the cheapest option for cruise parking in Mobile, AL for longer cruises.
- Address: 8400 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608
- Distance from cruise terminal: 17 miles
- Phone (Customer service): 251-633-4510
- Cost: $8 per day plus taxi transfers
8. Hotel Park and Cruise Packages in Mobile, AL
It makes sense to book a night in a hotel before departing on a cruise from Mobile. Driving to the port the day before your cruise means that traffic problems, vehicle breakdowns, inclement weather and other unexpected hazards will not cause you to miss your cruise sailing.
If you travel to Mobile, AL the day before and book an overnight stay with cruise parking included, you can relax once you arrive in Mobile. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a pleasant day exploring the city and seeing the sights before checking in for your cruise. You only have to get from the hotel to the cruise port the following day, so you don’t have to worry about any unforeseen hiccups. Hotels usually include transport to and from the port as part of the package.
There is a choice of hotels in the Mobile area offering packages that include an overnight stay, parking for the duration of your cruise, and shuttle transport to and from the cruise port.
Check out these hotel Park and Cruise deals in Mobile, AL:
Admiral Hotel
This full-service boutique Admiral Hotel is in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks from the cruise port. Park and Cruise Packages include one night luxury accommodation plus minimum 5 nights parking.
- Address: 251 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Distance from cruise terminal: 0.9 miles
- Tel: 251-432-8000
- Cost: From $139 depending on length of cruise
Riverview Renaissance Plaza
Park and Cruise packages at the Riverview Renaissance Plaza Hotel include a night in a deluxe king or queen room, self parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise and transport to and from the cruise terminal for up to 5 guests.
- Address: 64 South Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Distance from cruise terminal: 0.3 miles
- Tel: 251-438-4000 / 1-800-228-9290 Promotion code ES7
- Cost: From $156
Candlewood Suites, Mobile AL
Located in downtown Mobile, Candlewood Suites offers a Park and Cruise Package which includes a guest suite with full kitchen and parking at the cruise terminal for the duration of your cruise. No transfers are required – just walk from your car to the ship.
- Address: 121 North Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602
- Distance from cruise terminal: Hotel 1.1 miles with on-site Port parking
- Tel: 251-690-7818
- Cost: From $118 depending on length of cruise
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott
The Fairfield Inn and Suites offers Park and Cruise Packages including one night’s stay for two in luxury accommodation in a bright and comfortable suite, complimentary parking for the duration of the cruise and round-trip transportation to and from Mobile cruise terminal. Make use of the hotel pool during your stay!
- Address: 950A West I-65 Service Rd S, Mobile, AL 36602
- Distance from cruise terminal: 6.9 miles
- Tel: 251-316-0029 or 1-800-228-2800
- Cost: Price when booking
9. Best Handicap Cruise Parking at Mobile, AL
The most convenient cruise parking for those with limited mobility, disabled or handicapped drivers and/or passengers is the on-site parking lot at the port. There are dedicated spaces for registered handicap vehicles/drivers on each level of the garage. The price and terms are exactly the same as listed above. You can pre-book or turn up and pay on the day of departure. Parking starts at $19 per day for regular vehicles with a surcharge for oversize vehicles, RVs and buses.
The cruise terminal has wheelchairs for transporting passengers to and from the ship. They are available from cruise staff on a first-come, first-served basis. They cannot be taken onboard.
If you need an onboard wheelchair or electric scooter, you need to book one privately through a rental agency such as Scootaround.
10. Mobile AL Cruise parking Options for Oversize Vehicles
Secure parking for oversized vehicles can be found at the on-site port parking garage. Prices start from $36 per day for oversized vehicles and RVs. Book ahead or arrive and pay when you park before your cruise departure.
Mobile Alabama Cruise Parking FAQ
From January 2020, cruise parking at Mobile Port is $19 per day for regular vehicles, $36 for RVs and oversize vehicles and $54 per day for buses. Handicap parking is also available at the same rates.
Currently the only cruise line operating out of Mobile, Alabama is Carnival. It offers 4, 5 and 10-night Caribbean cruises with ports of call including Cozumel, Roatan, Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Cayman.
The Port of Mobile cruise terminal is on the Mobile River estuary which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It is just a short walk from downtown hotels, shops and businesses. Easy to reach from the I-10, Mobile Port is midway between Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi about 60 miles from each.
