Baltimore Governor Wes Moore approved a new five-year contract between Carnival Cruise Line and the Port of Baltimore. The contract goes into effect on January 1, 2025, keeps the world’s largest cruise line sailing from the Port of Baltimore for the next five years, and includes a five-year renewal option.
Governor Moore said, “The international cruise industry recognizes Baltimore as one of the top cruise markets in our nation. We are delighted to have Carnival Cruise Line continue serving Maryland for another five years. Carnival is a longtime partner and supporter of the Port of Baltimore and we are very happy to continue that relationship.”
In 2023, the Port of Baltimore welcomed more than 444,000 passengers–the third-highest in the port’s history and the most the port has seen since 2012. The cruise industry brings more than 400 jobs to the area, which includes 220 jobs at the port itself. Additionally, cruising brings approximately $1 million per sailing in economic impact to the state.
“We’re truly proud of our long history of sailing from Baltimore, and grateful for the strong partnership with the port and its great city and state, as we get ready to commemorate 20 years of service here in October,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “We’re looking forward to building on our partnership over the next five years and couldn’t be happier to continue providing cruise vacations from Baltimore.”
Carnival Cruise Line has been cruising from Baltimore for 20 years. In 2009, Carnival Pride became the port’s first year-round cruise ship. She was also the first vessel to return to Baltimore after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
“We’re very happy to continue our relationship with Carnival for at least another five years,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels. “Our cruise terminal’s unique location right off Interstate 95 and within minutes of Interstate 70 allows for easy access from several eastern and midwestern states. Many people also choose to come a day before or stay a day after their cruise to enjoy all there is to offer in our city and region.”
With the cruise terminal so close to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and right off Interstate 95, it is easy for cruisers from Maryland and other states in the region to access the Port of Baltimore. Today, Carnival offers five to 14-day cruises from the Port of Baltimore to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, New England and Canada, and more.