Carnival will host a VIP reception March 2, kicking off a month-long series of voyages from the historic port city of Mobile, Alabama

WHAT:

First-ever call at Mobile by Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, whose 1,452-passenger Holiday will arrive at the Port of Mobile on Friday, March 1 at approximately 8:30 a.m. On Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m., Carnival will host an invitation-only VIP reception featuring a traditional maritime plaque exchange between Mobile Mayor Mike Dow and Holiday Captain Andrea Viacava. The Holiday is expected to depart on its inaugural voyage from Mobile, a two-day cruise-to-nowhere, March 2 at 4 p.m. In addition to the two-day inaugural sailing, the ship will operate seven other two- to six-day voyages from Mobile March 4-31.

The largest passenger vessel ever to call at Mobile, the 46,052-ton Holiday features 10 bars and lounges, three swimming pools -- one with a 114-foot-long water slide -- a health and fitness facility, a children's play room, on-board duty-free shopping, 726 staterooms, three restaurants, and a 24-hour pizzeria. Guests are served by 660 crew.

WHEN:

Friday, March 1. Ship is expected to arrive at the Mobile channel at 5 a.m. and be alongside the pier at 8:30 a.m. (there will be no on-board access March 1; media can obtain exterior shots/footage of the vessel dockside at the Port of Mobile for one hour after docking).

March 2 VIP reception/plaque exchange to take place in the Holiday's Tahiti Lounge, located mid-ship on Promenade Deck. Photo identification and media credentials must be presented on-site or media to gain access to the shipboard reception.

WHERE:

Port of Mobile Alabama State Docks Mobile, Ala.