Located in the Gulf of Mexico at the junction of the Mobile River and Mobile Bay, the port of Mobile in Alabama is bears a striking resemblance to New Orleans. Complete with French Quarter, its very own Mardi Gras, southern charm and Creole culture, this bustling and diverse city is the 10th largest port in the United States.

Key sights include Ft. Conde Museum, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Bellingrath Gardens and Museum Home and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX theatre.

Cruise ships dock at the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal on the banks of the Mobile River. The cruise terminal has little to offer in the way of shopping or entertainment, but is currently under development.

Contact

Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tel: +1 251 208 2000

www.mobile.org

Transport

Metered taxis are available at the port but can often become scarce on days of disembarkation. Shuttle services are also available but reservations are recommended. Car rental agencies such as National, Avis and Thrifty are available but offices are close to the airport.

Attractions

With so many attractions to choose from the hard part is deciding where to start. Pay a visit to the Mobile Carnival Museum or for a real treat, head to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX for an informative and fun day out. Rated as one of the Top 10 golfing destinations in the world, Mobile is a great place for golfers to stretch their legs on the fairway and history buffs will love the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which features vessels from World War II and Desert Storm.

Restaurants

Wintzells - Great local Cajun cuisine

Quatorze - Romantic restaurant serving gourmet French cuisine

Shamrock, Rose and Thistle - British gastropub set in a charming house and garden

Best Dish

Cajun seafood

Shopping

There is not much shopping at the cruise terminal but Lower Dauphin Street in the historic District is a great place for art and antique shopping while those with a sweet tooth can stock up on decadent sweets from Tiny Diny, known for coconut cream pie.

Best Buy

Coconut Cream Pie

Excursions

Golfing

Eco-tours down the river and through the swamps for bird and alligator watching

Party it up at Mardi Gras

Wildlife spotting at the Bellingrath Gardens and Museum Home

Horseback riding trails at the Marriott's Grand Hotel Resort & Golf Club