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 falls in the top 15 largest ports 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, and IMAX theatre.

Cruise ships dock at the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal on the banks of the Mobile River. Once development is complete, the cruise terminal promises to offer plenty in the lines of shopping and entertainment.

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 may not be on site.

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 or head to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX for an informative and fun day out. Rated as a top golfing destination, 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

Kitchen on George - Seasonal, locally sourced cuisine featuring fresh seafood

NoJa - an eclectic menu offering Asian, Mediterranean and Gulf Coast cuisines

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.

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 Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa