Cruise Line Says Mobile Not Part Of Immediate Plans

The latest hope for another cruise ship to call Mobile home is dashed as Norwegian Cruise Line tells News Five one of its smallest ships is headed to Europe.

The Norwegian 'Spirit' is currently based in New Orleans, but local travel industry insiders hoped it would relocate to the Port City.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones says Norwegian is one of several cruise lines the city began courting after Carnival abruptly announced plans in March to pull 'The Elation' out of Mobile in October and confirms he has a meeting scheduled with Norwegian.

"We think the market is great for it," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.

But, late this afternoon a company spokesperson told News Five 'The Spirit' is not headed to Mobile.

"We have no plans to move Norwegian Spirit from her current homeport of New Orleans," the spokesperson said. "She is scheduled to sail from there through April of 2012 before she repositions to Europe."

The cruise ship will be briefly dry-docked in Mobile from September 26 to October 8 for major refurbishments, according to the company.