The arrival of Baltimore’s first year-round cruise ship, Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will take place on April 27th. Carnival Pride’s new Baltimore-based program will encompass six-, seven- and eight-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Florida and is expected to carry 115,000 passengers annually. With the Carnival Pride, the cruise industry from the Port of Baltimore will have an economic impact of $152 million annually, accounting for 1,550 jobs.

To commemorate the start-up of year-round service from Baltimore, Carnival and the Port of Baltimore will host a reception aboard the vessel during which a traditional maritime plaque exchange will take place between Captain Alessandro Galotto and port and community officials. The 960-foot-long Carnival Pride offers a host of facilities and features, including 16 lounges and bars, three restaurants, four swimming pools – one with a spiral water slide – a 14,500-square-foot health and fitness center, and a wedding chapel. Guests are served by a 930-member crew.