Carnival Cruise Line will serve Charm City for at least another five years, after the world’s largest cruise provider agreed to a new contract with the Port of Baltimore.The agreement is effective Jan. 1, 2025, and it includes a five-year renewal option.“The international cruise industry recognizes Baltimore as one of the top cruise markets in our nation,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “We are delighted to have Carnival Cruise Line continue serving Maryland for another five years. Carnival is a longtime partner and supporter of the Port of Baltimore and we are very happy to continue that relationship.”Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, during which time Baltimore’s harbor was closed to ship traffic, Carnival Cruise Line temporarily moved its Baltimore operations to Norfolk, Virginia. The cruise line eventually resumed its Baltimore operations two months after the tragedy.Carnival has been cruising from Baltimore for 20 years, now offering cruises ranging from five to 14 days that travel to destinations like the Bahamas; Bermuda; Turks and Caicos; Virgin Islands; St. Maarten; New England; and Canada.In 2009, the cruise line’s current Baltimore-based ship, Carnival Pride, became the Port of Baltimore’s first year-round cruise ship.“We’re truly proud of our long history of sailing from Baltimore, and grateful for the strong partnership with the port and its great city and state, as we get ready to commemorate 20 years of service here in October,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy in a statement. “We’re looking forward to building on our partnership over the next five years and couldn’t be happier to continue providing cruise vacations from Baltimore.”More than 444,000 passengers cruised from the Port of Baltimore in 2023, marking the third-highest total in the port’s history and the most since 2012.Maryland cruise activity provides more than 400 jobs, including 220 jobs directly at the Port of Baltimore, and generates about $1 million per cruise, including local spending, hotels, dining and entertainment.“We’re very happy to continue our relationship with Carnival for at least another five years,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels in a statement. “Our cruise terminal’s unique location right off Interstate 95 and within minutes of Interstate 70 allows for easy access from several eastern and midwestern states. Many people also choose to come a day before or stay a day after their cruise to enjoy all there is to offer in our city and region.”