Carnival launches its Baltimore homeport

Reported by Johanna Jainchill of Travel Weekly.
Baltimore may call itself "the city that reads, " but Carnival Cruise Line is trying to make it the city that cruises !

The 2,124 passenger Carnival Pride sailed into the harbor on April 27, launching the city's first year-round cruise program.

The presence of Maryland's political elite at a reception onboard the Pride deomonstrated how much this ship, and the 1,500 jobs and $ 152 million it is expected to contribute to the local economy, means to this town.

Baltimore is only about 4 1/2 - 5 hours from me. To get to the port is easy. If you are coming from south of Washington, you go around Washington on 495, then you get on 95 North for a about 15 minutes, and then you reach the exit to the port. If I can do this, anyone can ! From my own experience, as well as client sharing their experiences, parking and getting on this ship in Baltimore is such a breeze. There are great rates on the Carnival Pride in 2009 & 2010, giving those who live within driving distance a great opportunity to cruise without flyingHave you cruised out of Baltimore ? What was your experience ?