ACL-American Cruise Lines' latest vessel American Glory, navigating from Saint Petersburg to Tampa, Key West, and back within an 8-day itinerary, recently made its second stop in Punta Gorda on January 2, creating a buzz of excitement and enthusiasm among passengers and locals alike.
Shelly Hartfield (ACL's Director of Product Development) expressed her inspiration, emphasizing the success of the itinerary with a sold-out voyage and overwhelmingly positive response. The ship, hosting 104 guests, facilitated onshore arrivals via a tender boat, greeted eagerly by members of the city and Englewood Beach.
Sean Doherty (Director of Tourism for Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau) highlighted the city's anticipation of this event, drawing parallels to the excitement surrounding the opening of Sunseeker Resort. The influx of passengers offers a valuable opportunity for visitors to experience the charm of the Punta Gorda area.
Passengers were treated to a warm welcome, receiving goody bags and walking the red carpet to the upbeat tunes of steel drum music, all while enjoying mimosas along the way. Looking ahead, Hartfield disclosed plans for another American Cruise Lines ship, the American Eagle, to make a stop in Punta Gorda next year.
Embracing this opportunity, the city aims to position Punta Gorda as a sought-after destination, capitalizing on the positive impact of cruise tourism to showcase the area's unique offerings.