CCL-Carnival Cruise Line marked its 30-year partnership with the Tampa Bay region (Florida, USA) on September 21st, 2024, with a VIP event aboard the year-round vessel Carnival Paradise. This milestone coincides with International Coastal Cleanup Day, highlighting Carnival's long-standing presence and commitment to the local community since 1994, when it became the first cruise line to offer year-round sailings from Port Tampa Bay.
To celebrate this anniversary, Carnival Paradise crew members participated in a beach cleanup organized by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, with efforts focused along East Bay near Licata Bridge. In support of the ongoing environmental work, Carnival donated a hybrid pick-up truck to the organization, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and coastal preservation.
During the celebration, Chris Chiames, Carnival’s Chief Communications Officer, expressed gratitude to Tampa's local leaders for their partnership, which has generated jobs, boosted tourism, and brought millions of cruise passengers to the region. The day was further marked by the unveiling of a new sculpture by 16-year-old Tampa artist and conservationist Ryan Moralevitz, created from materials collected during local cleanups to raise awareness of the importance of protecting Tampa’s marine environment.
Carnival Paradise is one of two Carnival vessels sailing from Tampa, with Carnival Legend set to arrive on October 26th, 2024, for a seasonal schedule of cruises. These ships offer 4- to 8-day itineraries to destinations across The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In 2025, Carnival Paradise will include sailings to Celebration Key, Carnival's new exclusive destination opening in July 2025. The cruise line has also extended new Tampa-based sailings through spring 2027.