Port Tampa Bay and RCI-Royal Caribbean will celebrate the return of cruising from Tampa Florida after an 18+ months halt due to the COVID crisis.
The Port is due to welcome RCI’s ship Serenade of the Seas to Cruise Terminal 6 before the vessel departs on her maiden voyage from Tampa with passengers next Saturday, October 16.
This is the first cruise ship departure from Tampa since the CDC issued its no-sail order on March 14, 2020.
The return of cruise homeporting is expected to have a very positive impact on the region, with many local businesses standing to benefit.
According to Business Research & Economic Advisors, a 3000-passenger cruise liner generates ~USD 334,000 in onshore spending (crew and guests) per call in the homeport city. The development of Tampa's Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, Water Street, and other leisure (dining, shopping, hotel, entertainment) projects continues to boost the attractiveness of the area as a homeport.
Cruisers to Tampa have the convenience of accessing a top-ranked international airport, parking garages in close proximity to the 3 cruise terminals, beautiful beaches, popular tourist attractions like Florida Aquarium, Ybor City, Busch Gardens.