This Saturday, October 16, Port Tampa Bay (Florida) will welcome its first cruisers.
This has not happened since the CDC issued its no-sale order in March 2020.
Royal Caribbean's ship Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to set sail to the Bahamas. Passengers 12+ years old must provide proof they have been vaccinated against COVID and show proof they have tested negative for the virus.
According to Lisa Wolf-Chason with Port Tampa Bay that would be the start of an economic boost for a part of the town that was truly transformed.
"We celebrate the return for not only ourselves but for all of the tourism and small business-related industries."
According to a press release from Port Tampa, a cruise ship with 3000 passengers onboard generates an average of US$334,000 for the homeport city.
Port Tampa is expected to hold an event celebrating the return of cruising to the area which kicks off at 9 am on Saturday.