Port Tampa Bay is a popular homeport for operators sailing in the Caribbean, Mexico and Cuba
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Home to some of the world’s top-rated beaches, the biggest US theme parks and a year-round temperate climate, Tampa Bay stands out as a premier destination for guests seeking pre- and post-cruise activities in Central Florida. Tampa Bay is a thriving community of 4.3 million people on the west coast of Florida, which is home to more than nine million residents. Around 70 million tourists visit Central Florida annually, including Orlando, which is an hour’s drive from Tampa Bay.
Each year, Port Tampa Bay handles nearly 900,000 passengers on year-round sailings to the Caribbean Sea from Carnival Cruise Line and seasonal departures from Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. AIDA Cruises also makes regular day calls during the winter cruise season. These cruise lines offer various itineraries ranging from four to 14 days.
November kicks off the winter cruise season, which is the busiest time of year for Tampa Bay. This winter, five cruise ships will homeport at Port Tampa Bay, including Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise, which will operate year-round four- and five-day itineraries. Other ships based in Tampa will include Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas sailing four-, five- and seven-day itineraries and Norwegian’s Norwegian Jade, which will offer several four- to 12-day voyages. These will include Sixthman music-themed cruises with live performances from famous artists. Holland America Line will increase its capacity at the port in 2016 by replacing Veendam with Oosterdam.
Meanwhile, Germany-based operator AIDA Cruises will include Port Tampa Bay as a port of call for a third consecutive season. AIDAvita will visit on six occasions, bringing more than 1,000 German citizens during each call. Another German operator, Phoenix Reisen, will call with Amadea.
Port Tampa Bay has earned a reputation as an efficient cruise port, thanks to its three well equipped terminals. A quick eight-mile trip from Tampa International Airport, the port also offers easy access to the interstate system and abundant secure parking across the street from the cruise terminals, making it easy for cruise guests to arrive and depart. New US$2 billion infrastructure developments in the cruise district referred to as Channelside will transform Tampa’s waterfront area and further enhance the cruise experience.
Cruise terminals at Port Tampa Bay are equipped with wifi for the convenience of passengers and vessel crew who wish to stay connected.
Located on Florida’s west coast, Port Tampa Bay is also ideally situated and well equipped to handle ro-pax ferry services from the US to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. Already experienced in handling ro-pax services, Port Tampa Bay is expected to become one of the most popular homeports for Cuba-bound ferries and cruise ships in the next few years.
Tampa Bay’s cruise port is also located close to various local Tampa Bay area attractions, such as white sand beaches, museums, world-class restaurants and bars, nightlife and cultural points of interest. This provides cruise lines and their guests with numerous options to create a memorable cruise vacation experience.