Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 6 8 NORTH AMERICA: INTERV IEW “ Homeports, will be crucial to ensure a safe return to cruising” T here’s no question that Port Tampa Bay in Florida, USA, is anxious to see tourists return to the area. “We take our role as the largest economic engine in West Central Florida seriously, and we will be ready to hit the ground running once cruises resume,” says Raul Alfonso, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at the port. “We have taken extra precautions to keep our cruise terminals clean and disinfected, and we are ready to serve our cruise line partners and passengers. We are doing everything we can to ensure their safety and recognise that homeports, like Tampa, will be crucial to ensure a safe return to cruising.” Alfonso is confident that there’s a growing appetite from tourists to get back to cruising – and he believes that Tampa has a lot to offer travellers. “We just hosted a successful Super Bowl and were delighted that our hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers took home the sport’s biggest prize,” he explains. “Tampa Bay has so much to offer – from hotels, beaches and amusement parks, through to breweries and a wide variety of dining options. There’s also a lot of entertainment – the Florida Aquarium and Sparkman’s Wharf are within walking distance from our cruise terminals. “Ultimately, Tampa Bay is a sought- after destination and the perfect place to cruise from.” CFR Hitting the ground running Playing host to the recent Super Bowl, Tampa is a city on the rise. Raul Alfonso from Port Tampa Bay explains how he is preparing to welcome an influx of guests once tourism resumes