- TAMPA, Fla. — Port Tampa Bay announced today Royal Caribbean International’s decision to bring the Empress of the Seas back to Tampa for summer 2018.  On April 30 of this year, Empress of the Seas began sailing during the summer season for the first time from Tampa with visits to Havana, Cuba, and will have 42 homeport calls from the Florida west coast port city this summer.

The positive reaction that Royal Caribbean International has received from their guests sailing to Cuba has prompted them to return to Tampa for their 2018 summer itineraries.  Empress of the Seas will offer a series of four- and five-night cruises from Tampa in the summer of 2018 to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Havana, Cuba. Port officials are excited at the cruise line’s announcement and at the excitement the new itinerary has stirred among their cruise guests.

“Today’s announcement to continue summer cruises to Cuba from Tampa through 2018 is a big feather in our cap, not only for the port but for all of Tampa Bay, which is a major gateway to the Western Caribbean,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.  “We are delighted to work with our partners at Royal Caribbean International for many years to come.”

About Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 85,000 jobs and generating over $17 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. Port Tampa Bay was honored as 2016 Best Port Operator by Lloyd’s List. For more information, visit www.portTB.com.

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