- Port Tampa Bay’s cruise season is officially underway. In just five days, seven ships will sail from the port. It is just one example of the busy cruise season Port Tampa Bay is experiencing. In December alone, 29 ships will sail from the port. This year, Tampa Bay will welcome more than an estimated 1.2 million cruise guests on 260 individual sailings. These visitors pour money into the region’s local economy, through hotel stays, and visiting restaurants, shops, and other area attractions. 

According to a study by Business Research & Economic Advisors on cruise tourism, a 2,500-passenger cruise vessel with a 1,000-person crew has an economic impact on a homeport of approximately $330,000 per call. A broader study of the total economic impact of Port Tampa Bay’s cruise business shows the port’s cruise business brings an annual economic impact of approximately $627.8 million. Cruise business accounts for nearly 20 percent of the port’s revenue.

“Cruising from Port Tampa Bay has never been better. Steps from cruise terminals are new hotel and dining options, breweries, and family-friendly attractions. Nearby beaches and an award-winning airport make Tampa an attractive destination in-and-of-itself. We are so proud of the relationship with our cruise partners, and we realize the importance of this industry on the economy of Tampa Bay and the entire region,” explained Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson.

“Port Tampa Bay and our community are on a roll. It’s so exciting to see all the cruise activity here, especially knowing that the more time passengers spending exploring Tampa Bay, the more they will want to return to America’s best city,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises all sail from Port Tampa Bay. During the fall 2022/winter 2023 season our cruise partners will feature six ships sailing from Tampa. In the summer of 2023 Carnival Cruise Line will operate one ship and Royal Caribbean will operate two ships, which will be the first time Royal Caribbean will operate two ships from Tampa during the summer. From Port Tampa Bay, travelers can visit a variety of eastern and western Caribbean destinations.