By
Alex Smith |
Port Tampa Bay is set to break its all-time monthly record for cruise ship calls in March, with 51 visits scheduled during the USA’s Spring Break holidays.
“March is one of the busiest travel months of the year, and we’re thrilled to welcome more cruise ships and passengers than ever before,” said Raul Alfonso, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Port Tampa Bay. “This record demonstrates both the popularity of Tampa Bay as a cruise destination and the confidence cruise lines have in our port. We look forward to providing an exceptional experience for travellers while responsibly planning for future growth.”
Port Tampa Bay is home to five large cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea and Celebrity Cruises, offering itineraries to destinations throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
Oceania Cruises has also added itineraries to the port this year with Oceania Insignia, which is scheduled to make three calls at Port Tampa Bay this month.
In addition to increased ship calls, the port is experiencing significant growth in high-volume cruise days. Port Tampa Bay expects 53 three-ship days in 2026 – when three cruise ships are in port simultaneously – more than double the average of 20 recorded in previous years. In total, the port anticipates 394 cruise ship calls this year.
The growth builds on a record year for cruise activity at the port. In 2025, Port Tampa Bay welcomed 1.66 million cruise passengers, the highest total in its history. The port is currently predicting that it will set another record with 1.8 million passengers in 2026.
Annual cruise activity at Port Tampa Bay generates more than $648 million in economic impact, supporting jobs and personal income, business revenue, local purchases, and state and local tax revenue throughout the West Central Florida region.