Tampa port says it’s ready for Cuba
Tampa port says it’s ready for Cuba
By Jerome R. Stockfisch | Tribune Staff Published: May 3, 2016 TAMPA — Should cruise lines and the Cuban government come calling, Port Tampa Bay is ready, willing and able to support cruises to the island similar to Monday’s historic excursion.
“We have everything in place to make it happen,” said Wade Elliott, the port’s vice president for business development. “The real challenge is going to be on the Cuba side. The infrastructure requirements are really not there to do much today as far as expanding any cruise presence. The cruise lines have indicated they have an interest down the road. We’re definitely ready, and we’re interested; we’re just waiting and seeing until they’re ready to make it work.”
In addition to its cargo capabilities, Port Tampa Bay is home to five cruise vessels from four lines — Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian — offering four-, five-, seven- and 14-day cruise itineraries.
Though Miami and Fort Lauderdale have more ships and routes and are closer to Havana, Tampa’s rich Cuban heritage and the fact that it’s a straight shot due south to Cuba play into the port’s favor. And the type of ship now making the journey, from Carnival’s Fathom line, holds about 700 passengers, and the smaller vessels are in Port Tampa Bay’s wheelhouse.
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