Tampa Port Ministries are celebrating the opening of a new center that will support ships’ crews visiting Port Tampa Bay, according to a press release.

The new center will be located in the port’s Cruise Terminal 3 and will serve as a package and mail delivery hub, enabling maritime workers to contact their friends and family using Wi-Fi. The goal of the new center was to meet the visitors’ physical, social, and spiritual as well as of others using the facilities of Port Tampa Bay. 

Over 10,000 people visit the Seafarer’s Center every year for services that include Wi-Fi, phone access, fellowship, or other physical, social, and other needs. The Seafarers’ Center, which employs volunteers, sends/receives more than 26,000 packages on behalf of their guests every year.

The new center will be especially helpful to seafarers aboard cruise ships that depart from Port Tampa Bay. 

Aside from the new center, the organization provides transportation from any location such as from the dockside to the Hookers Point Tampa Seafarers Center, from the post office or shopping centers. The staff helps locate medical, pharmacy, and dental care, legal aid, and recreational opportunities as well.

In the free clothes closet, seafarers can find adequate clothes for their needs as well, from casual to work wear. There is also a small convenience store with toiletries, snacks, and other personal items for those who don’t have the time to go shopping.