Port Tampa Bay’s 51 visits scheduled for March is set to break its all-time monthly record for cruise ship calls, according to a press release.
This is interpreted to reflect the increasing interest from travelers seeking departures from Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“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 Port Tampa Bay EVP and CCO, Raul Alfonso.
“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 travelers while responsibly planning for future growth.”
Being home to five major cruise lines, Port Tampa Bay recently welcomed a new luxury offering with the Oceania Insignia, which is scheduled to make three calls at the port this month.
In addition to 394 cruise ship calls that are expected this year, the port is experiencing what it says is significant growth in high-volume cruise days.
53 three-ship days (when three cruise ships are in port simultaneously) are expected in 2026, which is more than double the roughly 20 recorded in previous years.
The growth builds on what was reportedly a record-setting year for cruise activity at the port, with 1.66 million cruise passengers, the highest total in its history, in 2025.
2026 is set to break this record as the port said it is currently tracking toward 1.8 million passengers.
Future expansion is also planned to accomodate the growing demand.
