Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is the first cruise ship to set sail from Port Tampa Bay

   October 15, 2021 ,   Cruise Industry

This Saturday, October 16, Port Tampa Bay (Florida) will welcome its first cruisers.

This has not happened since the CDC issued its no-sale order in March 2020.

Royal Caribbean's ship Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to set sail to the Bahamas. Passengers 12+ years old must provide proof they have been vaccinated against COVID and show proof they have tested negative for the virus. 

According to Lisa Wolf-Chason with Port Tampa Bay that would be the start of an economic boost for a part of the town that was truly transformed.

"We celebrate the return for not only ourselves but for all of the tourism and small business-related industries."

Port of Tampa (Florida)

According to a press release from Port Tampa, a cruise ship with 3000 passengers onboard generates an average of US$334,000 for the homeport city.

Port Tampa is expected to hold an event celebrating the return of cruising to the area which kicks off at 9 am on Saturday.