Port Tampa Bay, as the only cruise port on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is planning to build a new terminal that is expected to be operational by 2029. This initiative aims to respond to the growing demand for cruise travel and to strengthen the port's infrastructure.
Forecast of Increased Cruise Passengers
Greg Lovelace, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at the port, has predicted that the number of cruise passengers will reach a record 1.7 million by 2026. In 2025, Port Tampa Bay hosted 1.66 million passengers, which is the highest number in the port's history.
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Port Tampa Bay also expects that 397 cruise ships will pass under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge in 2026. The port is working closely with cruise lines to meet their needs and provide the necessary infrastructure.
Details of the New Terminal
The new terminal, which is considered the first new cruise facility in over 25 years, is currently in the architectural design phase. This project includes the redevelopment of over five acres of land for the new terminal, which is currently being prepared by Kimmins Contracting Corporation.
Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, emphasized that this project is more than just a new terminal; it represents an investment in the future of the port and the economy of Central Florida. Once completed, it is expected to accommodate over 200 additional cruise ships per year and help increase the number of passengers to over 2 million annually.
Lovelace also noted that the port needs an additional terminal to respond to high demand and emphasized that work with cruise lines to achieve this goal is ongoing. He mentioned the confidence of cruise lines in the Port Tampa Bay market, stating that these lines are looking to keep their ships for another 10 to 20 years.
As Port Tampa Bay continues to grow, it is also recognized as the largest port in Florida in terms of tonnage and land area. The port has maintained its ability to meet the diverse needs of its customers by separately managing cruise and cargo operations.
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