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Passenger Traffic Swells At Port Of Tampa

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 27, 2009

TAMPA - Cruise line passenger traffic increased 17.8 percent at the Port of Tampa in January compared with a year ago – up to 84,546 embarking and disembarking passengers, a report shows.

The growth reflects heavy discounts and marketing that cruise lines have introduced to retain consumer demand during the recession.

"This would be good news in any year, but considering the current economic climate, the fact that the North American cruising is experiencing growth is certainly encouraging," said Terry Dale, president and chief executive of the Cruise Lines International Association, which issued the report.

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, the state's busiest cruise port, handled more than 500,000 travelers in January, a 17.6 percent increase.

The Port of Miami handled 421,629 passengers, a 6.9 percent increase.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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