Carnival Goes to Cuba Out of Port Tampa Bay, Celebration Includes ‘longest Cuban sandwich at sea’

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Port Tampa Bay celebrates Carnival Cuba itinerary, ‘longest Cuban sandwich at sea’

 
Tampa, Fla., June 22, 2017—Port Tampa Bay will join Carnival Cruise Lines, Ybor City Museum Society and business leaders throughout Tampa Bay Thursday, June 29, for Bienvendos al ParaisoI!, the inaugural celebration of Carnival’s Cuba itinerary embarking from Tampa. Patrons will have the option of a four or five-day multi-city excursion with an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba.

This ceremonial event will be marked by the cutting of the world’s largest Cuban sandwich at sea. Event speakers include Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Lines; Paul Anderson, CEO and president of Port Tampa Bay; and a representative from the Ybor City Museum Society.

“Carnival appreciates Tampa’s rich historic connection to the 500-year-old island nation and we are delighted to offer this itinerary to our longtime partners at the Port,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Lines. 

Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world and a pioneer in developing the cruise industry in Tampa Bay 23 years ago.

 “Carnival’s commitment to serving our market for nearly a quarter of a century is a testament to the strong support they receive from our community,” said Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “In return, the economic impact of their Tampa operation is substantial considering a single call from an average size cruise ship generates more than $350,000 in direct economic contribution to our community.”

“The Port is extremely honored that Carnival selected Port Tampa Bay to offer cruises to Havana, Cuba and excited for the travel community that this new and exciting destination is available from Port Tampa Bay”, Paul Anderson said. 

About Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 85,000 jobs and generating over $17 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. Port Tampa Bay was honored as 2016 Best Port Operator by Lloyd’s List. For more information, visit www.portTB.com.