Tampa port wooing Disney cruise ships
By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, March 21, 2008 7:36 PM

Port Canaveral scored big this week by landing two new Disney Cruise Line ships arriving in 2011 and 2012. So, why are folks at Tampa's port celebrating?

In a statement Friday, the Tampa Port Authority said the decision gives Disney the opportunity to consider relocating its Canaveral-based vessels, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The agency "believes that the Port of Tampa, with its modern and efficient terminals, attractiveness as a vacation destination and proximity to Disney World, offers an exciting cruise home port option'' for the ships.

But the Mouse is officially noncommittal. "The two new ships give us flexibility with the fleet,'' said cruise line spokeswoman Christi Erwin. "But we don't know what will happen itinerarywise for any of the ships after 2009.''

[Last modified Friday, March 21, 2008 8:13 PM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/article427441.ece

I wouldn't be surprised if they base them somewhere else... Like maybe even overseas.

With that said, I would love to see them both ported here. I could see that easily spurring the development of another cruise terminal, and probably a hotel or two.

Problem is, doesn't the main shipping channel coming up the bay need a passing lane dredged ASAP?

It would be great if they moved here, but I would not bet to heavy on it. Disney still needs an operation on the west coast to support those parks and gain that share of the market. The family market for short cruises to mexico or Alaska could take off if they were based in LA or another port over there.

Steve

I wouldn't be surprised if they base them somewhere else... Like maybe even overseas.

With that said, I would love to see them both ported here. I could see that easily spurring the development of another cruise terminal, and probably a hotel or two.

Problem is, doesn't the main shipping channel coming up the bay need a passing lane dredged ASAP?
Has there been any talk about doing so? Because we have 4 years between now and when the new ships arrive at Port Canaveral.

It sounds like a great idea to me. It would certainly help fuel more money into Tampa and certainly bring new development, as you said, most likely a new terminal and a hotel.

But, if they can, they will probably relocate to Miami. 2 reasons, 1) Closer to the Carribbean and 2) Shorter distance=less gas=less money-spending

Except they try to book as many cruise/resort packages with the theme parks as possible, which makes Tampa more viable, or LA/Long Beach on the West coast. If you have ever driven from the Orlando area to the coast will see several of their coaches going from the parks to the terminal. I think that the most likely place would be Tampa, or the LA area because of their proximity to the Disney theme parks.

Steve

Except they try to book as many cruise/resort packages with the theme parks as possible, which makes Tampa more viable, or LA/Long Beach on the West coast. If you have ever driven from the Orlando area to the coast will see several of their coaches going from the parks to the terminal. I think that the most likely place would be Tampa, or the LA area because of their proximity to the Disney theme parks.

Steve
True.

I wouldn't mind more cruise ships in Tampa. The city should really encourage it. Instead of taxes and such, bringing in stuff like this could bring in revenue into the city.

Tourist dollars would be great for the Channelside area.

Problem is, doesn't the main shipping channel coming up the bay need a passing lane dredged ASAP?

I remember hearing this as well. I thought we had wooed Disney a few years ago as well and lost out , perhaps due to this problem. I will have to look further into this.

Is there room to dock two cruise ships in the Ybor channel off channelside drive? Would other businesses need to be relocated. I wouldn't think they would dock on the industrial side of the port.

^They can fit 3 ships along there sfaik.

isn't there supposed to eventually be a 3rd shmancy cruise terminal up near the Port Authority HQ?