Royal Caribbean International’s Splendour of the Seas is getting a new home: Tampa.
The 70,000-ton Splendour will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from November of this year to April of next year. Calls include George Town, Grand Cayman; Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
The ship will replace the smaller, 50,000-ton Empress of the Seas, which sailed from Tampa last year.
Tampa’s attractiveness as a cruise destination has been rapidly growing.
“Passenger traffic has grown by more than 230% over the past five years,” said Wade Elliott, senior director, Marketing Division, Tampa Port Authority.
Amenities of the 1,800-guest Splendour include a rock-climbing wall, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a fitness center. It also has a Las Vegas-style casino.
Report by David Wilkening
