Port Tampa Bay executives and staff welcoming the 600-guest luxury ship Azamara Quest at Cruise Terminal 2 last week, for a one-time port of call for the cruising season.

Paul Alfonso, executive VP and chief commercial officer, headed up a small group of staff to greet the captain and crew when they arrived.  As is a maritime tradition, commemorative plaques for the ship’s first time in the port were exchanged.  Azamara Quest actually called in Tampa in October 2007 when it was diverted from Miami due to a tropical storm, but this time was the official maiden call.

The liner set sail on a clear evening out of Tampa, headed for New Orleans before embarking for further destinations.