MSC Cruises Will Homeport a Ship in Tampa

The Port of Tampa and MSC Cruises announced that the Armonia will be sailing year-round voyages from the Florida port in November 2020. 

Ken Muscat, EVP and COO for MSC Cruises USA said, “As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the U.S., the introduction of Tampa as a homeport plays an important role in our long-term deployment strategy for this region.” He added, “We’ve seen increased demand for cruise options from Tampa as vacationers from around the world look to explore the city and surrounding areas pre- and post-cruise. We’re looking forward to bringing MSC Armonia, one of our more classic and charming ships, to Tampa and to introducing even more travelers to the MSC Cruises experience, inspired by our European heritage.”

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MSC will operate four and five-day itineraries in the winter 2020/2021 season and then move to a seven-day format for the spring, summer, and autumn. Nearly every sailing will include a call at MSC’s new private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay.

Four and five-day cruises will include Ocean Cay along with Cozumel or Key West. Longer itineraries will feature Costa Maya and also Progresso, a first for ships homeported in Tampa. Progresso is an exciting lesser-known port in the northern Yucatan peninsula, the gateway to the Mayan ruins at Uxmal and the hidden gem of Merida, a city brimming with historic streets and architecture. 

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The MSC Armonia is a mid-size ship which continues to get positive reviews from guests. Especially exciting for families is the partnership with Lego in the children areas. Adults appreciate the recently renovated spa and public area as well. 

As previously reported, the Port of Tampa continues to set records for itself for passengers year after year. Even though Holland America decided not to return after its winter 2019 season, the previous announcement of Celebrity repositioning the Constellation to Tampa in 2020 and now with MSC’s Armonia, the Port of Tampa is sure to continue posting record growth in its cruise business.