Carnival Celebrates 30 Years in Tampa

Carnival Cruise Line marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 30-year partnership with Tampa, Florida, coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day. The festivities took place aboard the Carnival Paradise, the cruise line’s ship that docks in Tampa. To underscore its commitment to the community, Carnival donated a hybrid pick-up truck to aid the efforts of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

Chris Chiames, Carnival’s Chief Communications Officer, reflected on the journey: “Thirty years ago, Carnival recognized the potential for year-round sailing in Tampa, and we were right. We value the strong partnerships we’ve built and, as we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to enhancing our contributions to Tampa Bay’s economy and providing enjoyable experiences for our loyal guests.”

Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, emphasized Carnival’s impact: “Carnival Cruise Line has been integral to our port’s history, welcoming millions of visitors to our region. Their contributions significantly boost our tourism and economy, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”

In honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day, crew members from the Paradise volunteered for a local cleanup. Debbie Evenson, executive director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, expressed gratitude for the truck donation, stating, “This vehicle represents opportunity, growth, and a brighter future for our community. It will empower us to conduct more cleanups, plant additional trees, and host educational events.”

The Carnival Paradise offers year-round sailings from Tampa, and it will soon be joined by the Carnival Legend, set to arrive next month. To further commemorate the occasion, Carnival unveiled a unique sculpture by 16-year-old local artist Ryan Moralevitz. Crafted from discarded materials collected during local cleanups, the sculpture aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Tampa’s oceans and beaches.

This celebration not only marks a historic moment for Carnival but also highlights the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement in the Tampa Bay area.