Cruise: Halifax, Tampa

Halifax Port Authority Releases Final Cruise Numbers for 2016


RCI’s Serenade of the Seas at berth in Halifax
Photo/Halifax Port Authority

The Port of Halifax welcomed 238,217 passengers and 136 vessel calls during the 2016 cruise season. The busiest passenger day was October 11, when five cruise ships were in port.

The passenger count increased 7 percent from the 2015, giving Halifax its best season since 2013. The cruise season in Halifax typically runs from mid-April to the end of October.

"It was an exciting season for cruise in Halifax," said Catherine McGrail, PPM®, interim vice president, operations and director, corporate affairs, at the Halifax Port Authority. "The tour operators and tourism providers went above and beyond to meet and exceed the expectations of our cruise guests. Making sure those passengers have a memorable and enjoyable experience during their time in our province is such an important piece of the development of the Halifax cruise industry, and we thank all of those who worked hard this year to make that happen."

Holland America Line to Offer Friday Sailings from Tampa


The 1,964-passenger Holland America Line MS Oosterdam will home port in Port Tampa Bay for the 2016-2017 winter cruise season.
Photo/Port Tampa Bay

On November 18, Port Tampa Bay officials welcomed the captain and crew of Holland American Line’s MS Oosterdam, which will call Tampa home for the 2016-2017 winter cruise season.

Built in 2003, the 1,984-passenger capacity MS Oosterdam recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade that included a new lounge, dining and entertainment venues and completely refreshed suites.

Holland America Line has been homeported at Tampa Bay since 1982. This year it will be offering a Friday departure for the first time. Oosterdam replaces a smaller ship, MS Ryndam, which had home ported in Tampa for several years.

Holland America Line’s Tampa-based offerings include 7-, 14- and 21-day itineraries to the Western and Southern Caribbean.

"We are extremely happy to welcome the beautiful MS Oosterdam into Port Tampa Bay, which has long been a home port to this fantastic cruise line," said Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson. "For nearly 35 years, we have enjoyed a stellar relationship with Holland America Line, and it is gratifying to us that our cruise partners continue to show faith and enthusiasm in the strength our market. We look forward to many more years of sailings."