Things To Do In SW Florida

SeaWorld reported its eighth consecutive quarter of record finances Tuesday as international and group visitors trickle back and guests generally spend more in the company’s theme parks.

The Orlando-based company slightly exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 guest numbers this quarter as it continues efforts to boost attendance. Company officials are hopeful the opening of new rides and attractions this year, including a new rollercoaster and children’s water play area in Orlando, will turn the tide.

SeaWorld is also looking toward new ventures to continue its growth. Its first new theme park outside the U.S., SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, opens May 23.

The company also plans to open its first hotels in 2025 and 2026, although it has not announced where the accommodations will debut.

“We’re one of the few in the industry that doesn’t own our own hotels or have our own hotels, so we’re excited for those possibilities,” CEO Marc Swanson said.

The company has wrestled with staffing shortages in recent quarters. Executives have mentioned “less-than-optimal levels,” particularly in food and beverage roles, as guests have returned to the parks. read more

PORT CANAVERAL — Princess Cruises revealed Tuesday that it would sail from Port Canaveral for the first time with its ship Caribbean Princess beginning in 2024.

The cruise line will sail mostly six- and eight-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with the ship that can handle more than 3,100 passengers starting Nov. 27, 2024, and continuing service through April 2025.

Port and cruise line officials made the announcement from Terminal 6 at the Brevard County port, citing the great drive-in market Orlando gets from all around Florida and the southern U.S.

“It’s the one brand that wasn’t calling on Port Canaveral that we get repeated requests, ‘When are you going to get a Princess ship? When is Princess Cruises coming to Port Canaveral?’” said port CEO Capt. John Murray. “They have a very, very loyal following of cruisers, and I think they’ll all be happy they can finally board a vessel here in the Central Florida market.”

From Florida, the line sails traditionally from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, but it now joins major lines Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival and MSC Cruises to call Port Canaveral home. read more