The StarLite Princess Returns To Tampa Bay Region

The StarLite Princess cruise has returned to St. Pete Beach after a little over a year and a half in Daytona Beach. She set sail for the first time since her return from the Corey Causeway on January 15.

The Princess had relocated to Daytona Beach after StarLite Cruises decided to establish a presence on the east coast of Florida. StarLite planned on adding a new vessel to its fleet in Pinellas County once the economy turned around; however, customer demand in Daytona didn’t pan out so the Princess was returned to the Tampa Bay region.

“The Daytona Beach market did not provide enough support for the vessel during the winter season, so we decided to abandon the east coast/Palm Beach idea for now, and move back to an area that will support the vessel year-round and put off the addition to our fleet until the timing is better,” says Phil Henderson, president and CEO of StarLite Cruises.

The StarLite Princess is one of the few authentic paddle wheelers in the United States. StarLite Princess offers a variety of day and evening dining cruises as well as 4- to 5-hour  “destination cruises.” The vessel runs six days a week, and Henderson says there is a cruise for everyone.

“Afternoon cruises offer an optional sit-down lunch with a choice of six entrees,” Henderson says. “Evening cruises feature a choice of 10 entrees all prepared fresh to order right on board.”

Other excursions include a New Orleans/Dixieland Jazz cruise or a dinner dance cruise with live entertainment.

StarLite Princess is docked at 3400 Pasadena Ave. South near St. Pete Beach.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Phil Henderson, StarLite Cruises