TAMPA - Norwegian Cruise Line will offer Western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Tampa with the 2,240-passenger Norwegian Star from October 2011 through April 2012.

Twenty-seven sailings are scheduled in Norwegian Cruise Lines first venture from Tampa. The seven-day itineraries will include ports of call at Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival, Holland America and Royal Caribbean International currently offer cruises -- some on a seasonal basis -- from Tampa to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

The 91,740 ton Norwegian Star was launched in 2001.

Jim Sweat of AAA Auto Club South, Travel Agency Services, said the new sailing will provide more options, more vessels, more beds and perhaps more competition in the marketplace.

"That could create better pricing for consumers so they have a better chance to pick and choose," Sweat said. "We're always fighting here in Tampa to build awareness and with yet another vessel in this market, it's going to grow the business."

"An additional cruise ship home porting in Tampa means a welcome boost to tourism that will bring significant benefits to the local and regional economy," Tampa port director Richard Wainio said in a prepared statement.

Operating revenue from cruise lines for fiscal 2010 is projected to amount to 21.1 percent of the port's projected $41.6 million in operating revenue, the third largest operating revenue segment..

Local cruise traffic last year was 803,000 – which includes counting passengers both as they board and disembark from their ships at Tampa.

Reporter Yolanda Fernandez contributed to this report. Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.