Top 10 Cruises From Tampa
Tampa Bay is located on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast and it is an emerging departure point for cruising lovers. Tampa Bay is paving the way for future memorable experiences at sea with new terminals, convenient proximity to the Caribbean, and access to some of the best cruise lines in the world. It has the perfect cruise for everyone, from short weekend escapes, week long voyages, or longer.
Whether it be relaxation on white sandy beaches, immersion in island culture, or family fun at sea, the cruises from Tampa Bay will offer plenty of variety in itineraries while providing luxury experiences onboard. In this guide, we discuss the top 10 cruises from Tampa Bay that combine scenic ports, luxury staterooms, and affordability.
List of Top 10 Cruises in Tampa
In this, we have listed the Tampa cruise, which combines world-class services, thrilling destinations, and a fun-filled experience at Seaside. Let's take a look at the top 10 Tampa cruises:
1. Royal Caribbean
Itinerary: Cozumel (Mexico), George Town (Grand Cayman), Falmouth (Jamaica)
Duration: 7 nights
Best for: Families, couples, adventure lovers
If you dream about the beautiful sun-soaked beaches and clear azure waters, then this Royal Caribbean voyage truly delivers. This cruise departing from Tampa aboard the Adventure of the Seas, this cruise will have you exploring ancient Mayan ruins, snorkelling colourful coral reefs, and lounging in relaxed island-style.
This cruise on Adventure of the Seas is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy both adventure and relaxation. If you want a chance to explore while on vacation, consider the history of the Mayan civilization in Cozumel by visiting ancient ruins or scuba diving the Mesoamerican reef. In Falmouth, you may choose to go Jamaican river tubing down the river in Jamaica, or visit the iconic Dunn’s River Falls. George Town offers a classy Caribbean stop full of fun, stingray sandbars, and some high-end shopping.
On-board amenities: Surf simulator, rock climbing wall, kids splash zone, ice-skating rink, for evening entertainment, take in a Broadway-style show.
2. Carnival Paradise
Cruise Itinerary: Cozumel and Mahogany Bay (Roatán, Honduras)
Duration: 5 days
Best for: First-time cruisers, quick escapes
This shorter cruise is a good option for people looking for a budget-friendly getaway. The Carnival Paradise is more tropical, laid-back fun, with plenty of options in dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Carnival has shorter routes that pose a fun adventure for a couple of days. Carnival Paradise is all about the good vibes and anything goes. In Cozumel, you will take a catamaran snorkeling tour. Roatán, off the coast of Honduras, is a lush jungle and a hidden gem of quiet beaches, ideal for zip-lining or encounters with dolphins.
Highlights of Cruise: Comedy clubs, adults-only retreat, 24-hour pizzeria, pool deck parties, and family-friendly activities.
3. Norwegian Jade
Cruise Itinerary: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts
Duration: 11 days
Best for: Adventurers and seasoned cruisers
This Southern Caribbean itinerary is all about variety, with each island having its own culture, food, and natural beauty. With longer port times, you will have ample time to fully appreciate each destination! This longer cruise takes you on a deep dive into all the Caribbean's diversity. The cruise even stops in Barbados and St. Lucia with rainforests, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches.
Onboard the Norwegian Jade, you will experience freestyle dining (no set times), open bars, live entertainment, and a full-service spa.
4. Holland America Line
Ports of Call: Cartagena (Colombia), Panama Canal, Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)
Length of Trip: 14 days
Best For: Historical buffs, retirees, and long-term cruisers
Making a passage through the storied Panama Canal is a bucket list experience for many travellers. This two-week voyage combines history, culture, nature, and a luxurious experience onboard the Volendam. This is an adventure in history and engineering achievement. You will transit through the Panama Canal, one of the great engineering feats of the modern world. You will visit locations such as Cartagena, which features cobblestones and colonial areas, and Puerto Limon in Costa Rica, which has access to rainforests, sloths, and coffee plantations.
Onboard highlights include: cooking demonstration, lounges with classical music, art galleries, and wine tasting.
5. Carnival Spirit
Itinerary: San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic)
Length: 7 days
Best for: Beach bums and adventure lovers
You can visit ancient forts in Puerto Rico, snorkel in turquoise waters, or just relax on some picture-perfect beaches. The Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Spirit has plenty of Caribbean energy and vibrancy to spare. In San Juan, you can wander the colorful streets of Old Town or hike in the beautiful El Yunque Rainforest. Foodies will love St. Thomas, which has endless shopping, snorkeling, and beautiful mountain views to enjoy. You can take zip lines, go for ATV tours, or visit waterfalls at Amber Cove.
Onboard features: Water park with slides, themed bars, spa treatments, and live entertainment.
6. Margaritaville at Sea
Length: 3 Nights
Best For: Weekend Getaways, Couples, Jimmy Buffett Fans
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is a 3-night cruise getaway designed to make you feel like you’re in a tropical frame of mind. Get the daze of Jimmy Buffett and escape for a short (but sweet) getaway. This cruise makes it super easy to take a spontaneous 3-night escape without much hassle, since it includes a stop in Freeport, Grand Bahama, where you’ll enjoy sun-kissed beaches, local straw markets, and active eco-adventures like kayaking through mangroves or snorkeling coral reefs!
Onboard, expect island escapism - tons of live music, frozen cocktails and tropical drinks, themed parties, and casual dining with flairs of Caribbean cuisine. It’s perfect for couples, friend groups, or solo travelers in need of a mini escape that feels like a short weekend in paradise.
7. Celebrity Cruises
Destination Highlights: Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts
Why It's Popular: Those looking for an upscale experience will love the Celebrity's emphasis on comfort, style, and culinary sophistication. It is a high-end option for cruisers who are picky about their cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises focuses more on comfort. With 365 beaches in Antigua and the aroma of spices in Grenada. Additionally, this cruise itinerary is perfect for travelers desiring a more upscale island experience. While you're onboard, enjoy culinary masterpieces created by Michelin-starred chefs and wellness programs that pamper you with spa-quality treatments.
Ship Feature: Wonderful staterooms, spa-inspired wellness programs, and award-winning cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chefs.
8. MSC Meraviglia
Itinerary: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Ocho Rios, Cozumel
Trip Duration: 7 nights
Ideal for: Groups and environmentally-conscious cruisers
MSC's Ocean Cay was designed with eco-friendliness in mind, where you can enjoy eco-tours, yoga on the beach, and protected coral reefs. Adding in colorful Caribbean ports is a huge win for both luxury and sustainably-conscious travel.
Onboard: LED dome shows, kids' clubs, international cuisine, and Yacht Club suites.
9. Disney Dream
Itinerary: Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island), Nassau
Duration: 5 nights
Perfect for: Families with children
Disney Dream is an ideal cruise for multigenerational families, as well as Disney enthusiasts of any generation, given its immersive nature experiences both onboard and off. For example, at Castaway Cay, guests can relax on private beaches, visit water slides, or participate in a 5K run. Nassau provides a traditional Caribbean vibe with local markets and excursions.
What makes it unique: Disney knows magic like no cruise line can, with quality immersive entertainment, themed dining experiences and other guest services.
10. Princess Cruises
Itinerary: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica
Duration: 10 days
Perfect for: Couples and older travelers
With Princess Cruises, it is not a position of down-home or all things relaxed elegance. The Caribbean Explorer voyage includes ports that are typically quieter, like Dominica with its nature trails and waterfalls, or Antigua with forts and stunning bays. Princess Cruises offers classy and engaging onboard entertainment, wine-tasting, and thought-provoking destination talks.
What makes it unique: A nice balance of cultural immersion on-shore with ample relaxing time onboard for mature travelers.
In Conclusion
Tampa is one of the most accessible and adventurous cruise ports in America. Tampa provides easy access, an enjoyable climate, and numerous sailing options. That way so many travelers choose Tampa as their ship's departure port. You have got many choices when you cruise from Tampa! Whether you want to relax with some fun in the Bahamas, discover the Panama Canal, or island-hop across the Caribbean, a cruise from Tampa will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top 10 Cruise in Tampa
Question 1: When is the best time of year to cruise from Tampa?
Answer: The best time of year is between November and April, as temperatures are mild, and the hurricane season is over. Summer cruises are available and offer some great pricing.
Question 2: Are there family cruises from Tampa?
Answer: Yes! Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line all offer family vacation cruises with kid-friendly activities, family staterooms, and entertainment for all ages!
Question 3: What is the closest airport to the cruise terminal in Tampa?
Answer: The closest airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is only 9 miles from Port Tampa Bay for those cruisers coming from out of state.
Question 4: Do I need a passport to cruise from Tampa?
Answer: For U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises that depart from and return to the same U.S. port, a passport is not always required. That said, it is always a good idea to have a passport in case of an emergency.
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