Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area in Florida with a mix of historic architecture and modern attractions. It is known for its Cuban and Spanish architectural influences, vibrant business districts, and lovely waterways. Even though it is only 30 minutes from the beach, Tampa fascinates visitors with its city vibe. Urban parks can be found in the downtown area, while Tampa Riverwalk is home to hip bars and modern restaurants.
Whether you are into opera performances at the Straz Centre, sampling tequila at a margarita festival, or riding a thrill coaster at Busch Gardens, there is no shortage of amusing things to do here.
Read on to learn why you should board a cruise from Tampa.
When is the best time to cruise from Tampa?
The best time to cruise from Tampa is during the winter months — November to March. The average high temperatures range from 21°C to 26°C and visitors enjoy 8-9 hours of daily sunshine in this period.
The area has balmy temperatures year-round but the months from May to August are the busiest and the weather can get quite humid. Tampa’s wet season peaks in the summer, between June and August. The tropical climate causes summer storms and heavy showers at this time of year.
Which cruise lines sail from Tampa?
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and NCL all homeport in Tampa. Royal Caribbean as well as most other major lines also has a base in nearby Miami, another popular departure port for Caribbean cruise itineraries.
The third-largest cruise operator in the world, Norwegian Cruise Line, offers an exclusive Freestyle cruising experience. This innovative holiday solution allows guests to pick and choose from a variety of entertainment, recreation activities, and dining options on board.
Look out for great deals by Carnival Cruises as the operator turns 50 in 2022.
Where do cruises from Tampa go to?
Cruises from Tampa go to the Western and Southern Caribbean, and Mexico.
The itinerary of a Western Caribbean cruise usually includes an array of islands south of Florida. The Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica are popular stops as tourists long to see the rare endangered iguanas and seabirds that can be found there. Grand Cayman is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean with beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Jamaica has a diverse topography of rainforests and mountains with great diving and snorkelling sites.
Southern Caribbean cruises may include visits to Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique. Imagine palm trees, white sandy beaches, and plenty of rum. Aruba might be the ultimate exotic destination. Casinos, rocky shore trails, Dutch colonial architecture, and unique artisanal ceramics are just a few of the things you will find there.
When it comes to Mexico, cruises usually anchor at the ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel, where visitors enjoy a flourishing nightlife scene.
What should you do whilst you’re in Tampa?
One of the best foodie scenes in Florida is located right here in Tampa. The downtown area is a modern business district, but there are also quaint stroll-worthy quarters such as Ybor City and Old Hyde Park.
Most families plan a visit to Busch Gardens. This spot is a combination of a zoo and an amusement park in one. It’s an African-themed adventure park with thrill rides, performances, and exotic animals in their natural habitats. The Serengeti Night Safari is one of the most popular tours here.
Ybor City is a cultural centre for Tampa’s Latino community and a National Historic Landmark District. Its founder Vicente Martinez Ybor came here in the 1880s. He was a cigar baron, so it is not hard to believe that Ybor was once home to the largest cigar factory in the world, with 4,000 employees producing over 900,000 cigars per month.
Given Tampa’s cigar-related history, the J. C. Newman Cigar Co. Museum and Factory is a must-visit. It is housed in a restored factory that dates back to the 1910s. There is also the Glazer Children’s Museum for kids to explore and learn through play.
Why is the famous Riverwalk a must? This walkway houses murals, sculptures, and other public artwork along its length. Some other Tampa attractions are also located on the walk, namely the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Art.
When it comes to cuisine, visitors can taste Spanish, Italian, Cuban, and other influences in a variety of local dishes. Even the pickiest foodies will be surprised by the many Sicilian and Columbian restaurants.
As Tampa Bay has a history associated with pirates, there are festivities in February and March that make Tampa even more vibrant and alluring. There is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a parade of boats, witnessed by over 300,000 people every year. Also, the Sant’Yago Knight Parade takes over the streets of Ybor city once a year.
Extend Your Stay?
By now, you will be enamoured with Tampa just as much as we are. Extending your stay in the city is the best way to make the most of your visit to Florida.
Crystal River is only an hour and a half drive from Tampa and is well worth a visit, thanks to its unique biodiversity. This is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim with manatees. Manatees are marine mammals that gravitate to the warm water in Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs as the temperature drops in the colder months. Each winter 500 to 1000 manatees find sanctuary here.
They say the closest relative of the manatee is the elephant. Another interesting fact about manatees is that they probably triggered all those mermaids’ stories told by sailors.
If you want to venture further, you can hop to Miami for a taste of its urban party scene or even try going to Disney World in Orlando.
My friend and I would like to do a Caribbean cruise from Tampa in May. We would like 10-14 days.
We are in the UK but my daughter lives in Tampa . We can fly over a few days before the cruise and spend a few days after. Please can you help us. We’d really appreciate it.
Hi Anita, one of the team will be in contract shortly with some options, I’m sure we’ll be able to find a suitable cruise for you.