7 Best Cruises Out of Tampa: Your Dream Destinations Made Possible

Hop on a last-minute cruise from Tampa and experience the adventure of a lifetime. The Tampa cruise port is easy to find, and it has a ton of great accommodations nearby. As the best jumping-off point for your vacation, you can arrive a day early to explore before departing for the Caribbean. Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and travel to the Western Caribbean to find serene, sandy beaches (even in the dead of winter). Prepare for a week full of fun and adventure with the whole family when you consider these amazing destinations, all thanks to the best cruises out of Tampa.

Key Takeaways

● Tampa is a prime departure point for Royal Caribbean cruises, offering itineraries to the Western Caribbean, The Bahamas and beyond.

● Enjoy options that cater to short escapes and week-long adventures.

● Top destinations include Cozumel, Belize, Roatán, George Town, Key West, Puerto Costa Maya and Nassau, each offering unique beaches, cultural experiences and thrilling excursions.

● Cruises suit all types of traveler preferences: families, couples, friend groups and more, with a host of amenities like spa services, gourmet dining and quiet sea days.

● Royal Caribbean cruises from Tampa combine convenience, comfort and thrilling activities, making it easy to plan a cruise full of memorable experiences.

● Explore cruises from Tampa right here.

Cruise From Tampa: Locations Worth Seeing With Your Own Eyes

When you cruise from Tampa, you have a ton of exciting itineraries to choose from. No matter your interests, you'll find something that works for you. Head to the Western Caribbean to work on your tan and visit locations like Key West, Cozumel, George Town and Belize.

While you're there, you can spend your days splashing in the azure waves, swimming with stingrays and nurse sharks, trekking through lush jungles, ziplining over canopies and sipping on delicious rum cocktails as you sink back into island life. If you're one for delicious food, thrilling activities and friendly new faces, an adventure fit for the whole family awaits you.

If you want the best of both worlds — some sunshine and a whole lot of culture — book a cruise that crosses the Atlantic. Begin your adventure by stopping along the islands in the Caribbean before spending several days at sea, enjoying what the cruise ship has to offer you. Arrive in Europe and explore historic, vibrant cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels and Barcelona.

Soak up the sun in the Canary Islands or get in touch with your inner Viking in Waterford, Ireland. Whichever cruise you pick, you'll be leaving with a whole lot of stories to share.

1. Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Cruise to Mexico from Tampa, and your Western Caribbean cruise will take you to some pretty spectacular places. Puerto Costa Maya is the perfect place to kick back and relax on the beach and enjoy a cocktail or learn all about Mayan History at the Chacchoben and Kohunlich Ruins.

If you're looking for even more adventure, grab your diving equipment or snorkel, and swim through the dazzling, crystal-clear water at Cenote Azul or the vibrant underwater oasis of Banco Chinchorro. The latter is the largest coral atoll in the Northern Hemisphere.

Don't forget to stop for some tacos or cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish that tops the list of traditional favorites in the area. You'll head back to the ship all smiles after a day of wandering through the Mexican city.

2. Belize, Central America

Journey to Belize, the ultimate adventure spot for adrenaline junkies and history buffs. Spend your day on the island of Belize diving through the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole that’s over 985 feet wide and 410 feet deep. This is easily one of the top diving sites in the entire world.

Hang out with your favorite cast of characters who call the Caribbean Sea home, like stingrays, nurse sharks and more. After swimming, be sure to dine on ceviche and conch fritters doused in hot sauce, an island specialty, before heading out to the ruins of the Caana (Sky Palace), an ancient temple built by the Mayan people.

3. Roatan, Honduras

Each day of your vacation brings new experiences and places to check out, like Roatan, Honduras. Get a taste of the area by spending part of your day at the beach or snorkeling at the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and then spending the rest of it hiking through jungle trails and lively villages.

When you head to Roatan, you'll come across curious wildlife, like monkeys and parrots, hanging out in the trees and colorful fish swimming in the sea. For even more fun, make sure you stop off at the West End Village, a hot spot for restaurants and shops.

4. Cozumel, Mexico

Enjoy a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, trekking through ancient Mayan sites at San Gervasio before taking a dip at Chankanaab National Park, where you can swim next to dolphins in the wild. Afterwards, grab some lunch and wash down delicious tacos with a Michelada or tequila while relaxing at Playa Mia and perfecting your tan on the beach.

It's a great way to close out the most epic vacation you've ever had.

5. George Town, Grand Cayman

In cruising from Tampa to George Town, Grand Cayman, you’ll spend your day chilling out on Seven Mile Beach or swimming with stingrays at Stingray City. If you're looking for a bit more luxury, shop until you drop at one of the many designer shops that can be found in the area.

When you get hungry, stop off at one of the upscale resorts that can be found lining the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, and grab yourself a Cayman Mama or some conch fritters. You'll be completely satisfied when you're done.

6. Key West, USA

When it comes to exotic cruise destinations, many people think of places like Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. Key West definitely deserves a spot on every sun-seeker’s tropical travel list. Bustling with lively bars and restaurants, and brimming with natural wonders like mangrove forests and colorful coral reefs, it’s an ideal cruise destination for anyone craving a laid-back island getaway.

A stop on many cruises out of Tampa, Key West is best enjoyed by boat or by bike. If you choose the latter, you can spend the day pedaling past colorful historic estates, down shaded, leafy streets and along the beautiful waterfront. Make sure you come with an appetite — the local seafood here is out of this world, and you definitely can’t leave without trying a bite of creamy, cool key lime pie.

7. Nassau, The Bahamas

The Bahamas is famous the world over for its pristine swaths of white-sand beaches, glittering crystal-clear waters and some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, Caribbean charm, and lively atmosphere on your cruise from Tampa, Nassau is just the island for you.

You can do it all here — swim with stingrays, sunbathe on a gorgeous stretch of shoreline, shop open-air markets for Bahamian handicrafts, and even party like the pirates that once called this tropical paradise home. While there are plenty of spots that are great for relaxing, Nassau also has a healthy variety of beaches with a livelier vibe and plenty of buzzing bars.

Insider Tips

1. Soak up the sun nearby: Just a short drive from downtown Tampa, you can sink your toes into the soft, sugary sands of St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach, perfect for a relaxing pre- or post-cruise day.

2. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk: This scenic waterfront pathway is ideal for an afternoon of culture, dining and city views. Enjoy public art installations, local restaurants and the beautiful skyline along the way.

3. Shop and dine at Hyde Park Village: For a charming local experience, stroll through Hyde Park Village, where boutique shopping meets excellent restaurants and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

4. Define what “best” should mean to you: The term “best” is personal, depending on what you want from your cruise. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of itineraries and experiences to suit different preferences:

● Families can enjoy ships with water parks, kid-friendly activities and immersive entertainment, while adult-focused travelers can choose cruises with sophisticated dining, spa services and relaxing sea days.

● Short 4- and 5-night cruises are ideal for quick escapes, whereas 6- and 7-night cruises provide a fuller adventure with multiple ports in the Western Caribbean.

5. The best time to cruise from Tampa: November through April offers the most comfortable weather, with warm days and lower humidity, avoiding the peak summer heat and hurricane season.

6. The stellar Royal Caribbean reputation: Known for innovative ships, world-class entertainment and diverse itineraries, Royal Caribbean is consistently celebrated for delivering high-quality experiences for solo voyagers, families, groups and adult travelers.

Plan Your Next Tampa Cruise Adventure Today

No matter what you’re after, a quick getaway or a week-long Caribbean adventure, Tampa is the perfect launch point for discovering the best of the Western Caribbean. With Royal Caribbean, you can plan a cruise tailored to your preferences. Take a chance on family-friendly fun, adult-focused relaxation, or a balanced mix of both.

Highlights like Perfect Day at CocoCay offer unforgettable beach days, water parks, and unique experiences that make every itinerary memorable. From vibrant ports to modern ships and exciting onboard activities, Tampa departures make cruising convenient, comfortable and full of adventure.

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