Tampa Cruise Port Guide
Why Visit Tampa on a Cruise?
Experience the vibrant and historic city of Tampa, where a revitalised downtown and bustling port are infused with a unique blend of Latin culture, a rich history, and a stunning waterfront on the Gulf Coast.
Tampa offers an atmosphere that is both dynamic and relaxed, with a growing downtown area and a thriving cultural scene. The city has undergone a remarkable revitalisation, particularly along its waterfront, which is now home to the scenic Tampa Riverwalk. The port area is a hub of activity, with cruise ships sailing in and out of a beautiful bay. The overall vibe is welcoming and energetic, with a mix of modern architecture and historic districts that tell the story of the city's past.
The cultural significance of Tampa is deeply tied to its history as a melting pot of immigrant communities. The historic Ybor City neighbourhood, founded by Cuban and Spanish cigar manufacturers, earned the city the nickname 'Cigar City' and remains a lively centre of Latin culture. This heritage is celebrated in the city's architecture, music, and events, such as the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which draws large crowds and adds a touch of buccaneer lore to the city's personality. This rich history sets Tampa apart from other Florida cities.
The local cuisine in Tampa is a flavourful reflection of its Cuban and Spanish heritage. The city is famous for its unique take on the Cuban sandwich, which distinguishes itself by including Genoa salami alongside the traditional roast pork, ham, and Swiss cheese. This culinary creation is a staple of the city. Given its coastal location on the Gulf of Mexico, fresh seafood is also a major highlight, with restaurants offering everything from fresh-caught grouper sandwiches to stone crabs and shrimp.
For a truly memorable experience, a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk is a must. This scenic path connects many of the city's best attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, which is a short walk from the cruise port. The Riverwalk provides a perfect way to explore the city's rejuvenated waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the bay.
Tampa has a humid, subtropical climate with two main seasons: a hot and wet season from May to October and a mild and dry season from November to April. The average high temperatures in the summer are around 32°C, while winter highs are around 21°C. The majority of the annual rainfall occurs between June and September.
| Time zone | Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4) |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Map |
Cruises visiting Tampa
We've found 46 cruises visiting Tampa.
Discover upcoming cruises that include Tampa on their itinerary, with options from leading cruise lines and departure ports worldwide.
Search & Compare PricesCruises to Tampa
Average Cruise Price to Tampa
View cruise prices to Tampa sourced from real-time travel agent pricing.
The table below shows average cruise prices to Tampa, broken down by cruise length and cabin type. Based on live pricing data from cruise travel agents, this information provides a reliable and up-to-date view of typical fares to help you plan your cruise with confidence.
| Inside | Outside | Balcony | Suite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 Nights | ||||
| £339 | £380 | £626 | £809 | |
| 6-10 Nights | ||||
| £510 | £580 | £889 | £1,786 | |
| 11-16 Nights | ||||
| £975 | £1,179 | £1,903 | £2,815 | |
| 17-30 Nights | ||||
| £1,241 | £1,413 | £3,497 | £8,312 | |
| 31+ Nights | ||||
| - | - | - | - | |
How to Cruise to Tampa
Find out where cruises to Tampa usually begin.
The information below provides an overview of where cruises to Tampa typically begin, helping you identify the most suitable embarkation point.
Departure ports are based on live itinerary data from multiple cruise lines and may vary depending on the season and current cruise schedules.
Tampa, United States
Tampa serves as a departure port itself, with 546 sailings starting directly from this location.
Civitavecchia, Italy
4 SailingsCruises from Civitavecchia to Tampa
San Juan, Puerto Rico
1 SailingsCruises from San Juan to Tampa
Lisbon, Portugal
1 SailingsCruises from Lisbon to Tampa
Los Angeles, United States
1 SailingsCruises from Los Angeles to Tampa
Barcelona, Spain
1 SailingsCruises from Barcelona to Tampa
Cruise Lines that Sail to Tampa
Discover which cruise lines include Tampa in their itineraries.
The list below is based on current sailing schedules and provides an accurate overview of which cruise operators currently visit Tampa.
Cruises sailing to Tampa on Royal Caribbean
Cruising with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry with its innovative ship designs, diverse amenities, and exciting onboard activities. Its fleet, one of the largest in the world, offers thrilling experiences for travelers of all ages.
At a Glance
| Cost | Low/Medium |
| Style | Couples, Family, Party |
What to Expect
Royal Caribbean is a global leader in the cruise industry, known for its commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction. You can expect to find thrilling, action-packed, activities like rock climbing walls, water slides, ice skating rinks, and simulators which allow you to surf and skydive onboard! For a more relaxed experience, unwind in the spa, soak up the sun by the pool, or simply relax in your luxurious stateroom.
Royal Caribbean also has some of the best onboard entertainment and dining options. Broadway-style shows feature on most ships in their fleet, along with live music and comedy clubs. Savour a diverse culinary experience, with a range of dining options from casual buffets in the "Windjammer" to fine dining restaurants and family favourites such as "Johnny Rockets".
Cruises sailing to Tampa on Celebrity Cruises
Cruising with Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises combines modern luxury with exceptional service, offering a sophisticated cruising experience. Their ships explore a variety of fascinating destinations, and are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
At a Glance
| Cost | Medium |
| Style | Couples, Family, Educational |
What to Expect
A Celebrity Cruises vacation offers a sophisticated and luxurious experience, with a focus on fine dining, elegant accommodations, and personalised service. You can expect to indulge in world-class cuisine at a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to gourmet dining experiences. Relax and rejuvenate at the spa, unwind by the pool, or enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including live music, Broadway-style shows, and captivating lectures.
Celebrity Cruises also offers a range of premium enriching experiences, such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and art auctions. For those seeking adventure, their itineraries explore stunning destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and the South Pacific and offer opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Cruises sailing to Tampa on Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, state-of-the-art ships, award-winning entertainment, and their gourmet dining options.
At a Glance
| Cost | Low/Medium |
| Style | Couples, Family, Party |
What to Expect
A Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cruise offers a relaxed and flexible vacation experience. With its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, you have the freedom to dine where and when you want, without assigned seating or formal dress codes. Indulge in a variety of dining options, from casual buffets to gourmet restaurants.
Enjoy a range of entertainment, from live music and comedy shows to Broadway-style productions. Stay active with fitness facilities, sports courts, and outdoor pools.
For families, Norwegian Cruise Lines massive ships offer thrilling attractions like multi-story water slides, ropes courses, and go-kart tracks. Adults can indulge in pampering spa treatments, sip cocktails poolside, or try their luck at the casino.
Cruises sailing to Tampa on Carnival Cruise Line
Cruising with Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the world's most popular cruise brands, known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere and great value. Offering sailings to top destinations like the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska, Carnival is a favourite for families, couples, and first-time cruisers alike.
At a Glance
| Cost | Low/Medium |
| Style | Families, Couples, Groups |
What to Expect
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its lively, welcoming atmosphere and offers something for everyone - whether you're a family with kids, a couple seeking adventure, or a group of friends ready to celebrate. With a focus on fun and value, Carnival cruises are ideal for first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers alike, thanks to their relaxed vibe and inclusive pricing.
Onboard, Carnival ships are floating playgrounds packed with amenities. You'll find thrilling waterslides, splash parks, mini-golf, ropes courses, and adults-only retreats like Serenity for quiet downtime. Staterooms range from budget-friendly interiors to luxurious suites, all designed for comfort and convenience.
Entertainment is a major highlight, with Broadway-style theatre shows, comedy clubs, deck parties, live music, and themed nights. Dining is equally diverse, from included options like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina to specialty restaurants for a small fee. Whether you want high-energy fun or laid-back relaxation, Carnival delivers a cruise experience full of memorable moments.
Tourist Attractions in Tampa
Explore the best tourist attractions in Tampa.
Cruise visitors will find plenty to enjoy in Tampa. Here are the top attractions near the cruise port to help plan your visit.
The Florida Aquarium
Located a short walk from the cruise port, this large aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic plants and animals. Its exhibits showcase the diverse ecosystems of Florida, from wetlands to coral reefs, and offer interactive experiences like swimming with sharks.
Ybor City Historic District
A National Historic Landmark district with a rich history of cigar manufacturing. The neighbourhood is known for its brick streets, wrought-iron balconies, and lively atmosphere, with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.
Tampa Riverwalk
A scenic walkway that stretches along the Hillsborough River. It connects many of the city's key attractions, including parks, museums, and restaurants, providing a beautiful and active way to explore the downtown area.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A major African-themed animal theme park and zoo. It features thrilling rides, including some of the country's tallest and fastest roller coasters, as well as a variety of animal habitats and shows.
Shore Excursions in Tampa
Enhance your visit to Tampa with a range of shore excursions designed to suit every type of traveller.
To explore the full selection of tours and activities available, visit our partner Viator and find the perfect excursion for your time ashore in Tampa.
Shore ExcursionsView shore excursions to Tampa
