10 BEST CRUISES FROM TAMPA, FLORIDA

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, travel to the Western Caribbean, and find yourself on serene, sandy beaches in the dead of winter. Prepare for a week full of fun and adventure with the whole family.

Cruise from Tampa: Destinations

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 cities like Key West; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman 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

Next stop — paradise! Cruise to Mexico from Tampa and your Western Caribbean cruise will take you to some pretty spectacular places. And one of those is Puerto Costa Maya. It's 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. And if you're looking for even more adventure, grab your diving equipment or your snorkel, and swim through the dazzling blue, crystal clear water at Cenote Azul or the vibrant underwater oasis of Banco Chinchorro — 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

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 is over 300 meters wide and 125 meters deep — one of the top dive 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

Each day of your vacation comes 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 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

Just because your time aboard the cruise of a lifetime is about to come to an end, it doesn't mean that your fun has to! Enjoy one last stop in Cozumel, Mexico before sailing back to Tampa. Trek 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. Afterward, grab some lunch and wash down your 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

Did you know that there are two different Western Caribbean routes you can travel on when you cruise out of Tampa? And that second one takes you to George Town, Grand Cayman. 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

When it comes to exotic cruise destinations, many people think of places like Roatan, Belize and Cozumel. But 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, though — 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 are famous the world over for their pristine swaths of white-sand beach, glittering crystal-clear waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Caribbean. And 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.

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