Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Apr
Typical Duration
7 nights
Price Range
$204–$5,552 per person
Port Type
embarkation
Tender Port
No
Being a major homeport for Caribbean cruises with convenient access to popular destinations like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and the Western Caribbean.
Cruises that visit Tampa, Florida
- cruises to Tampa, Florida
- Tampa, Florida sailings
- Tampa, Florida cruises
- 4-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 4-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 5-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 5-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 5-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 5-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 6-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 6-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
Build Your Day in Tampa, Florida
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa is a gorgeous park with amazing attractions.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
One of the best experiences for visiting with family in Tampa.
Honeymoon Island State Park
I very often see dolphins while swimming here water is very clean.
Open now
The Florida Aquarium
If you’re visiting Tampa, this is 100% a must-do attraction.
Bulla Gastrobar Tampa
My new favorite Spanish food restaurant at Tampa Bay Area for sure.
Whiskey Joe's | Tampa
The vibes were incredible, the drinks were on point, and the view—unmatched.
Armature Works
One of the top spot in Tampa for a fun time.
Tampa Premium Outlets
A large outlet mall on the outskirts of Tampa with a good range of products.
Open · Closes 8 PM
International Plaza and Bay Street
This mall offers more than any other malls in the Tampa Bay Area.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Citrus Park Town Center
Very large, very clean, lots of shops to check out.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Ulele
Floridian cooking with a barbacoa grill
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Access to the Riverwalk, the Tampa Art Museum, and the Children's Museum.
University Mall
It has a great number of stores and has a nice size food court.
Open · Closes 7 PM
The Shops at Wiregrass
... and very clean and lot of great stores and restaurants to shop
Open · Closes 8 PM
Fred Howard Park
Beautiful beach to walk on & swim in. Lots of shade trees to sit under.
The Great Escape Room Tampa
We did the “Escape the Coliseum” room and it was a lot of fun!
Oxford Exchange
Chic dining & shopping destination
Rusty Pelican Tampa
Upscale American fare & water views
Cypress Point Park
Great place to see the planes fly in and out of Tampa airport
Open now
Lettuce Lake Park
great place to see alligators, birds, fish, turtles and Florida flora.
Ballast Point Park
A pier, a restaurant, and a playground/splash pad.
WestShore Plaza
They have stores that you can't find anywhere else.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Tampa Riverwalk
Nice place for a walk, ride, to enjoy university of Tampa scene.
American Social - Bar & Kitchen
Service is great, staff is super friendly and food and drinks are great.
Hyde Park Village
Loads of restaurants and stores to shop.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Apollo Beach Preserve
The areas are well protected and the water is clear.
Open now
Ocean Prime
Upscale spot for steak & seafood
Water Works Park
Fun place to cool off and relax while your kids enjoy the activities
Seasons 52
Awesome service, great drinks, and the softest chicken I've ever eaten lol.
Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, Florida)
Sand was clean and water was warm and clear
Sparkman Wharf
A must walk around when in Tampa for some food drink and fun.
Tampa Theatre
Tampa Theatre is an experience you can’t get anywhere else in Tampa.
Sunset Beach
Free parking and the water is so clear and clean!
OLIVIA
Polished eatery for Italian cuisine
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Caladesi Island State Park
The sand is super soft and the water has shallow swimming areas :)
Open now
Channelside Bay Plaza
Great outlet with great stores and great prices.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Dracula's Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro Tampa
Great atmosphere, great music and vibes, great drinks, friendly staff.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
On Swann
The food was excellent—bold flavors and perfectly cooked.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Naked Farmer
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Steelbach
Steak and lamb were cooked perfectly and the cocktails were delicious!
Tampa Bay History Center
A place to visit as part of the things to do in Tampa!
M.Bird
Stellar vibes, great music, and a wide selection of quality drinks.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Mangos Southern Kitchen and Bar
OMG you can't find better soul food and service anywhere in Tampa.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Ben T Davis Beach
Very less tides, warm water, decent water quality.
Tampa Mall
Nice place with lots of different stores and very good prices
Open · Closes 7 PM
Foodys Restaurant + Bar
They make almost everything homemade and use family recipes!!
Eureka Springs Park
Great boardwalk through a tropical forest.
Yard House
very good food, service is solid, and the outdoor patio has a great vibe
The Pearl Tampa
The drinks were fantastic, the service was amazing, and the food was great.
Rocca
Stylish venue, flavorsome food, cool servers.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Oak & Ola
our server was very knowledgeable and the food and drinks were exquisite.
Closes soon · 3 PM
Riveters Tampa
This place has the absolute BEST rueben sandwich in all of Tampa.
District Tavern
A casual downtown spot to watch a game or hang with friends and have a meal.
Bad Monkey Ybor
Really chill vibes and excellent bartenders who produced delicious drinks.
Coyote Ugly Saloon
Great time, great energy, bartenders amazing, great time, great drinks.
Closed · Opens 7 PM
Babushka's - Hyde Park
Every dish was fresh and authentically delicious.
Rooster & the Till
It’s been hard to find some decent food in Tampa, but this place was superb.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters- Ybor City Cafe
... cool outside tables for people watching and yummy coffee.
Tampa Bay Fun Boat
... Recommend to anyone visiting Tampa or just need something to do!
Davis Island Dog Beach
The beach is well fenced and clean.
Nana Street Food
The food here is so fresh and flavorful- definitely a Tampa gem.
The Brisket Shoppe
Brisket was amazing best I’ve had in a while and my favorite spot in Tampa!
Ponte Modern American
The truffle salmon was tasty, and the filet mignon was cooked to perfection.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
District South Kitchen & Craft
Super fresh ingredients, clearly local staff, and an amazingly diverse menu.
Midtown Tampa
Big, great assortment of stores and restaurants, big parking lot also free.
Open 24 hours
Hotel Bar
The musics, the staff, the drinks, and the ambience was amazing.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Willa's
Willa's has a trendy, upscale, airy atmosphere with a casual laid-back vibe.
Dip and Happy
The food was good, the drinks were great, and everything came out quickly.
The Patio Tampa
Great live music and awesome atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar
The filet was plump juicy, incredibly tender, and melted in your mouth.
Closes soon · 2:30 PM
Cafe Hey
High quality beverages and the A to Z breakfast sandwich was phenomenal.
Closes soon · 3 PM
DI Coffee Bar
their avocado toast and cappuccino are exceptional.
Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center
Great place to get info on all sort if fun things to do in tampa.
The Lab Coffee - West Tampa
Legitimately the best coffee I've found in the Tampa Bay area.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Morgan’s Cove
The service, bartenders, decoram, and drink menu are all world class.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Dan
The atmosphere was pretty, the drinks were fun, and the food was delicious.
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
the bartenders are all friendly and the drinks are scrumptious.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Lilac
The service matched the food—flawless and attentive without being intrusive.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Café Quiquiriqui
Fresh pastries currated to perfection, strong coffee, and plenty of seating.
Lady and the Mug Specialty Coffee Shop
... service, welcoming atmosphere, cozy vibes, and delicious coffee.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Jekyll
Amazing ambience, deliciously curated cocktails and over the top service!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Little Tina
We got caramel lattes and the espresso was so fresh and tasted amazing!
EBBE
Each dish was unique with thoughtful flavors and wine pairings.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kōsen
Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing impeccable flavors and creativity.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Koya
The chefs were extremely engaging, explaining in detail each of the courses.
East Tampa Beach
Beautiful Spot To Ride on JetSkis or Boats and enjoy the Spectacular View!!
Visit Tampa Bay
Café Rialto
the coffee, pastries, people & ambiance = THE BEST.
Closes soon · 3 PM
Tampa Big Letters
It's a pretty open area and right at the Trolly Stop.
Iconic Tampa Bay
There are restaurants all around and lots of things to do.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Tampa, Florida
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About Tampa, Florida
Tampa stands as a major embarkation hub for Caribbean cruising, with six leading cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line—operating nearly 700 sailings annually from its modern port facilities. As a primary home port rather than a port of call, Tampa serves as the launching point for countless vacations, with seven-night itineraries dominating the schedule and whisking passengers away to beloved Caribbean destinations like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán Island, along with nearby Florida ports and Key West.
The winter months from December through April represent peak season, making Tampa an especially popular choice for travelers seeking to escape colder climates. While most cruise passengers embark and depart quickly, those arriving early or staying after their voyage can explore the vibrant Ybor City district with its historic charm and local character, or enjoy the waterfront attractions that make this Gulf Coast city a worthwhile destination in its own right.
The winter months from December through April represent peak season, making Tampa an especially popular choice for travelers seeking to escape colder climates. While most cruise passengers embark and depart quickly, those arriving early or staying after their voyage can explore the vibrant Ybor City district with its historic charm and local character, or enjoy the waterfront attractions that make this Gulf Coast city a worthwhile destination in its own right.
Cruise Lines at Tampa, Florida
- American Cruise Lines (306 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (299 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (157 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (48 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (21 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Tampa, Florida
Cruises Visiting Tampa, Florida
Ship Schedule at Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What cruise lines sail from Tampa, Florida?
Six major cruise lines operate from Tampa, Florida: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, American Cruise Lines, and Oceania Cruises. With 691 upcoming cruises available, Tampa offers excellent variety for both ocean and river cruise options departing from this major home port.
When is the best time to cruise from Tampa, Florida?
The peak cruise season from Tampa runs from December through April, with the busiest months being December, January, February, March, and April. During these winter and spring months, you'll find the most departure options and favorable weather for Caribbean cruises, though prices tend to be higher during peak periods.
How much do cruises from Tampa, Florida cost?
Cruise fares from Tampa range from $204 to $5,552 per person, depending on the cruise line, itinerary, cabin type, and length of voyage. Budget-friendly options are available through various operators, while premium and luxury cruises command higher prices for enhanced amenities and services.
What are the top destinations from Tampa cruise port?
Popular destinations from Tampa include Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán Island, Key West, and nearby Florida ports like Saint Petersburg. Most cruises from Tampa head to the Caribbean, offering tropical island experiences, cultural attractions, and water activities across multiple itineraries.
How do I get from Tampa cruise port to the city?
Tampa cruise port is conveniently located near downtown Tampa, just minutes from the city center. You can reach local attractions via taxi, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or rental cars. The port is also accessible by public transportation, and many hotels offer shuttle services for cruise passengers.
What can I see and do in Tampa in a day?
Tampa offers diverse attractions including the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens theme park, the Salvador Dalí Museum, and the historic Ybor City neighborhood with its shops and restaurants. You can also enjoy waterfront activities along the Riverwalk or visit nearby beaches for a relaxing day before or after your cruise.
Does Tampa cruise port use tenders or dock directly?
Tampa cruise port features modern docking facilities where most ships dock directly at the terminal, allowing convenient embarkation and disembarkation without tenders. The port is well-equipped with passenger services, taxi stands, and easy access to ground transportation options for pre- and post-cruise activities.