The sprawling subtropical metropolis of Tampa sits along the Gulf Coast of Florida, encircling Tampa Bay from Sarasota to Clearwater Beach. Book a Tampa Cruise and travel to tropical destinations in the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and the Bahamas. Tampa is a quintessentially American spot, with white-sand beaches sharing space with shopping malls, and a multicultural mix of residents that ensures flavors from Mexican to Vietnamese are always close at hand. The local lore is rich with moneyed magnates: Both Henry B. Plant and John Ringling, of the Ringling Brothers Circus, left their marks on the region in the form of palatial buildings which now house museums.
A tour of Ybor City offers a look at the other side of Tampa and its working-class past. Small cigar makers first opened in Tampa at the end of the 19th century. After the cigar industry's eventual decline, the neighborhood managed to rise—pun intended—from the ashes, and it has become a thriving, colorful destination steeped in history. While there, grab a Cuban sandwich from Florida’s oldest restaurant and shop for cigars and other souvenirs at Centro Ybor. And, of course, Florida has no shortage of family fun. Traveling to Tampa for a cruise, enjoy the Pier 60 Park in Clearwater Beach during the day or travel to Busch Gardens amusement park to get your adrenaline-pumping on roller coasters or visit hundreds of exotic animals at this park.
Looking for a relaxing vacation? Explore islands list Aruba, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and more on a Tampa cruise.