Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a much known and much-loved name in the world of top cruises.
Most of the cruises which set sail from Tampa have ports of call in various Caribbean islands. Some even sail all the way to Canada and Alaska.
Before you book your cruise holiday, spend a good amount of time on research. Cruise holidays are best enjoyed when you book an all inclusive cruise deal.
Check out our list of the best cruises which depart from Tampa.
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1. ms Rotterdam
Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Of all the cruises that start from Tampa, the ms Rotterdam is the most highly rated.
This Holland America Line cruise ship has been renovated as recently as 2017.
As a result, it is fully modern when it comes to facilities and entertainment.
The specialty of the Holland America Line is its Lanai staterooms, which have sliding glass doors.
One slide of these transparent doors and you will find yourself on the Lower Promenade Deck of the ship.
Your cruise itinerary must include indulging in the twin delights of The Retreat and The Mix.
While the former is a pool area adorned with lounge chairs and poolside service, the latter is a bar and lounge area.
Younger cruisers will be enchanted by the Club HAL children’s programs and The Loft, an area designed especially for teenagers.
There are seven restaurants, offering everything from casual to formal dining. 603 crew members cater to 1,404 passengers.
The Rotterdam is also considered one of the best cruises that depart from Tampa, because of its arts and antique collection.
Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.10
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Tampa for: Singles, Families with children
2. Empress of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
The Empress of the Seas first set sail from Florida in 1990. Ever since it has been witness to many changes.
It was initially called the Nordic Empress.
In 2008, it was transferred to a Spanish fleet. However, after becoming a part of the Royal Caribbean International cruise line, it has received a multi-million dollar uplift.
It can accommodate 2,270 passengers and 668 members of the crew. There are three excellent onboard restaurants, four bars, a casino and a spa.
It is consistently rated one of the top cruises that sail from Tampa, because the ship is almost never crowded and offers plenty of space to relax.
Most of the rooms look out to the ocean, adding extra charm to your cruise holiday.
The Empress is also one of the more affordable cruises starting from Florida.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 4.10
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Singles, Couples
3. Norwegian Gem
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Gem is first among the cheap cruises that start from Tampa.
With provision for 2,394 passengers and 1,101 crew members, the cruise ship does not compromise on service.
All cabins, be it ocean view or the ones with attached balconies, come with room service.
But do opt for one of the cruise deals that include accommodation in staterooms of The Haven category.
Because then you can avail access to the ship’s private courtyard, concierge service as well as meals at a private restaurant.
There are fourteen onboard restaurants, offering a huge selection of cuisine.
Your cruise itinerary will be full, sampling the numerous day and night-time activities.
There is bowling, rock climbing, a sports arena, magic shows and stand-up comedy.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 4.00
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large groups of friends, Singles
4. Rhapsody of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
With ports of call in Mexico and Central America, Rhapsody of the Seas is one of the most nominal priced cruises that depart from Tampa.
This Royal Caribbean cruise ship can accommodate 2,416 passengers and has 765 crew members at their service.
There is a rock climbing wall, an LED screen right beside the pool, eight bars and lounges and three specialty restaurants.
Even though the Rhapsody is one of the cheap cruises that set sail from Tampa, Florida, it offers excellent accommodation and food.
A large percentage of the staterooms have breathtaking views of the ocean.
It is ideal for 2-day cruises or 3-day cruises.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.95
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Group of friends, Singles
5. ms Veendam
Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Of all the cruises leaving from Tampa, the MS Veendam is quite unique.
This excellent cruise holiday option caters to a predominantly adult demographic.
The onboard entertainment is also designed keeping in mind mature cruisers.
This Holland America Line ship is small but provides an all inclusive cruise experience which more than makes up for its size.
The staterooms of Lanai and Spa category are especially popular.
These have attractive perks like direct access to the Promenade Deck, spacious cabins and exclusive treatments at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon.
Budget accommodation is also available.
Your cruise itinerary must include sampling fares from America’s Test Kitchen and the seven dining options offering everything from the casual to the exotic.
BBC runs a special program called Earth Experiences on-board.
In addition to this, there is a sports court and a fitness center.
Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 3.90
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Couples, Singles
6. Norwegian Pearl
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Pearl is one of the most affordable cruises that depart from Tampa.
This cruise ship has ports of call in both snowy Alaska and the sunny Caribbean, offering boarders plenty of choices.
This Norwegian Cruise Line ship is a large vessel, accommodating 2,394 passengers and 1,072 crew members.
It has onboard entertainment to please cruisers of all ages, from basketball courts to a rock-climbing wall, from bowling alleys to youth clubs.
If the elders in the group prefer lots of rest and relaxation, they can retreat to the spa or the casino, while their children can be kept occupied elsewhere.
Accommodation ranges from budget options to more lavish ocean-view suites.
As far as dining is concerned, there are half a dozen specialty restaurants in addition to seven complimentary dining venues.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.85
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large group of friends
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7. Majesty of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
If you are in Tampa (or anywhere else in Florida) and are looking for cheap cruises, look no further.
Book yourself one of the all inclusive cruises on the Majesty of the Seas.
Even though it’s one of the smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the Majesty can still accommodate 2,767 boarders and 912 crew members.
A casino, a basketball court, rock climbing, four bars and lounges, six restaurants— all come together to ensure a packed and memorable cruise itinerary.
Types of accommodation, though limited, are quite satisfactory.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.85
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large group of friends, Singles
8. Carnival Miracle
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Renovated as recently as 2015, this cruise ship has been upgraded with the ‘Fun Ship 2.0’ features that are an added attraction for Carnival Cruise Lines.
As the ship departs from Tampa, cruisers of all ages will discover something to keep them happy and busy.
There is the Punchliner Comedy Club, Seuss at Sea educational programs and SKYBOX sports bar.
Cruises packages on the Carnival Miracle also include lounging by the pool and relaxing at the spa for adults.
There are age-appropriate programs for children, so forget about looking after your kids and indulge in some quality ‘me’ or ‘us’ time.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.80
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large group of friends, Singles
9. Norwegian Dawn
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Dawn offers cheap cruises that depart from Tampa Port to ports of call in Canada and the Caribbean.
But it does not compromise on variety as far as onboard facilities are concerned.
Children will undoubtedly delight in the dinosaur-themed swimming pool and the video game arcade.
There are kids and teens clubs too, so parents don’t have to worry about keeping their children occupied.
For adults, the highlight of your cruise holiday can be the hot tubs, spa treatments, and casino adventure.
There are as many as 13 restaurants onboard, including specialty dining venues.
Accommodation caters to the budget-conscious as well as lavish cruisers.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.80
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large group of friends, Singles
10. Brilliance of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
The Brilliance of the Seas is undoubtedly one of the top cruises that depart from Tampa.
Not only does it fall into the affordable cruises category, it provides entertaining cruises packages for the entire family.
Teen disco, nursery, mini golf course, rock climbing, three-story theatre, movies by the pool, bars, nine restaurants— all inclusive cruises don’t get better than this.
Almost 75 percent of the cabins come with mesmerizing views of the ocean.
Budget accommodation options are also available on Brilliance of the Seas.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 3.80
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Tampa for: Families with children, Large group of friends
Apart from the ten top cruises described above, do consider Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Paradise as well.
One of the most affordable cruises setting sail from Tampa Port, the Paradise offers a wide range of entertainment and relaxation options.
As far as cruise holidays go, sailing from Tampa in Florida is one of the best options.
Tampa is a good destination for last minute cruises as well, because most of the cruises leaving from Tampa are cheap and affordable.
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