# Travel >> Transportation >> Cruises

Yacht Cruises Out of Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with major cruise lines and smaller cruise companies taking advantage of this gateway to the Gulf. For those in Tampa, Fla., who want a more intimate cruising experience, yacht cruises are an option. Tampa offers a few of these cruises, which range from day-trips to overnight chartering opportunities.

Yacht Starship
- Specializing in dining cruises and group charter tours, Yacht Starship is the nation's first dining yacht to be rated with three diamonds by the American Automobile Association (AAA). It was also rated the "Best Event Facility" for 2010 by Tampa Tribune readers. Cruises leave daily from both Downtown Tampa and from nearby Clearwater Beach for both lunch and dinner. Onboard cuisine ranges from eggplant and Parmesan stuffed ravioli to filet mignon, with dinner cruises starting at $40 a person as of October 2010. Live entertainment and dancing are also usually offered with most cruises, and there are special events on many holidays. Larger groups, including those hosting weddings or corporate events, may charter entire yachts.
  
  Yacht StarShip
  
  223 South 12th St.
  
  Tampa, FL 33602
  
  813-223-7999
  
  yachtstarship.com
CharterWorld
- For patrons of means, Charterworld offers weekly yacht rentals of some of the most prestigious crews and yachts in the world. Headquartered in London, Charterworld offers yacht charters around the world. There is a branch office in Florida, and Charterworld is willing to come to Tampa residents with a wide range of ships. As of October 2010, Charterworld's smallest yachts could accommodate four guests and were available for about $5,000 a week. The largest options cost $500,000 or more a week, some accommodating nearly 40 guests with crews of 36. The more pricey the yacht, the more features each ship has, which may include fitness centers and on-board chefs for the most expensive.
  
  CharterWorld LLP
  
  29 Harley St.
  
  London, United Kingdom
  
  W1G 9QR
  
  +44 207 193 7830
  
  charterworld.com
Charter Sailboats
- Servicing the city of Tampa and the Bay area, Charter Sailboats offers large sailing yachts with multiple bedrooms/bathrooms and skippers that will take care of the navigation. These ships are available for charter for up three days, providing secluded overnight cruises. The ships are also available to charter for single days, sunset dinners, and wedding cruises. There are also smaller sailboats available, with instructional courses from Windsong staff for any patron interested in learning how to sail.
  
  Windsong Sailing Charters
  
  4927 U.S. Highway 19
  
  New Port Richey, FL 34652
  
  877-538-7724
  
  windsongcharters.com