Carnival offers a seven-night cruise aboard the Carnival Legend that departs from Tampa, Florida and includes stops in Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. The ship, which also stops in Key West, Florida, includes three full days at sea. Half Moon Cay is a 55-acre beach on Little San Salvador Island. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, relax on the beach, go horseback riding or enjoy a variety of other activities. The island is only 2 percent developed, so the scenery is natural and pristine. Nassau features a bit more of the culture of the Bahamas, offering plenty of shopping, dining, bars and several beaches.
Holland America offers a 21-day cruise from Tampa to Europe aboard the ms Ryndam. The first stop is a six-hour layover in Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. This is the only Bahamas stop on the itinerary, which also includes stops in Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and England. While on Half Moon Cay, you can shop or sip a tropical drink as calypso music plays and a warm Caribbean breeze washes over you. Or, take part in a variety of beach and water sports.
Tampa remains a popular departure port for many other cruise lines and destinations. Many people arrive a few days early or stay a few extra days in Tampa to extend their vacation. Activities in Tampa include Busch Gardens, Ybor City, Tampa's Cuban neighborhood, and plenty of shopping and dining at Channelside, just a few steps from the cruise ship port. The Florida Aquarium is another popular attraction near Channelside.
