Tampa is a great choice for budget cruises into the western Caribbean. Cruises are available from the Tampa port year round with departures almost daily. Finding a cruise that fits both your budget and schedule should be possible. Prices are from the cruise line websites in February 2010.
Holland America offers three and seven day cruises from Tampa during the winter months on the cruise ship Ryndam. The three day cruise is a "cruise to nowhere" off the western shore of Florida. The seven day cruises make stops at Key West, Puerto Cortes, Honduras; Santo Tomas, Guatemala and Costa Maya, Mexico. The Ryndam can carry up to 1,260 guests and features a display of sailing antiques and Culinary Arts Center. The seven day cruises start at $600 per person.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
www.hollandamerica.com
Royal Caribbean offers numerous four, five and seven night cruises out of Tampa into the western Caribbean aboard the Radiance of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas. The four and five night trips go to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico while the 7 night voyage adds George Town, Grand Cayman and Belize City. Prices start at $300 for four nights, $350 for five and $650 for the week long trip.
Royal Carribean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132-2096
(305) 539-6000
www.royalcaribbean.com
Carnival has close to 200 scheduled cruise departures out of Tampa for four, five and seven day trips. The shorter, four and five day voyages are on the 2,052 passenger Carnival Inspiration to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Starting prices are between $300 and $400, depending on the departure date. The seven day cruises are aboard the Carnival Legend which has a guest capacity of 2,124. Stops include Cayman Islands, Belize, Cozumel and Isla Roatan. Prices start at under $500. The Carnival "Fun Ships" cater to both families and fun-seeking adults.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
(305) 406-4779
www.carnival.com
