CME Cruises Departing from Tampa, Florida

Your voyage begins in Tampa, but we encourage you to view this vibrant port city not as a starting line, but as the first chapter of your well-deserved vacation. Arriving a day or two early transforms a travel day into a seamless transition into relaxation, eliminating the stress of potential flight delays and allowing you to decompress before your cruise begins. Tampa and its surrounding Gulf Coast treasures offer a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, providing the perfect prelude to your voyage. Upon arriving at the convenient Tampa International Airport (TPA), you are just a short ride-share or taxi journey from the city's heart. Settle into your accommodations, perhaps in the bustling downtown or the adjacent Channel District, which places you within easy reach of the cruise terminal and the city's premier attractions. A Suggested Itinerary for Your Pre-Cruise Stay: Day 1: Tampa's Historic Heart & Waterfront Charm Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile scenic path that hugs the Hillsborough River. This pedestrian-friendly artery is your gateway to the city's cultural core, connecting lush parks, modern museums, and lively restaurants. Along the way, you might visit the Tampa Museum of Art for its impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and modern art, or simply enjoy the waterfront ambiance from an outdoor café. As late afternoon approaches, take the historic TECO Line Streetcar or a short ride-share to Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District. Once the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Ybor’s red-brick streets, wrought-iron balconies, and free-roaming roosters evoke the spirit of its Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrant founders. Witness the craft of master cigar rollers in a traditional “tabaqueria,” savor a rich café con leche from a walk-up window, and absorb the palpable history. For dinner, an evening at the Columbia Restaurant is a quintessential Tampa experience. Founded in 1905, it is Florida’s oldest restaurant, a stunning mosaic-tiled institution serving classic Spanish-Cuban cuisine. Be sure to reserve a table for their nightly flamenco dance show—a captivating and culturally enriching performance. Day 2: World-Class Art & Unspoiled Beaches Today, venture across the bay to the sophisticated city of St. Petersburg. Your primary destination is The Dalí Museum, an architectural masterpiece housing the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the surrealist master, Salvador Dalí. The experience is an intellectual and visual delight, offering a fascinating escape from the everyday. Afterward, explore St. Pete’s vibrant, walkable downtown, known for its independent boutiques, galleries, and the stunning glass art of the Chihuly Collection. From the city's art-centric downtown, a short drive leads you to the coast. While magnificent beaches abound, Fort De Soto Park is a rare jewel. This 1,136-acre preserve is a world away from crowded tourist strips, a sanctuary of nature where you’ll find no high-rise hotels or “McMansions.” Stroll along the award-winning North Beach, kayak through serene mangrove tunnels, or explore the historic fort itself. It’s the perfect environment to truly unwind and connect with Florida’s natural coastal beauty. For your final evening, return to Tampa and consider dinner in Hyde Park Village, an upscale, open-air district with excellent restaurants and shops, or at Sparkman Wharf, a dynamic waterfront food hall offering a variety of gourmet options in a relaxed, social setting. More to Explore:

• For Families or the Young at Heart: The Florida Aquarium, located conveniently near the port, offers a world-class look at aquatic life. For a full day of adventure, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay uniquely combines the thrills of a major theme park with the wonders of a top-tier zoological park.
• A Gilded Age Day Trip: If your schedule allows, the journey south to Sarasota is rewarded with a visit to The Ringling. Explore the palatial Ca' d'Zan, the Venetian-Gothic winter home of circus magnate John Ringling, and marvel at the adjacent Museum of Art, which houses a remarkable collection of European masterpieces. It is a breathtaking monument to the ambition and artistry of the Gilded Age.

By planning a couple of days in Tampa before you sail, you give yourself the gift of a richer, more complete vacation. You’ll board your ship not in a rush, but refreshed, inspired, and ready for the week of adventure and discovery that lies ahead.