Tampa Cruises 2023/2024

Tampa Travel Guide

Tampa Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Have fun at Busch Gardens

  Busch Gardens is an amusement park that opened in March 1959. It's filled with fun roller coasters, rides, and even animals. It's not technically a zoo, but there are lots of animal exhibits that you honestly won't want to miss out on. A few shows are also held indoors, which is a great way to cool off after spending a lot of time out in the sun. There are restaurants and cafes throughout the park in case you get hungry while exploring. This is the perfect place to visit and have fun no matter what age you are!

  You Should Know

  If you go, plan to spend at least a half-day exploring, if not a full day. To save money, consider purchasing a discounted 2-park or 4-park ticket that will allow you to enter other nearby theme parks.
• 
  Have fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum

  The Glazer Children's Museum opened in 1986 and is located right in downtown Tampa. It's filled with fun exhibits that children will love. The museum aims to show children how to play in interactive environments. There is a multitude of different exhibits inside the museum. They have everything from workshops, theater, and even a bank where kids can pretend to be tellers! Each display allows children and all over the world. There is a wide array of different habitats and exhibits on display inside the aquarium. Some of the exhibit habitats include Moon Bay, Journey to Madagascar, Bays & Beaches, Dragons Down Under, and Waves of Wonder! No matter what age you are, you'll love exploring the Florida Aquarium.

  You Should Know

  Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the Aquarium. It's quite large, but if you plan your time wisely, your whole day won't escape you!
• 
  Explore the Tampa Museum of Art

  The Tampa Museum of Art opened in 1920 and is right in central Tampa. It showcases a wide range of art, including everything from Roman art to contemporary art from today. The museum recently reopened in a 66,000-foot building in 2010, and there are plans on growing continually to share the love of art. Exhibits inside the art museum consistently change, though some stay the same. Some of its past exhibits include Vietnam Streets and Air Fer Mer: Dominique Labauvie. There's a cafe on-site in case you get hungry while exploring.

  You Should Know

  There are two parking lots nearby in addition to on-street, metered parking if you bring a car.
• 
  Relax at Clearwater Beach

  Clearwater Beach is arguably the best beach located near Tampa. It's a beautiful long stretch of sand with bright blue waters. There are lots of spots for you to set up for the day to relax or participate in water sports! Nearby, there are multiple shops and restaurants in case you need a break from the sun. If you happen to stick around until later in the evening, there are sometimes festivals held with fun vendors and performers. This is truly the perfect place to come for an afternoon or even an entire day!

  You Should Know

  There is parking on-site, but it can be hard to get a spot. If you want to guarantee yourself a parking spot, try to visit a lot earlier in the day.
• 
  Walk through Hillsborough River State Park

  Hillsborough River State Park is one of the most popular parks in all of Florida. It covers around 3,000 acres and is home to fun hiking trails, walking paths, and other outdoor activities that could keep you preoccupied for a whole day no matter your age. If you don't want to stay in a hotel for your few nights in Tampa, consider camping at Hillsborough River State Park. There are also spots to go geocaching, horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, and more. Biking on the trails is another popular activity here. Don't worry about bringing your bike; there's a rental company right at the park for you!

  You Should Know

  The park is open 365 days of the year, so it's never closed. However, its hours are until sundown, which means hours could be shortened during the colder months.
• 
  Visit Dinosaur World

  Dinosaur World is a theme park that opened in 1998 and is home to over 100 different dinosaur sculptures that are life-size. All sculptures in the park are created by a man named Christer Svensson. This park is mostly outdoors, so you'll want to make sure the weather is straightforward if you plan on visiting. The park is filled with exhibits, playgrounds, walking trails, and more. There's also a huge gift shop that covers 7,000 square feet! Throughout the park, some interactive shows will educate children on the history of dinosaurs.

  You Should Know

  Dogs are welcome to come with you! The only caveat is that they must be on a leash, but there are water stations throughout the park for your pup.
• 
  Get lost in Ybor City

  Ybor City is a neighborhood located right near downtown Tampa. It dates back to the late 19th century when it was founded by a man named Vicente Martinez-Ybor. Many immigrants who moved to this area lived in Ybor City, including from Italy, Cuba, and Spain. Today, the neighborhood is known for its thriving entertainment and culture. It's filled with museums, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, event venues, animals, and more located directly on campus. The garden was officially founded and added to the campus in 1969. There are around 3,000 different animals, habitats, and plants throughout the garden, so you're truly in for a treat! Throughout the year, there are different fun festivals about plants and flowers held in which visitors are welcome to attend. If you're looking to get close to nature and see its true beauty, pay a quick trip to the USF Botanical Gardens!

  You Should Know

  There is free parking available, though a fee has to be paid for admission.
• 
  Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk

  The Tampa Riverwalk stretches on for 2.6 miles and goes right along the Hillsborough River. Often, people will go on runs or just walk on this trail because it offers sweeping coastal views that you won't want to miss. The riverwalk first was constructed in 1989 and has been a popular spot among both tourists and locals ever since. If you want to experience a fantastic view, stop by for sunset or sunrise! 

  You Should Know

  There are dining options near the riverwalk in case you get hungry. Parking is available at a few different lots near the riverwalk, each with different pricing.

Tampa Cruise Packages

• Spring and Fall - October to November and March to April - Shoulder Season

  During the spring months, the weather averages around 76°F, and in the fall it averages closer to 83°F. These months, the weather is nice, and not many people visit, which classifies it as Tampa's shoulder season. Prices aren't sky-high during these months too.

• Summer - May to September - Low Season

  The summer months have high temperatures around 88°F, so it's the year's warmest time. Because of that, not a lot of people visit. However, keep in mind that this is also the year's rainiest time because it's coming up on Florida's hurricane season.

• Winter - December to February - High Season

  The high season in Tampa is the winter because so many people leave the colder states to escape to the warmth! Temperatures average around 72°F, so it's still decently warm. However, since so many people visit during these months, the accommodation prices go up.

Tampa Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Tampa cruises?

  Tampa cruises are a great getaway from your everyday life to go out, relax, and travel along the way! They are great for solo travelers, families, and couples. No matter your age, you'll have a blast on any Tampa cruise.

• What’s included on a Tampa cruise?

  Each Tampa cruise includes accommodation and dining, however, every cruise has different accommodation and dining options. You'll also have access to all the onboard entertainment, which varies from golf courses and casinos to swimming pools and shopping centers!

• What’s the best Tampa cruise?

  Because each Tampa cruise is so different, there's not one that's significantly better than the other. You'll have to consider how long you want your vacation to be, how much you're willing to spend, and even where you'd like your final destination. 

• How much do Tampa cruises cost?

  Tampa cruises vary in price because of the cruise line and the length. Some cruises cost as little as $60 a day while others cost upwards of $200 per day. It truly depends. However, by booking through Affordable Tours, you can guarantee that we offer you the best price possible. We often have promotions and discounts running on most of our cruises to help you save up to 75% off the price you'd find on a brochure!