Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise

Check in one day early at a centrally located hotel in downtown Tampa, steps from the Riverwalk. Start the next morning with breakfast and a relaxed pace before boarding. Your luggage is managed for you—picked up at the hotel and delivered directly to your stateroom on the ship.

Hotel Stay
On departure day, meet in the hotel lobby for included transportation to the ship docked in St. Petersburg. Bags are transferred separately and placed in your stateroom, eliminating the need to carry them yourself. Begin your Florida Gulf Coast cruise without stress or delays.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then take included transportation to the ship in St. Petersburg. Step aboard and head straight into a welcome reception designed to kick off your cruise along the Florida Gulf Coast and Keys. Find your stateroom, get settled, and prepare for departure.

Welcome Aboard
Join fellow travelers for drinks, snacks, and live entertainment as you board. Meet the crew and onboard guides, and get an overview of the experiences planned for the days ahead.

The first stop is a haven of white sands and sparkling waters that reflect the peaceful nature of its environment. This corner of Florida’s Paradise Coast holds a deep historical significance. Originally populated by the Calusa Indians, they established it as a major trading hub, evidenced by the remarkable shell mounds and artifacts that illustrate their advanced fishing and shelling culture. Named by Spanish explorers in the 16th century after San Marco, the island is enveloped by expansive mangrove estuaries, the largest system of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, home to playful dolphins and manatees. Today, Marco Island is a cherished destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat, where the sunset casts the sky in brilliant golds and the ocean mirrors the moon’s glow.

Marco Island Historical Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Long famous for its Key Marco Cat, one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North American archaeology, the Marco Island Historical Museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians and brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays and an exciting, recreated village scene. Permanent and traveling exhibits trace the settlement of this subtropical island paradise from its early pioneer roots as a fishing village, pineapple plantation, and clam cannery, through its explosive growth and development in the 1960s by the Miami-based Deltona Corporation.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
 

Located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, this small island bursts with colorful character and a bohemian spirit. Its streets, lined with pastel-hued conch houses, tell a story of its eclectic past, from its founding in the 1820s to its storied era of pirates and sunken treasures that continue to draw visitors on Florida Keys cruises. 

Discover the island on your own, aboard an open-air electric car. Drive along the same streets traversed by famous literary figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, whose legacies linger. 

Ride a trolley through the charming streets of Old Town, showcasing a collection of tropical gardens and historic conch houses, reflecting the island’s vibrant maritime story and diverse influences popular among Key West visitors.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a scenic seaplane flight to Dry Tortugas National Park, renowned for its marine life, pirate legends, and sheer unspoiled beauty. Once there, snorkel, sunbathe, or explore the history of Fort Jefferson on this memorable Dry Tortugas excursion.

Key West Trolley - Complimentary Excursion
The island of Key West is full of fun and exciting things to do and see. From the Southernmost Point to the quaint streets of Old Town, ride the trolley all the major areas. Your trolley pass provides unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges throughout your time in Key West.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes, Scooters permitted with Advanced Notice

Key West Arts & Historical Society Cultural Pass - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the heritage and history of Key West with a Cultural Pass granting you admission into the Key West Art & History Museum at the Custom House, Fort East Martello, Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters, and the Tennessee Williams Museum. Spend as much time as you like at these locations to learn and experience the history and culture of this unique community.

Activity Level: Low | ADA: Partial

The Key West Butterfly Garden & Conservatory – Complimentary Excursion
Feel your stress fade away as you stroll through this soaring glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat. Take a walk among hundreds of free flying butterflies of 50 to 60 varieties, exotic birds, and two glorious flamingos. Admire an impressive collection of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls, and trees that set the stage for these “flowers of the sky.”

Activity Level: Low | ADA: Yes

One day is not enough for this quirky island. As the jewel of the Florida Keys, continue to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and eclectic culture that makes Key West a top Florida destination.  
 
Enjoy a guided walk to the Hemingway Rum Company, named after one of the island's most famous figures. After a tour and tasting, visit the oldest operating cigar factory in the Florida Keys, where you will learn to roll your own cigar and sip authentic Cuban espresso.

In the afternoon, set sail aboard a stunning 105-foot sailboat, reminiscent of the historic America’s Cup race vessels. Engage with live narration about Key West’s history and ecology, and even take a turn at the helm. 

As the sun sets, stroll along Mallory Square, which comes alive with performers and artists, celebrating the island’s free spirit with a nightly festival that highlights the island’s well-known nightlife. 

Key West Old Town Literary Walking Exploration
Join Key West Literary Seminar on a stroll through Old Town, illuminating stories of writers that have called Key West home. The walk features former homes and favorite haunts of writers, including Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, Elizabeth Bishop, and Robert Frost, and highlights tales of lesser-known local talent.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Key West Trolley - Complimentary Excursion
The island of Key West is full of fun and exciting things to do and see. From the Southernmost Point to the quaint streets of Old Town, ride the trolley all the major areas. Your trolley pass provides unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges throughout your time in Key West.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes, Scooters permitted with Advanced Notice

Key West Arts and Historical Society Cultural Pass - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the heritage and history of Key West with a Cultural Pass granting you admission into the Key West Art & History Museum at the Custom House, Fort East Martello, Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters, and the Tennessee Williams Museum. Spend as much time as you like at these locations to learn and experience the history and culture of this unique community.

Activity Level: Low | ADA: Partial

Revel in the stunning views that unfold around you as you unwind on your private balcony. Join other travelers for lunch, then have an engaging afternoon with the enrichment program hosted by the onboard expert. Head up to the sun deck and enjoy the breeze as you continue. Make sure to swing by cocktail hour each night and get ready for exciting onboard entertainment.

A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Punta Gorda offers a peaceful retreat with a historic downtown lined with restored buildings, fine dining, and boutique shopping. Home to several galleries, studios, and cooperative art spaces, the city has also become a thriving hub for artists.

Peruse an "Artisan's Village" of local potters, woodturners, fiber, and glass artists. Watch as they demonstrate their skills and browse gift shops full of their work. Just a short ride from the ship is the Visual Arts Center, featuring three distinct galleries that showcase the works of regional artists in a variety of mediums.

Nature lovers can visit Peace River, a 30-acre waterfront oasis that encompasses the diversity of five ecosystems, including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, and tidal basin. Or, explore Iguanaland, the largest reptile zoo in the world, with over 200 different species of reptiles. 

For the ultimate relaxation and refined indulgence, choose to spend the afternoon poolside at a local resort, enjoying the warmth of the sun under a swaying palm tree in Southwest Florida.

An Exploration of Military History - Complimentary Excursion
The Military Heritage Museum’s purpose is to honor all who serve, from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, and across all five military branches. Explore this unique and innovate museum which features twenty thousand plus artifacts, veteran museum guides, flight simulators, live performances, and audiovisual exhibits.

Activity Level:Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Peace River Wildlife Center -Complimentary Excursion
Explore this rehabilitation center tucked neatly away into the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park.  With close to 60 wildlife residents, the center serves native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Fishermen's Village – Complimentary Excursion
Just a short distance from the ship, stroll through this picturesque village featuring more than 30 independently owned shops, boutiques, and eateries. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, relax with a cold beverage at the Sunset Beach Club Tiki Bar, or grab a sweet treat of candy or ice cream.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Visual Arts Center – Complimentary Excursion
Explore this hub for creativity and artistic expression, just a short distance from the ship. Featured are three distinct galleries that showcase the works of regional artists in a variety of mediums. Visit the onsite Gift Shop where you can purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures made by local artists.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Known affectionately as St. Pete, this city sparkles along the Gulf Coast, distinguished by its vibrant arts scene and historical depth. St. Pete holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, a testament to its sunny disposition and inviting climate.

The city's downtown area is a hub for culture, with the renowned Salvador Dalí Museum showcasing the largest collection of Dalí's works outside of Europe. During a docent-led tour, learn about the various styles of this influential and innovative artist.  

St. Petersburg also serves as a beacon for environmental conservation with its lush public parks and extensive shoreline, making it a prime destination for both cultural aficionados and nature enthusiasts. Visit the Sunken Gardens, a 100-year-old botanical paradise located in the middle of the city. Stroll along thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers, as well as a fabulous flock of flamingos, rehomed tropical birds, turtles and tortoises, and koi. s.

St. Petersburg Downtown Looper - Complimentary Excursion
Convenient shuttle making stops at: 

St. Pete Pier – Explore the picturesque park and relax with a stunning view of the bay. Stroll through the downtown shopping area, dine at a local restaurant, and enjoy a glass of wine at a sidewalk café.
The Dalí Museum - Explore this unique museum celebrates the life and art of Salvador Dalí. Learn about the various styles of this influential and innovative artist and stroll through the outside garden at your leisure.
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center - Learn about the local ecosystem and Tampa Bay Watch’s past and current work to restore it. The exhibit gallery features interactive displays, live animals, a touch tank and daily programming led by researchers and educators.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

The Sunken Gardens – Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum. This 100-year- old botanical paradise home to some of St. Pete’s oldest and most unusual specimens hailing from all over the globe, with some planted a century ago.
Located in the middle of this vibrant city, The Sunken Gardens features thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers, as well as a fabulous flock of flamingos, rehomed tropical birds, turtles and tortoises, and koi. 
 
Activity Level: Low | ADA: Yes

Enjoy breakfast on board before beginning your journey home, taking with you lasting memories of your time along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys. From the quiet beauty of mangrove-lined shores to the charm of coastal towns, each stop added something special to your voyage.