Tourexpi
Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and
destination-focused cruise line, is adding a range of new Caribbean and
Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida's west
coast. The line's 670-guest Insignia will make history in March
2026 as it becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.
Oceania
Cruises will journey from the ebullient shimmering Gulf Coast gem of a city on
a collection of seven- to 20-night itineraries exploring picturesque Caribbean islands
including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Tortola; calls in Cozumel, Costa
Maya, and Belize City; plus, a daylight transit of the iconic Panama
Canal and overnight stay in Panama City. These mesmerizing voyages can be
easily accessed by the 41 non-stop flights offered from Tampa International
Airport.
Tampa is
the perfect match for the world's only true foodie cruise line thanks to its
vibrant culinary scene including street food experiences, high-end gourmet
dining at venues from a variety of Michelin Guide restaurants, and immersive
culinary tours led by local experts.
"Port
Tampa Bay represents an exciting new chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes
the first ultra-premium cruise line to have dedicated voyages from Tampa,
opening the door as a convenient gateway to Florida's west coast and
the Gulf of Mexico," said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania
Cruises. "This is a natural expansion for our brand, as Tampa echoes
the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its
diverse mix of international influences and cultures."
"We
are thrilled to welcome Oceania Cruises to Port Tampa Bay,"
said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. "The
arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa's status
as a premier cruise destination. We look forward to welcoming new guests to our
beautiful city and gateway, as the increased tourism will create substantial
economic opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses."
Shipboard
Highlights:
Aboard Insignia,
travelers will enjoy Oceania Cruises' relaxed yet refined luxury, its elegant
home-away-from-home ambiance, and the line's signature always included gourmet
specialty dining experiences.
The
stylish and charming Insignia, which accommodates just 670
guests, is served by a dedicated team of 400 attentive crew members. The
boutique ship boasts gourmet specialty restaurants Polo Grill, which is a
classic American steakhouse, and Italian venue Toscana; spa and fitness classes
at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center; sports deck with putting greens and
shuffleboard; an expansive top-of-ship library, plus vibrant lounges and bars,
and a casino.
New Insignia Sailings
to and from Tampa
Tropical Harmony: February 22 - March 3, 2026, 9 Days
from Bridgetown to Tampa: Bridgetown, Oranjestad (Aruba), Montego
Bay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Tampa.
Leeward Isles Serenade*: March 3 - 18, 2026, 15 Days
from Tampa to Tampa: Tampa, San Juan (Puerto Rico),
St. Thomas, Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St. John's (Antigua), Roseau (Dominica), Basseterre (St.
Kitts), Frederiksted (St. Croix), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Tampa.
*This
sailing features exclusive insider tips from Condé Nast Traveler editors who have handpicked their favorite ports on
select 2025 and 2026 itineraries and share their invaluable insider knowledge
on what to see, eat, and experience.
Their
tips for San Juan, Puerto Rico, include buying a custom-made hat in Old
San Juan at hidden gem Olé, a highly regarded maker of Panama hats and
woven fedoras; and exploring the city's enticing dining scene including
Chef Martin Louzao's duo of high-concept restaurants, Cocina Abierta and Oriundo. Be sure to check out his latest venture, Café Caleta, a small tavern with countryside vibes and an
enticing international menu. The café spills into a charming cobblestoned
street in Old San Juan, a stone's throw away from the city's main cathedral,
the Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista.
Western Caribbean Escape: March 18 - 25, 2026, 7 Days
from Tampa to Tampa: Tampa, Cozumel, Belize City,
Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya, Tampa.
Palms & Panama Canal: March 25 - April 4, 2026, 10
Days from Tampa to Panama City: Tampa, Cozumel, Costa
Maya, Belize City, Roatan (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa
Rica), Colon (Panama), Panama Canal Daylight Transit, one overnight stay
in Panama City.
Panama Canal Connoisseur: March 25 - April 14, 2026,
20 Days from Tampa to Miami: Tampa, Cozumel, Costa
Maya, Belize City, Roatan (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa
Rica), Colon (Panama), Panama Canal Daylight Transit, one overnight stay
in Panama City, Panama Canal Daylight Transit, Cartagena (Colombia), Willemstad (Curacao), Oranjestad (Aruba), Montego
Bay, George Town (Grand Cayman), Miami.
Ultimate
Value
Oceania
Cruises offers guests the ultimate value in ultra-premium cruising thanks to a
host of always included amenities, such as dining at all specialty restaurants;
unlimited WiFi; butler service for guests in Penthouse Suites and above;
in-room dining; juices, still and sparkling Vero Water®, plus coffees and
teas.
For
additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely
crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a
professional travel advisor.
Image
Credit: © Oceania Cruises
The most interesting news
Join the Grape Harvest in Beautiful Bozcaada
Bozcaada, one of the Aegean's most charming islands, is known for its stunning beaches, cobblestone streets, and delicious cuisine. Every September, the island hosts the Bozcaada Grape Harvesting Festival, a lively celebration of its winemaking herit
Gen X plore: Three Quarters of Over 50s Seek Career Change to Facilitate Travel Plans
New research from Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has revealed a growing number of over 50s are considering changing careers or changing their working hours to facilitate travel plans.
Eurowings receives four-star airline award
Rating agency Skytrax ranks Eurowings' service level significantly above the low-cost competition.
Travel in Serenity: Unique Escapes in Different Mexican Destinations
More and more people are prioritizing their health and well-being through experiences that allow them to disconnect from everyday stress.
Hilton Expands Presence in Frankfurt with Addition of Iconic Property
Featuring a range of wellness, culinary and meeting options just 15 minutes from the city centre, Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch is expected to open in October.
Growth leap for TUI in Türkiye – TUI CEO Ebel reaffirms commitment with ambitious growth plans
TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel meets with Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy and leading Turkish hoteliers.
Cruise industry annual environmental data shows continued progress toward sustainability
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, today released its annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, showing continued progress by the sector in advancing it
UN Tourism Puts Spotlight on Education and Innovation at Bled Strategic Forum
UN Tourism brought its expertise to the Bled Strategic Forum, highlighting the essential role of investments and innovation as drivers of a better future, while also engaging in an official visit to the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport to stren
WTM London 2024 is Set to be Biggest to Date
World Travel Market London has announced that this year’s event will be the largest to date, with an expected 7% growth and expansion into new halls at ExCeL London, reflecting the thriving international tourism sector.
Hilton Set to Surpass 150 Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific
Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today revealed plans to surpass 150 luxury hotels in Asia Pacific in the coming years – quadrupling its luxury portfolio across the region compared with the end of 2023.
Berlin: Lufthansa Group expands route network in winter
With a new direct flight to Geneva, the Lufthansa Group is improving connectivity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
UN Tourism Welcomes First Students to Sustainable Tourism Degree Course
UN Tourism has welcomed the first students enrolled on its pioneering degree course in International Sustainable Tourism.
Salt Mountain in eastern Türkiye to host underground book and culture festival
Mountain in Igdir province to host festival 80 meters below surface from Sept. 11-15.
British Airways set for a record-breaking summer of flights from North America to London
British Airways will operate a record number of flights between North America and London for Summer 2025, offering more than 400 direct flights per week during its busiest weeks.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Expands into Shanghai’s Vibrant Xujiahui Commercial Hub
Redefining Urban Luxury with A Reimagined Design.
UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines for Armenia
UN Tourism has added to its growing portfolio of investment guidelines with a new edition focused on the potential of Armenia.
TUI Blue continues rapid expansion in China and Southeast Asia
First TUI Blue hotels opened in China and Malaysia.
Industry officials: Tourism rebounds beyond expectations but remains vulnerable to health threats
Top tourism officials call for stronger crisis management, collaboration to help stem impact of any possible health uncertainties.
Explore the ‘Efeler Way’ in İzmir: the latest hiking trail linking authentic villages
The Efeler Way (Efeler Yolu) is the newest sustainable hiking trail along Türkiye's stunning Aegean coast, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
World Meteorological Organization predicts 60 percent chance of La Nina's cooling impact
Forming of La Nina anticipated to rise to 60% from October 2024 through February 2025; chance of El Nino redeveloping during this period negligible, says agency.
Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts Expands Portfolio with Stamps Red Martin in Amritsar
Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts is delighted to announce the addition of Stamps Red Martin to its prestigious portfolio.