Luxury yacht enthusiasts are about to have a new option for trip to the Caribbean and Panama Canal.
Luxury Cruise Operator Oceania Cruise announced on Wednesday that it will begin regular sailings to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal from Tampa in 2026 — the first on this route.
This will be the first time a “super-luxury” cruise line like Oceania has operated out of Tampa. The cruise port often serves as a hub for mass-market brands like Carnival Cruise Line And Norwegian Cruise Line.
Oceania said the 670-passenger Insignia will operate from Tampa starting in March 2026 for an initial two-month, seven- to 20-night cruising season.
The new routes will stop at the islands of St. Thomas, St. Kitts and Tortola; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Belize City, Belize, along with other Caribbean destinations.
Some trips will include a daytime Panama Canal cruise combined with an overnight stay in Panama City.
“The Port of Tampa Bay represents an exciting new chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes the first ultra-luxury cruise line to have dedicated itineraries departing from Tampa, opening a convenient gateway to Florida’s west coast and the Gulf of Mexico,” Oceania Cruises president Frank Del Rio said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
“This is a natural extension of our brand, as Tampa reflects the cosmopolitan nature of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of cultures and international influences,” added Del Rio.
In a statement, Port of Tampa Bay president and CEO Paul Anderson said the port is pleased with Oceania’s move.
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“The arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, furthering Tampa’s status as a premier cruise destination,” said Anderson. “We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateway, as increased tourism will create significant economic opportunities for the region, our workers and our businesses.”
New Oceania sailings from Tampa will include:
- The 15-night “Leeward Isles Serenade” cruise stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; St. Maarten (the Dutch side of St. Martin), Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Croix and Tortola
- The seven-night “Western Caribbean Escape” cruise includes stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; Belize City; and Roatan Island in Honduras.
- The 10-night “Palms & Panama Canal” cruise through the Panama Canal, also stops in Cozumel; Costa Maya; Belize City; Roatan; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; and Panama City (for an overnight stay)
- The 20-night “Panama Canal Connoisseur” cruise sails through the Panama Canal and makes stops in Cozumel; Costa Maya; Belize City; Roatan; Puerto Limon; Colon; Panama City; Cartagena, Colombia; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman
The trip later started in Tampa but ended in Miami.
“Super luxury” is a term used by those in the yachting industry to refer to yacht brands that are more upscale and expensive than conventional mass-market yacht brands but not as high-end as the top luxury cruise lines.
Tampa is now home to ships from four major lines — all of which are considered mass brands rather than premium or luxury brands. They are Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean And Celebrity Cruise.
Besides Oceania, another luxury cruise brand, Regent Seven Seas Cruiseis planning to operate cruises departing from Tampa as late as 2026 — months after Oceania arrives. However, Regent only plans to do two such trips and has no plans to keep a ship in Tampa for an extended season.
As a sister brand to Oceania, Regent is considered a luxury line rather than a super premium line.
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