Oceania Cruises Coming To Tampa

If you're a fan of cruise vacations, you'll have a new option as Oceania Cruises is coming to Tampa.

It took me entirely too long, but I went on my first cruise back in April. I just did a 2-night cruise to the Bahamas, but I'm totally sold now on cruise travel. I love the idea of going to bed in one place and waking up in another and being able to spend a day exploring a new country. A friend of mine did a 2-week European cruise this summer and it looked like an absolute dream. And while going to other countries is amazing, the cruise ships themselves are such a blast, filled with great restaurants, pools and entertainment.

I already started planning my next one, but my plans may change slightly now after the announcement that Oceania Cruises is coming to Tampa.

If you're not familiar with Oceania Cruises, they are an ultra premium line both culinary and destination focused. And from us here in Fort Myers, it's just a few hour drive to get on the ship out of Port of Tampa starting in 2026. Plus, with Tampa International Airport so close by, it will make for a convenient option for travelers coming from all over the country.

Oceania Cruises is adding new sailings to both the Caribbean and Panama Canal on the 670-guest Insignia, making it the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Tampa. The cruises will range from 7 to 20-nights to places like St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Tortola, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, and more. If you're a foodie like I am, you'll be impressed with the dining options from street food experiences, high-end gourmet dining at Michelin restaurants and culinary tours.

Frank A. Del Rio is the President of Oceania Cruises. In a press release he says: “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. 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.”

For more info on Oceania Cruises and the new sailings from Tampa, click here

Cruising as we knew it before the pandemic is almost back to normal, for the most part.  One of the amenities enjoyed by most everyone, when planning and traveling on a cruise, is the food!  There are so many options to choose from.  So did you know that you should avoid these 5 foods on your next cruise?

According to a recent article written by the folks over at Travel + Leisure, there are some things your stomach might appreciate you staying away from.  Some industry experts weighed in with their reasoning as to why some of these items should be passed up.

Sure this list does seem like common sense.  But, we don't always think of these things when we are getting excited for an upcoming vacation.  The last thing you want to do is eat something that will compromise your stomach.  If you're someone who gets seasick anyway, keep reading.  Can you imagine being on an excursion on a boat or bus full of people with nowhere to go?  Nobody wants to be in that position.

So, if you're planning on a cruise any time soon, you may want to peruse the list of 5 Foods To Avoid On A Cruise.

According to Nancy Mitchell, a registered nurse and contributing writer at Assisted Living Center, it may be a good idea to avoid high-fat and spicy foods that could "irritate the stomach lining and aggravate nausea."

Consuming plenty of water can help reduce the chances of dehydration and headaches, which are associated with seasickness.

According to Aimee Takamura, director of wellness and sustainability at Restaurant Associates, if something doesn't look quite right, stay away from it.  Look for things like the color of the food.  Pay attention to who is using the utensils ahead of you.  Are they using them correctly?  Just be careful.

If there is a food option you've not really cared for in the past, this may not be the time to give it a second chance.  DJ Mazzoni, a certified dietician tells Travel + Leisure, "Don't eat foods that have been triggers in the past or that you haven't consumed before." "Getting food poisoning on a cruise is doubly uncomfortable, due to the potential to become seasick, so it's best to play it safe."

This seems like common sense.  If you're feeling queasy, you should probably leave the alcohol down until you're feeling better.