Norwegian Star - December 15, 2025 (4 Nights)

Once nothing more than a sleepy retirement community for east coasters, the Tampa Bay area is now a bustling, modern metropolis that offers a wide range of entertainment opportunities for both vacationers and locals. It is an important cruise departure/arrival port for tourists heading to the Western Caribbean and Panama Canal, and those who choose to spend a couple of days in the region before or after their cruise will delight in the wonderful mix of Old and New World charm, the beautiful beaches and the myriad of fine shops and restaurants.

Cruises depart from the Port of Tampa Cruise Terminal, a modern facility located just a few minutes from the central business district. The terminal is adjacent to the Channelside Complex which is full of gift shops, movie cinemas and restaurants. There are several bank branches and a number of ATMs at the terminal, and visitors can take a waterfront cruise via catamaran for free. Taxis and public buses can be hailed at the terminal facility, which includes a full-service parking garage.

One of the biggest tourist draws in the region is the Busch Gardens, located off of Busch Blvd. Perfect for families, this amusement park has every conceivable kind of ride, offers an off-road safari and the complex holds the largest zoo in all of Florida. Right beside the cruise terminal one finds the Florida Aquarium, home to more than 5,000 animal and plant species. At 1 Dali Blvd is another of Tampa Bay's marvels - the extraordinary Salvador Dali Museum. The largest collections of works by the famous artist can be seen here daily. And just a short taxi ride away is St. Petersburg, with its beautiful 19th century architecture and the famous Central Avenue that is chock full of antique shops. Beach enthusiasts should head north to Clearwater, where the North American equivalent to Rio's Ipanema is found. Some of the best surfing, plenty of volleyball and the finest white sand in Florida awaits here. And don't forget the Tampa Bay Rays of the American League, who play their home games at Tropicana Field.

Over 2,000 restaurants are found in the Tampa Bay area, many of them specializing in Cajun, West Indian and Southern U.S. cuisine. Near the cruise terminal at 615 Channelside Drive is the popular Tinatapa's Restaurant, serving up a variety of shrimp dishes, gazpacho and soups, bread and salads. The Columbia Restaurant in the historic Ybor City district is one of the oldest eateries in the state, and besides the great food, visitors will love the live performances by flamenco dancers. In St. Petersburg the place to be is Skyway Jack's, popular with the locals and featuring breakfast anytime. The French toast, crepes and the renowned creamed chipped beef are the best in town.

Aside from the taxis, which can be called for at the cruise terminal and from any major hotel, the airport shuttles will take passengers from the Tampa International Airport to downtown, the waterfront and also to St. Petersburg. Rental cars can be reserved and can be picked up or dropped off both at the airport and the cruise terminal. Public buses and trolleys are operated by HART, and its TECO line streetcar operates between all the major waterfront destinations and the central business district.

The weather in Tampa can change in an instant, and the high humidity means a lot of freshening up in the restrooms. Bring light raingear when visiting this part of Western Florida, and be ready for slick roads and possible splash from vehicle tires. Near the cruise terminal and at most major hotels there are Internet cafes for those wanting to use their laptops. But above all, be ready for extremely friendly natives, excellent public transportation and plenty of fun and adventure before or after the cruise.

Great Stirrup Cay is a small island in the geographical center of the Bahamas, owned since 1977 by Norwegian Cruise Line. Since that time many have enjoyed the peaceful, remote island as part of an exciting NCL cruise, and for those wanting an out-of-the-way-destination and the feel of having their own private vacation spot, Great Stirrup Cay is an obvious choice. Its coral and limestone formation and breathtaking white beaches make this a truly memorable stop on a Caribbean cruise, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities and tourist attractions.

NCL ships arrive at Great Stirrup Cay and remain anchored offshore; passengers are ferried to the beaches in a specially designed LT-1 landing craft. On arrival visitors can go immediately to one of the shops or restaurants constructed near the waterfront, or are free to relax and explore. NCL has a strict schedule for arrival and departure of the landing craft, so access to and from the ship is limited during the day.

Because of its remote location and uninhabited spaces, the island is perfect for leisure and exploration. The sand beaches stretch far to the north and south of the main landing area, and visitors will find numerous plant and animal species in their native habitat. Lizards, land crabs, iguanas, great snowy egrets and even arctic terns are seen at Great Stirrup Cay on a regular basis. The beaches are lined with majestic coconut palms and there is an abundance of marine life to be explored beneath the gentle surf. One of the highlights of a visit to this island is the ability to rent snorkel gear for the entire day, complete with lessons for those who have little or no experience. NCL's Dive-In programs also includes paddle boating, parasailing, kayaks, 2-person sailboats and special boogie boards with underwater viewing. A live Calypso band is usually on hand to perform day and night.

There are two full service bars near the beach, an island barbeque restaurant that offers up chicken, hot dogs, pizza, salads and a wide variety of fruits, and full restroom facility, all located near the landing craft arrival area. Food is served buffet style and is available throughout the day. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for those who want to take their food to a private area.

Most of the organized activities at Great Stirrup Cay take place near the landing area, but there are a number of things to see and do simply by walking. Nature trails take visitors to the center of the island, and the nearby building remains from a one-time U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station are within easy reach for the curious. A special jogging path is located near the restaurant area and the new beach volleyball courts and games area is also only a few minutes walking from the landing zone.

Access to the island is restricted to passengers enjoying a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, as the company owns the property outright. There are no banks or traditional stores located on the island, although cash sales are allowed for certain items bought at the Straw Market shops located on the beach.