Tampa cruises are extremely popular because Tampa is a common port departure for many Caribbean cruises.

What’s so Great About Tampa?

For starters, Tampa’s in a perfect location to be the launching point for Caribbean cruises. It’s right on the water so the cruises can easily leave the port and head toward a vast array of Caribbean islands including the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands and Mexico.

Tampa’s also very easy to get to. It’s one of Florida’s major cities and has an airport making it very easy for Tampa cruise guests to get to their cruise starting point. Because it’s such a main flight destination, Tampa also has reasonably priced tickets. It’s generally cheaper to fly to Tampa than it is to fly to Hawaii, which is another popular cruise destination.

Tampa’s also a great place to start your cruise experience because it’s a fun city. Tampa is an Americanized version of the Latin influence you’ll see on your Caribbean Tampa cruise. You can visit Latin restaurants that are located throughout Tampa. You can also visit Ybor City, which is Tampa’s Latin district.

Tampa’s nightlife is very vibrant and flavorful. But there’s a lot to do during the day too. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, Raymond James Stadium, Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and plenty of shopping. It also has a lot of coastline so if you fee like it, you can work on your base tan before you step on the cruise ship!

Tampa is also close (about 60 miles) from Orlando. Orlando, of course, is home to the infamous Disney World! Tampa is a great place to start or end a cruise. If you plan on using Tampa as a launching point for your Tampa cruise, consider arriving early or leaving late so you can take in all Tampa has to offer.

The Cruises

No one cruise defines Tampa cruises. However, Tampa is known for sending cruisers on their way to Caribbean, Mexican and Latin American. Tampa has ports for three different cruise lines. This includes Royal Caribbean, Carnival Legend and Holland America. Most of these cruise lines offer several different cruises a day and they go to a variety of different places. Cruises to the Western Caribbean and Mexico tend to be the most popular. You can find cruises that last for three to 14 days.

You should book your cruise in advance. You can find a cruise on one of these lines by going to the cruise line’s Web site. These sites are very easy to navigate and will give you a list of cruises according to departing city, attractions, seasonal activities or part of the world. All Tampa ports for Tampa cruises are close to the interstate. Parking for Tampa cruises costs about $12 a day so be sure to include this in your vacation budget.

If you’re looking for an American cruise adventure, hop on one of many Mississippi River cruises and spend your vacation on the ‘Ol Miss.

Due to the massive size of the Mississippi River, you can start your Mississippi River cruise from many different states. You can take off in St. Louis, Mississippi or Tennessee, to name a few. If you’re not sure where to start your trip, start in a city that you’ve never been to or would like to see. Then you can fly into the city and spend some time there before you leave on your cruise.

Mississippi River cruises are not as large as ocean-based cruises. They also don’t require you to make a minimum of a three day commitment. You can enjoy a Mississippi River cruise for a couple of hours, a day or several days. It really depends on how much money you want to spend and how much of the river you’d like to see. Different parts of the river offer different cultural experiences. For example, if you stop at one of the southern most ports, you’ll be able to enjoy some fantastic Cajun food. If you’re headed north, you can stop in St. Louis and see the famous Gateway Arch.

A five day New Orleans tour, for example, gives passengers five days to explore a lively part of this country’s past. When the boat stops at individual ports, passengers can take Cajun cooking classes, walk through old battle grounds, walk through old historical buildings including plantations and go shopping. This tour runs during Mardi Gras. Reservations for trips during this holiday fill up very quickly.

If you’ve already been to the south, head to Minneapolis, Minn., which is also along the Mississippi River. Here guests can visit the St. Paul Cathedral and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Mississippi River cruises really run the gamut of American culture.

You can also find a small trip on a charter boat for less than $50. Trips that are five days or longer typically start at more than $1,000. You can find deals on the larger trips. One way to get a good deal is to go on your Mississippi River cruise during the off season. For these cruises, the off season starts in October and goes through Christmas.

Experience the Four Seasons on a Mississippi River cruise

Your Mississippi River cruise experience will change depending on when you decide to take your trip. The Mississippi River is full of beautiful foliage, which makes a fall Mississippi River cruise simply delightful.

During a Thanksgiving Mississippi River cruise, expect to experience quintessential southern hospitality. A trip to the French Quarter in New Orleans is a festive experience that shouldn’t be missed. Hanging out on Mississippi River cruises is a fantastic, warm way to spend a Thanksgiving holiday.

When you start looking for a vacation cruise, consider staying in the states and going on a Hudson River cruise. When people think about going on a cruise in the United States, they usually look to Hawaii and Alaska. These are great locations, but there are in-land United States cruises that are also fantastic. The Hudson River cruise is one such trip.

Many Hudson River cruises start in Kingston, N.Y. and follow the river downward. The number and frequency with which the cruise stops depends on how long you want to stay on the river. A seven day cruise will get your farther down the river than a three hour cruise. Your cruise time will also depend on how much time you spend at each port.

Hudson River Options

A good way to narrow your Hudson River cruise options is by looking at cruises according to how long you want to be on the river. Unlike ocean cruises, you can find Hudson River cruises that only last for a couple of hours. If you have kids or just want to see a little of the river, you might want to opt for a three hour cruise. One such cruise is offered on the M/V Commander, which is a historic boat that was built in 1917. This is a talking tour and will take guests down the river. Guests can choose to buy a one way or roundtrip ticket. This type of tour can include catered meals for an extra fee.

River Valley Tours offers a week long cruise down the Hudson River. This particular Hudson River cruise takes guests up the river and drops them off at historic ports like New York City and Albany. Guests do not stay the night on the ship. Instead, they stay on land at local hotels so they get a taste of the river and nearby cities. Guests are also taken on tours of historic places along the river including the Vanderbilt mansion, the Mohonk Mountain House and the Moorish castle Olana.

If you’re not ready to commit to a week long cruise, but you want something that lasts a little longer than three hours, consider going on the Abenaki. This is a day long tour that’s especially designed for six people and no more. It’s a very personal experience for good friends and includes food and non-alcoholic drinks for the guests. This tour caters to guests by departing from many different ports. Some of the ports have to be requested by the guest.

Going on a Hudson River cruise is a great way to learn about American history while having fun with family and friends.

Holland American Alaska cruises are a great way to see a very majestic part of the United States.

One of Holland America’s most transfixing cruises is the Alaskan cruise. All Alaska cruises have a wraparound deck so passengers can get a full view of the ocean, the glaciers and the wildlife. Each Holland America Alaska cruise is different. You can choose to go on the Explorer Cruise, Glacier Discovery Cruise or the Glacier Bay Inside Passenger Cruise.

The Explorer cruise departs from Seattle and focuses on Alaska’s glaciers while winding through old Alaskan frontier towns and British Columbia, Canada. The Glacier Discovery Cruise goes farther north through Vancouver and Anchorage. On this cruise passengers will see the College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Kenai Peninsula and Glacier Bay National Park. The Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruise goes around Vancouver and overlooks Glacier Bay National Park. On this cruise guests can check out Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Each one of these Holland America Alaska cruises has several land excursions that guests can go on. This cruise line also offers on-board “enrichment programs.” These excursions include searching for bears or getting on a charter plane to check out the glaciers from the air. Dog sledding, fishing for salmon or going for a Harley ride in Ketchikan are also very popular activities. You can also take a day to go on a helicopter, floatplane, skiff or Hummer. Using different means of transportation gives you a very different, up close view of Alaska. Make sure you book these ahead of time because they fill up rather quickly!

Park rangers, naturalists and other guests are brought on board to talk to passengers about the regional history, art and culture of the area. These guests are very knowledgeable and happy to answer passengers’ questions.

About Holland America Cruise Lines

Holland America takes passengers well beyond Alaska. This cruise line goes to the Panama Canal, South America, the Caribbean and Asia. This cruise line is well known for its phenomenal amenities and on-deck activities.

Holland America cruise lines also has a lot of extras that are attractive to inquisitive guests. For starters, the line has a speaker series. Guest speakers talk to the passengers about the history and cultural significance of the area they’re visiting. The line also has casinos, bars, restaurants and an extensive spa for visitors.

Holland America also offers a variety of on-shore excursions for the more adventurous travelers. These excursions often cost extra, but are a great way to see the port. A more independent traveler that doesn’t want to go on the excursions can participate in Holland America Alaska cruises that are customized to that guest’s liking.

Hawaii sunset dinner cruises are a romantic way to enjoy a relaxing evening with someone special.

Choosing Your Cruise

A Hawaii sunset dinner cruise is a cruise that leaves a Hawaiian port for an evening so couples can be wined, dined and entertained. These package usually cost a minimum of $90, though you may be able to find some that are cheaper. They include dinner, drinks and several hours of entertainment. Some cruise lines offer all you can eat specials that feature in season sea food. Obviously if you pay more money you’ll have access to better food and more drinks. A person who pays $90 might get a three course dinner while a person who pays $180 might get a seven course meal that includes a surf and turf.

Honolulu and Waikiki are well known for their Hawaii sunset dinner cruises. These two areas get a lot of tourists and are well equip for these popular evening cruises. These areas also offer what many Americans refer to as a “booze cruise.” Booze cruises are put together so guests can eat appetizers, drink and dance. These cruises are not for minors. They usually last longer than Hawaii sunset dinner cruises. The cost of a booze cruise includes all your drinks.

Some Hawaii sunset cruises allow children to come aboard. A child’s fee is less expensive than the adult fee. If you’re going to bring children, keep in mind that the cruise, though beautiful, caters to adult tastes. The food and entertainment are more adult oriented. However, the beautiful views are perfect for everyone. If you do not have kids and don’t want your romantic evening to include children, be sure to ask the cruise line if children are allowed.

How do I Get There?

Most Hawaiian sunset dinner cruises will pick up their guests at their hotels. In fact, many of these cruises work in conjunction with the area hotels. When you arrive, just ask the hotel clerk if there are any nearby Hawaiian sunset dinner cruises. The transportation fee from the hotel to the cruise is generally included in the price of the cruise. Sometimes you can save about $10 by driving to the boat yourself. However, if you’re going to drink, it might be better for you to just get on the shuttle.

Hawaii sunset dinner cruises usually last for two to four hours. If you don’t want the evening to end after the cruise, plan on going to a local nightclub. Many of the shuttle services will take you to the clubs when you’re finished with your cruise.

You can find Hawaii evening cruises through charter companies. These companies also offer other evening cruises. Instead of going on a sunset dinner cruise, you might want to go on a stargazing cruise. These cruises are more child friendly than Hawaii sunset dinner cruises.

Organizing cruises to Hawaii is relatively simple, but here’s a couple of tips for you inexperienced cruisers.

Finding a Cruise

Cruises to Hawaii differ according to cruise line and cruise location. Your cruise experience will also depend on how much money you pay. If you go all out and get all of the bells and whistles — first class cabins, cocktail hour, etc. — your cruise will be different than someone who decides to stay in the cheapest room. No matter what cruise package you decide to get, you’ll have a good time.

After you’ve made the decision to go on a Hawaiian cruise, get on the Internet, talk to travel agents and call the cruise lines about booking a trip. By using all of these resources, you should be able to find a financially manageable cruise.

When comparing cruises, don’t forget to look at cruise excursions. Most cruise ships offer their guests an opportunity to get some kind of "cultural" experience at each port. This might include a walk through the jungle or a meal made by an island native. You’re not required to buy these excursion packages (they’re usually purchased separately), but it might enhance your experience.

Getting to Hawaii

When you’re booking your cruise to Hawaii, do not forget to book a plane ticket to Hawaii. Hawaiian cruise ships take off from different ports, but the ports are located in Hawaii so you have to get there first.

Different Ports

Hawaiian cruises stop at multiple ports on different islands in Hawaii. The time you spend at each port will depend on how long your cruise is. Cruises typically last for seven, 10 or 11 days.

All Hawaiian cruise ports offer different things. Honolulu is the capital of the state. It’s also a common launch site for Hawaiian cruises because many people fly to Honolulu when they’re going to Hawaii. On Honolulu you will find Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach and plenty of shopping.

Hilo is one of Hawaii’s islands and is a common cruise port. Hilo has the Pacific Tsunami Museum, local cafes and shops, lovely gardens and great street markets. If Hilo is on your cruise itinerary, don’t forget your rain jacket! Hilo gets 130 inches of rain a year and is one of the wettest spots in the United States!

Kailua-Kona is totally different than Hilo. It’s hot and dry because it was created from an old volcano. It is the Kona Coast’s busiest visitor destination.

Kahului is in the heart of Maui’s business district and is Maui’s only deep-water port. Because this port is so large, it’s long been an export stop for Hawaii’s pineapples and sugar resources.

You’re not going to get to these lovely ports if you do not have your passport. So, before you leave the states, make sure you have an updated passport with you. Without it, you will not be enjoying any cruises to Hawaii!