How Long Is a Cruise From Tampa to Key West?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a cruise from Tampa to Key West, one of the first things on your mind is probably how long the journey will take. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the specific cruise line and ship you choose, as well as any stops or detours along the way. In this article, we’ll explore some of these factors to give you a better idea of how long your Tampa to Key West cruise might take.

Factors That Affect Cruise Time

Before we dive into specific cruise times, let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can impact the duration of your Tampa to Key West voyage.

  • Cruise Line and Ship: Different cruise lines offer different itineraries and travel speeds. Some ships may be faster than others, while some may make more stops along the way.
  • Weather Conditions: Windy or stormy weather can slow down a ship’s travel time.
  • Port Stops: Depending on your itinerary, your ship may stop at one or more ports along the way to Key West. These stops can add time to your journey.

Cruise Times for Popular Lines

Now that we’ve covered some of the factors that can affect your Tampa to Key West cruise time, let’s take a look at some sample travel durations for popular cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 5-day round trip from Tampa to Key West and Cozumel. This itinerary includes two days at sea before arriving in Key West on day three. After spending a day in port, passengers will spend another day at sea before arriving back in Tampa on day five.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers a 4-day round trip from Tampa to Key West and Cozumel as well. The itinerary includes one day at sea before arriving in Key West on day two.

Passengers will spend a full day exploring the port before departing for Cozumel on day three. After spending a day in Cozumel, passengers will spend another day at sea before arriving back in Tampa on day four.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International offers a 5-day one-way cruise from Tampa to Miami with stops in Key West and Nassau. This itinerary includes one full day at sea before arriving in Key West on day two.

After spending a full day exploring the port, passengers will depart for Nassau on day three. After another full day in Nassau, passengers will disembark in Miami on day five.

Conclusion

As you can see, the duration of your Tampa to Key West cruise can vary depending on several factors. However, most itineraries take between 4-5 days and include at least one stop along the way. When planning your cruise, be sure to consider these factors carefully so that you can choose an itinerary that fits your schedule and preferences.