Tampa To Mexico Cruise: A Complete 12-Day Itinerary
Table of Contents
We had a great time on our Tampa to Mexico cruise with Celebrity, but the check-in process was a complete mess. The agents seemed unprepared and unsure of what to do.
Compared to the port in Tampa, the Barcelona port experience for the cruise to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with Celebrity was very different.
To avoid similar issues, I recommend checking in online as soon as it opens (about a month before your cruise) and choosing the earliest available check-in time, usually around 11 am. This will allow you to board the ship and start your vacation sooner. Our group of four enjoyed a balcony room on the eighth floor.
Tampa to Mexico Cruise Itinerary
Itinerary
- Day 1- At sea
- Day 2- Grand Cayman (Docked 8 AM- 5 PM)
- Day 3- At sea
- Day 4- Cartagena Columbia (Arrived 8:15 AM)
- Day 5- Cartagena Columbia (Leave 3 PM, 8:30 AM excursion)
- Day 6- Colon, Panama( Docked 9 AM – 6 PM, 10:30 AM excursion )
- Day 7- Costa Rica (Docked 7 AM-6 PM , 12 PM excursion)
- Day 8- At sea
- Day 9- At sea
- Day 10- Cozumel Mexico
- Day 11- At sea
- Day 12- Tampa arrives at 7 AM
Trip Highlights
Grand Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is a stunning island with a relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its affluent investors and luxurious waterfront homes.
The island’s diverse population blends African, Islander, and European heritage, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry. As a British Overseas Territory, the island showcases noticeable British influences in its architecture and traditions.
But the real highlight? A trip to “Hell”! The otherworldly black rock formations were truly something to behold, and getting our passports stamped at the Hell post office was a fun, unforgettable touch. The island’s small size makes it perfect for a short visit.
Cartagena, Columbia
Cartagena has a beautiful port with exotic animals like monkeys, flamingos, etc. We even found a charming café and gift shop offering passport stamps for just $1 (though we were careful to avoid any unwanted “souvenirs” from the local wildlife!)
We spent two nights in port, enjoying a Celebrity excursion on the second day. However, it was our impromptu city tour with some locals that truly made our Cartagena visit memorable—and hilarious.
The tour was far from professional, as the guide kept changing routes and destinations. Partway through, we were shuffled into another van crammed with other tourists, two of whom became so frustrated that they refused to pay the $25 tour fee.
The walk around of the tour was equally amusing—we could barely hear the guide and spent an hour wandering the city. To top it off, our trip back to the port included unplanned stops so the guide could handle personal errands, including paying bills!
While the tour itself wasn’t ideal, the entire experience was so absurdly funny that it remains a memorable highlight of our time in Cartagena. I still chuckle every time I think about it!
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal was a highlight of our Tampa to Mexico cruise, and it was truly a special experience because of the history that embodies it.
After an hour’s bus ride, we arrived at the canal and spent over an hour watching the impressive locks in operation. It was cool seeing the locks come up & down but it took forever!
Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal is essential to maritime trade. The U.S.’s role in its reconstruction, particularly the focus on sanitation, is a testament to its lasting impact.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica held great anticipation for me, having heard of its popularity as a retirement destination for Americans due to its affordable housing and exotic landscapes.
Our tour took us by bus, train, and boat, allowing us to observe monkeys and sloths in their natural environment. Along the way, we also had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful local children.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico, offered a pleasant city tour and a chance to relax on the beach. Unfortunately, our lunch experience was marred by the exorbitant price of $35 for fajitas! The water was too cold for a swim, so we opted to enjoy our drinks and each other’s company instead.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a relaxing and comical cruise, providing ample opportunities to explore both the ship and the diverse cultures of the visited countries. Visiting five countries for around $1200 per person, including room and board, represents excellent value. If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore the Americas, a Tampa to Mexico cruise price like this offered by Celebrity Cruises is worth considering.
