Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise (St. Petersburg to Tampa)

We’ll start in St. Petersburg, a city that sparkles between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Famous not only for its record holding days of sunshine, but St. Petersburg is also the birthplace of commercial aviation. In 1914 pilot Tony Jannus flew a Benoist airboat from St. Petersburg to Tampa, demonstrating the potential of air travel over water. It was that small seaplane that sparked the expansion of commercial flight.Be greeted with a festive welcome reception as you board, setting the tone for your journey along the Florida Gulf Coast and Keys. Settle into your state-of-the-art stateroom, get comfortable and get ready to sail.

Positioned on the Gulf of Mexico, our first stop is a haven of white sands and sparkling waters that reflect the peaceful nature of its environment. This corner of Florida’s Paradise Coast holds a deep historical significance, originally populated by the Calusa Indians, they established it as a major trading hub, evidenced by the remarkable shell mounds and artifacts that illustrate their advanced fishing and shelling culture. Named by Spanish explorers in the 16th century after San Marco, the island is enveloped by expansive mangrove estuaries, the largest system of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, home to playful dolphins and manatees. Today, Marco Island is a cherished destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat, where the sunset casts the sky in brilliant golds and the ocean mirrors the moon’s glow.

Located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, this small island bursts with colorful character and a bohemian spirit. Its streets, lined with pastel-hued conch houses, tell a story of its eclectic past, from its founding in the 1820s to its storied era of pirates and sunken treasures. The island became a creative refuge for famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, whose legacies permeate the sultry, salt-air atmosphere. Known for its sweet and tangy key lime pie, be sure to grab a slice while you walk these sandy shores. Key West's coral reefs, part of the third-largest barrier reef in the world, invite exploration beneath the waves, revealing a mesmerizing underwater world. As the sun sets, Mallory Square comes alive with performers and artists, celebrating the fiery spectacle with a nightly festival that captures the island’s free spirit.

Located closer to Havana than Miami, Key West is synonymous for all that is fabulous. Whether it’s beaches, back country or just a brilliant time that you’re after, Florida’s most southern point holds a wealth of intrigue, both past and present. Famed for its unique originality, Key West is a condensation of the best of the sunshine state – fantastic weather, laid back attitude, deep-rooted history and masses of fantastic, fresh seafood; it’s little wonder that nobody ever wants to leave.Floating in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the island has two very definite personalities: bookish and bizarre. On the one hand, the literary festivals, exquisite Caribbean architecture and splendid art galleries attract the bourgeoisie, while on the other, the eccentricity and reticence to be associated with “the mainland” attracts all kinds of “happies” –new era hippies. The two dichotomies live peacefully side by side and have done ever since travellers started arriving in the 1960s — Key West being one of the three big K’s on the hippie path to enlightenment (Kuta and Kathmandu are the others).But past the idiosyncrasies of the Key Westers, and you will find an island that is literally brimming over with spectacular sights and wonderful wilderness. From Henry S. Truman’s Little White House and Ernest Hemmingway’s house and studio, to botanical gardens and marine sanctuaries, visitors will leave this fascinating island wanting more.Best seen by foot, bike or boat, this is an island to be explored al fresco.

One day is not enough for this quirky island. As the jewel of the Florida Keys, continue to explore its unique blend of natural beauty and eclectic culture. This island is framed by the inviting turquoise waters of the Atlantic, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and diving near North America's only living coral barrier reef. The charming streets of Old Town showcase a collection of tropical gardens and historic conch houses, reflecting the island’s vibrant maritime story and diverse influences. Key West also thrives as a hub for creative expression, drawing artists and musicians who add a dynamic energy to its laid-back atmosphere. For a perfect day's end, stroll along Smathers Beach, where the soft, white sand meets gentle waves, and treat yourself to a tropical-flavored shaved ice, a refreshing way to savor the island’s picturesque seaside ambiance.

Located closer to Havana than Miami, Key West is synonymous for all that is fabulous. Whether it’s beaches, back country or just a brilliant time that you’re after, Florida’s most southern point holds a wealth of intrigue, both past and present. Famed for its unique originality, Key West is a condensation of the best of the sunshine state – fantastic weather, laid back attitude, deep-rooted history and masses of fantastic, fresh seafood; it’s little wonder that nobody ever wants to leave.Floating in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the island has two very definite personalities: bookish and bizarre. On the one hand, the literary festivals, exquisite Caribbean architecture and splendid art galleries attract the bourgeoisie, while on the other, the eccentricity and reticence to be associated with “the mainland” attracts all kinds of “happies” –new era hippies. The two dichotomies live peacefully side by side and have done ever since travellers started arriving in the 1960s — Key West being one of the three big K’s on the hippie path to enlightenment (Kuta and Kathmandu are the others).But past the idiosyncrasies of the Key Westers, and you will find an island that is literally brimming over with spectacular sights and wonderful wilderness. From Henry S. Truman’s Little White House and Ernest Hemmingway’s house and studio, to botanical gardens and marine sanctuaries, visitors will leave this fascinating island wanting more.Best seen by foot, bike or boat, this is an island to be explored al fresco.

This charming waterfront town on Florida's Gulf Coast traces its roots back to the late 19th century. Initially a fishing and farming community, the town became a strategic player in Florida's phosphate industry, with railways constructed specifically to transport these valuable minerals. The city's layout, characterized by wide streets designed by Colonel Isaac Trabue, showcases the town's unique history and planning foresight. The historic district is lined with ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, shading the restored Victorian-era homes that testify to Punta Gorda's intricate past. At the junction of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda not only offers beautiful water views but also serves as a gateway to aquatic activities that highlight its ecological importance. Year-round, the community celebrates its distinct heritage and enduring spirit, inviting visitors to explore its historical sites and participate in local festivities.

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.