In 2026, Port Tampa Bay will host Oceania Cruises for the first time, marking a significant milestone as the ultra-premium line’s Insignia is set to sail from the port. Typically known for serving contemporary cruise ships, the port will now offer a range of luxurious itineraries through the Caribbean and Panama Canal during March 2026.
The 670-guest Insignia will take a brief hiatus from its usual sailings out of Miami, instead offering a selection of seven- to 20-night voyages. These itineraries will include stops at destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Tortola, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize City. Additionally, the ship will transit the Panama Canal with an overnight stay in Panama City.
Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating, "This is a natural expansion for our brand, as Tampa echoes the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of international influences and cultures."
Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, noted that Insignia’s deployment from Tampa is a landmark event that will elevate the port’s status within the cruising industry.
Among the highlighted itineraries is a nine-day cruise from Barbados to Tampa beginning on February 22, with ports of call including Aruba, Montego Bay, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Other options include a 15-day round-trip voyage through the Leeward Isles, a seven-day Western Caribbean round-trip, a 10-day open-jaw cruise to Panama City, and a 20-day journey from Tampa to Miami.
This new deployment from Oceania Cruises promises to bring a fresh wave of luxury travel to Tampa, offering travelers more sophisticated cruise options from this emerging hub.