boat dinner cruise tampa

• Special Events
• Group/Private Events
• The Journey
• Chef Allison Beasman
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Join us for Tampa’s most unique dining experience aboard Craft as we take you on a culinary and cocktail river journey through the heart of Tampa up the Hillsborough River.  Chef Allie has freshly prepared a delectable menu, in America’s first open kitchen using gas cooking equipment on a river cruiser. The 3-course dinner will dazzle your palate as you progress through the courses! Craft features the Bow & Stern Bar, built from a 1914 wooden cruiser, where the Craft-ologist will prepare amazing cocktails to complement and celebrate your dining experience. All while our Captain navigates beneath many low bridges with just inches to spare on the Hillsborough River in the heart of Tampa.  Your senses will be overwhelmed and the sites will make you race to snap photos from our observation platforms of Tampa’s most iconic views.

Dinner Journeys Include:

• 2-hour Cruise with 45-minute boarding prior to departure
• Unparalleled views of scenic waterways and passage beneath low bridges
• 3-Course Dinner
• Craft cocktails available for purchase from the Bow & Stern Bar

Join us on this journey

Group & Private Events

Special events

+1 813-223-7999

603 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602

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TAMPA BAY'S PREMIER DINING YACHTS

Tampa   •   st. petersburg   •   clearwater.

603 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602

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Year-round fine dining lunch & dinner cruises out of Channelside in Tampa Bay!

Featuring a narrated daytime tour with over 17 Attractions & Museums, 24 Restaurants and 13 Parks!

Yacht StarShip, America's First 3-diamond rated Dining Yacht by AAA, ranks in the top 28% of all restaurants. Our exquisite dining cruises offer private seating, tableside service, spectacular views and dancing under the stars.

​ ​"Create a Sea of Memories" with group celebrations on the water as well as Weddings, Receptions, Corporate Outings, Holiday Parties, Convention Gatherings, Banquets, Galas, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Social Events, Birthdays, and Anniversaries. We are conveniently docked in Channelside in Downtown Tampa between the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Just minutes from the Tampa Convention Center, Ybor City, Tampa Riverwalk and Downtown Tampa Hotels!​

With three yachts to choose from, Yacht StarShip is the perfect special event venue for groups from 2 - 600.

Best Value of the Year!

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• Tampa / Central Florida West

YACHT STARSHIP DINING CRUISES

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Additional information

• Dining style Fine Dining
• Price $50 and over
• Cuisines American
• Hours of operation Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–11:30 pm
• Phone number (813) 223-7999
• Website http://yachtstarship.com/
• Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Resort Casual
• Executive chef Michael Russel
• Location 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602-5443
• Neighborhood Tampa
• Parking details Parking is available in the Channelside area at the Tampa Port Authority Parking Garage: 369 South 12th Street, Tampa, Florida, 33602 located across the street from our location. You will receive a discounted parking rate by showing your cruise confirmation.
• Additional Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Overall ratings and reviews.

• 4.3 Service
• 4.3 Ambience

Noise • Moderate

At present, YACHT STARSHIP DINING CRUISES has no reviews. Please add a review after your dining experience to help others make a decision about where to eat.

603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602-5443

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COMMUNITY PARTNER

PHOTOS Tampa’s first fine dining cruise, Craft, launches on the Hillsborough River

• March 17, 2024
• • By Andrew Harlan

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Tampa Dinner Cruises and Day Cruises

Tampa is a waterfront city, and the best way to see it is on a dinner cruise or day cruise. Whether you choose a fancy dinner cruise or a pirate cruise, it's sure to be fun.

The 3 Tampa Bay day cruises are: Yacht StarShip, StarLite, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise (Clearwater).

The Yacht StarShip is Tampa Bay's premier dining yacht. Yacht StarShip offers entertainment and fine food on dinner and lunch cruises. On Sundays, experience Tampa Bay's largest cruising brunch. Yacht StarShip's normal route includes cruising out of Ybor Channel into the Hillsborough Bay and Garrison Channel. While in route, passengers view Bayshore Drive, Harbour Island, Davis Island, and Downtown Tampa's skyline. Docks at Channelside in downtown Tampa.

The StarLite Dining Yachts operate out of St Petersburg and Clearwater Beach. Dinner and lunch cruises, as well as a Skyway Tour.

The Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise offers daytime and champagne cruises on a replica pirate ship. Docks at the Clearwater marina.

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Tampa Dining Cruise

• Presented By: Yacht StarShip
• Time: 5:30 PM

Yacht StarShip

• 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
• Price: Dinner & Cruise: Adult: $79.95 – $119.95 plus tax, marine fee, and $10 gratuity paid on board to server Child (ages 2-12): $54.95 – $94.95 plus tax, marine fee, and $5 gratuity paid on board to server Cruise-Only (No Dinner): Adult: $49.95 – $74.95 plus tax, marine fee, and $5 gratuity  Child (ages 2-12): $29.95 – $54.95 plus tax, marine fee, and $5 gratuity Limit four drinks per person to guests not dining Infants (under 2): Free, but please include in your reservation Prices are subject to change based on timing and availability. Price does not include tax, marine fee and gratuity.

Set sail on Yacht StarShip with the ultimate dining cruise and cocktail adventure on the waterways of Tampa Bay. Take in spectacular views of Downtown Tampa while enjoying a Free at Sea complimentary open bar*. Whether you’re a beer drinker, wine lover, or cocktails are more your style, it’s all free with your cruise ticket. It’s time to escape and relax with the best views of Tampa, dinner aboard America’s first 3-Diamond rated dining yacht, dancing on the top deck, and an open bar that’s free at sea!  *Times and dates are subject to change. This is an ongoing event that happens weekly at Yacht Starship.*    

www.yachtstarship.com

• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride.

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand-new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was nonrefundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, Champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multimillion-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European riverboats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial-chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our Champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Rick’s on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our prepaid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no seasick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the preboarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com/ . The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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Come aboard the Lost Pearl’s 1.5-hour interactive pirate ship in Tampa and enjoy swashbuckling activities, water cannon fun, and a bar that’s Free at Sea for everyone!  We offer cruises for all ages, including:

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You will train to be a pirate so we’re prepared for any unwarranted encounter as we cruise Florida’s most pirate-infested waters, home to the legendary Jose Gaspar. Keep a sharp eye out for friendly dolphins as they like to swim along with us on our travels.

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Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater

See the splendor of the Clearwater and Tampa Bay, FL areas with an exciting afternoon or evening dinner cruise Tampa Florida. This is the best dinner cruise Florida offers, so don't miss out on sailing on the Calypso Queen Clearwater vessel! On one of the Calypso Queen Lunch and Clearwater Dinner Cruise Options, visitors will be delighted by stunning coastal panoramic views blended with Carribbean flair and an entertaining boat ride. It is the ideal addition to any dinner cruise Tampa itinerary since it is one of the best dinner cruises in Florida, so book today and get out on the water!

Whether you decide to embark upon the afternoon tropically-designed cruise or to relish an evening bursting with flavorful dining on a tropical island style buffet and watching scenic wonders roll by on dinner cruises Tampa FL, a Calypso Queen excursion is sure to impress. Each cruise combines the best panoramic views with entertainment and a sail that showcases the best parts of Tampa Bay. As you sail along the sparkling waters, you will be able to sip your favored drink and create new memories while appreciating the local wonders.

About the Calypso Queen Clearwater Dinner Cruise Boat: Enjoy an Amazing Dinner Cruise Clearwater FL 

Each of these cruises takes place on the Calypso Queen dinner boat. This impressive vessel gifts a mind blowing expedition through the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay. The colorful boat dinner Tampa is known for is decorated in an energetic and exciting Carribbean theme, providing a fun vibe. Additionally, the 65-foot ship features three levels. On the boat, attendees will be able to relax in two enclosed and climate-controlled dining levels as well as a third open-air deck that is great for enjoying the fresh air and ocean views. Each of these levels can accommodate 75 passengers, making it a great option for large groups. The boat also has restrooms on both dining levels as well as a full-service galley, full-service cash bars that allow you to purchase wine, beer, and liquor, and a sound system to blast lively tunes on the cruise! There are plenty of Calypso tropical cruises to enjoy, including the Calypso Queen tropical party buffet cruise, and more. For comfortable sailing on an immaculate vessel, the Calypso Queen provides an unparelelled experience and best tampa dinner cruise experience.

About the Calypso dinner cruise Tampa options: Explore the Area with Tampa Dinner Cruises 

Each cruise is meticulously curated with fun and sightseeing in mind. Every cruise affords ample opportunities for sightseeing and also allows cruisers to tap along with live music and enjoy mingling with other passengers on the open-air deck. The dinner cruise, of course, also comes with a flavourful buffet dinner, featuring options like steamed shrimp, mango glazed chicken, and beef teriyaki. Any one of these Calypso Queen cruises can help create a great addition to a getaway.

Full bars are operated on every cruise, so you can elect to purchase cocktails and other beverages on the cruises. Allowing for an ample amount of sightseeing time, the cruises last approximately 2 hours depending on selection. During the cruises, you'll be taken along Clearwater Harbor to see some of the most picturesque views on the East Coast. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the heralded sights of Clearwater Beach. During your sightseeing, you will also be able to listen to educational commentary from your friendly captain, providing insight on the local life in Clearwater. For a cruise with tropical flair, food, and fun, travelers should book a ride on the Calypso Queen!

About the Tampa Dinner Cruise Visit to Clearwater Harbor

As one of the most notable bays in the area, Clearwater Harbor is plentiful when it comes to wondrous sights, Clearwater beach cruises, dinner cruise Clearwater options, and many more Clearwater cruises. As you listen to the narration of your captain, marvel at the views of the bay. From the boat, patrons will see stretches of white sand beach views and some of the popular businesses, eateries, marinas, and homes that border the bay. Clearwater Harbor is also brimming with intriguing wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as pelicans, snowy egrets, and great blue herons. There are also schools of fish harbored in the area, as the beautiful Clearwater Harbor is a popular recreational site, and customers might even witness dolphin sightings. No matter what aspect of these dinner cruises Florida offers, you are certain to have a spectacular time with a dinner cruise in Tampa Florida. 

Take a quick casual Tampa Bay dinner cruisecruise to observe the scenic wonders in the area or savor a delectable dinner. No matter which cruise you book, a tropical party is the idealistic addition to spice up your normal itinerary. Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or want spend it dancing and swaying the night away, a sailing venture with a Starlite Cruise is a must. Be sure to check out all of the other great activities and attractions found in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay, FL areas and add a hotel to finish out your adventuring!  

• What type of seating does Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater have? Seats are assigned. As you board, the captain will direct you and your party to your seats. On most cruises, parties will get a private table.
• Are alcoholic beverages served at Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater? Yes, alcohol is served to guests 21 and older with valid ID.
• What kind of special meals, such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals, are available? Vegetarian options are available. Inform your server if you have any special dietary needs.
• What amenities are available? There are 2 restrooms on each dining deck as well as a cash bar.
• What age is Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater appropriate for? Great for all ages! Must be 21 and older with ID to purchase alcoholic drinks.
• What is the policy in case of inclement weather? Cruises go out rain or shine.
• How many passengers does the boat hold? Each dining of the two dining levels can hold up to 75 passengers.
• What lake or river does the Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater cruise on? Clearwater Harbor.
• How many decks or levels are there aboard the Calypso Queen Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater? 2 dining levels and an open-air third level deck.
• What is included in the admission price? The lunch and dinner tickets include the cruise, meal, and beverages.
• Are any meals included? Lunch and dinner cruises include tropical buffet dinner.
• Is the Calypso Queen Sightseeing, Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater handicap accessible? Yes.
• Is photography / video recording allowed on the Calypso Queen Sightseeing, Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater? Both photography and video cameras are permitted.
• What type of dress & footwear are recommended? Comfortable casual attire.
• For what ages is the tour appropriate? Appropriate for all ages.
• Approximately how long does the Calypso Queen Sightseeing, Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater last? Tours last approximately 2 hours.
• What methods of transportation does the Calypso Queen Sightseeing, Lunch, & Dinner Cruises Clearwater use? Calypso Queen Riverboat

Tropical Island Style Buffet

• Assorted Florida Fruits
• Caesar Salad
• Creamy Cole Slaw
• Key West Potato Salad
• Roasted Chicken with Mango Glaze
• Tender Beef Teriyaki
• Chilled Steamed Shrimp
• Pulled Pork in a Sweet BBQ Sauce
• Blackened White Fish with Spicy Cream Sauce
• Southern Style Ziti in Zesty Sauce
• Yellow Rice
• Black Beans
• Flour Tortillas
• Fresh-Baked Rolls & Butter

Cruise also includes Complimentary Beer, Wine, Rum Punch, and Soft Drinks for those with Cruise and Buffet tickets.

APRIL 20th - MAY 7th | CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

813-641-1311

Morning eco-tour.

Embark on a fully narrated eco-tour exploring the captivating sights of the Little Manatee River and the picturesque Tampa Bay Estuary. Delve into tales of diverse wildlife and the rich history that shapes this remarkable area. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable adventure!

Eco-Tour With Optional Lunch

Enjoy a 2-hour narrated tour guided by your knowledgable captain and first mate, offering an exploration of the Little Manatee River and Tampa Bay Estuary system. Experience a continuously moving waterfront view and observe the area’s diverse wildlife and unique historical aspects. For an additional cost, lunch options are available for participants.

• THIS TOUR BOOKS FAST

Sunset Cruise With Optional Dinner

Have you heard about the sunset dinner cruise? It’s the talk of the town! The breathtaking sunset views of Tampa Bay and beyond are worth experiencing. This tour is great for all ages!

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Our 15 passenger shuttle bus can take passengers within 60 to 90 minutes from the start location. Popular destinations are Anna Maria Island beaches, Hard Rock Casino, Shopping, Theme Parks, Sports Events, Local Tourist Attractions, and Fine Arts performances as well as other popular locations.

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Locally owned and operated for 23 years

Set sail on Yacht StarShip with the ultimate dining cruise and cocktail adventure on the waterways of Downtown Tampa. Take in spectacular views of Downtown Tampa while enjoying a Brunch, Dinner, or Special Event Cruise!

Brunch Cruises

Come aboard Yacht StarShip for the ultimate weekend brunch experience featuring $15 bottomless mimosas. Set sail as you sip on endless mimosas and enjoy a specially-prepared brunch with friends and family. Unwind from the week and relax on the water while you take in the skyline views of Downtown Tampa. After brunch, enjoy dancing and live music on the top deck while you cruise the waters of Downtown Tampa. Brunch cruises depart out of Tampa every Saturday and Sunday.

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Lunch Cruises

Come aboard Yacht StarShip for the ultimate weekday lunch experience. The Lunch Cruise includes a lunch spread, the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Tampa, and DJ Entertainment on the top deck. Lunch cruises have limited availability. If you would like to schedule a private lunch cruise, please call us at 813-223-7999.

Dinner Cruises

Set sail on Yacht StarShip with the ultimate dining cruise and cocktail adventure on the waterways of Tampa Bay. Take in spectacular views of Downtown Tampa while enjoying a  Free at Sea  complimentary open bar*.  Whether you’re a beer drinker, wine lover, or cocktails are more your style, it’s all free with your cruise ticket. It’s time to escape and relax with the best views of Tampa, dinner aboard America’s first 3-Diamond-rated dining yacht, dancing on the top deck, and an open bar that’s free at sea!

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Holiday & Special Event Cruises

Yacht StarShip offers a variety of specially-themed holiday and event cruises for you to celebrate with your friends and family. Each holiday or special event cruise in Tampa and Clearwater offers a premier experience to elevate the occasion. As a family-owned business, Yacht StarShip understands the significance of creating a sea of memories with the ones you love. We take pride in being your celebration destination.

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What to do before or after your cruise from port tampa bay.

By Janet K. Keeler

Planning things to do before or after cruising from Port Tampa Bay is as fun to think about as the much-anticipated tropical cruise itself. The Tampa cruise port is conveniently located in a bustling area of Tampa, full of shops, attractions and restaurants, so the choices are plentiful.

The Tampa cruise port is one of the anchors of the Channelside District which puts cruisers within walking distance of a variety of things to do. And by variety, we mean good eats, too. The district is loaded with food options including Michelin-honored restaurants including Predalina and The Pearl . 

Just a few blocks away from where you will embark at the Tampa cruise port is Sparkman Wharf , a tangle of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and live music. Yeah, we know the cruise ships offer an endless buffet, but you’ll get some local flavors—charred octopus Greek salad at Swigamajig —at Sparkman plus the chance to blow off some calories on the Splitsville bowling lanes.

Amalie Arena , the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, is within walking distance, too, and you might be able to sync your cruise with a game or even a concert. Madonna, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Billy Joel and Megan Thee Stallion are just some of the acts that have played the venue recently.

For those who want to explore farther afield there are the beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches on the other side of Tampa Bay. Wide beaches with white sand are the hallmark from Clearwater south to Fort De Soto Park.

There’s plenty more beyond eating, drinking and sunning to discover before or after your cruise out of Port Tampa.

Explore the Underwater World

In the shadow of the big cruise ships at the Tampa cruise port is the Florida Aquarium which offers as much intergenerational fun as can be found aboard any cruise ship. The aquarium is one of those educational places that masquerades as a good time. Who wouldn’t want to peer through the glass wall at what baby alligators do underwater? They hardly look like the giant prehistoric reptiles that they will become. The exhibits cover Florida’s wetlands, beaches and coral reef exhibits. Just the right place to get cruisers in the mood for their tropical sea adventure.

Experience Latin Culture

A few miles from the Port Tampa Bay cruise port is the lively Tampa neighborhood, Ybor City and a street car from the cruise port area will get you there. In the early 1900s, Ybor was the country’s center of cigar production and the city’s Cuban immigrant heart. The cigar factories have dwindled to just one— J.C. Newman Cigar Co .— and visitors can watch the action and take a one-hour guided tour of the facility. There are a few storefronts along Ybor’s Seventh Avenue where you can watch cigar rollers. A self-guided GPS-based tour can tell you more and there are even guided night ghost walks. Stop in Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia , for Cuban coffee and a 1905 salad, named after the year the doors opened.

Ride a Roller Coaster

Tampa’s popular theme park, Busch Gardens , is less than 10 miles from the cruise port and is a great place to take the kids if you’ve got an extra day. There are 10(!) roller coasters for thrillseekers ranging from Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and highest hybrid coaster, to Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest coaster.  Five of them turn riders upside down. There are other rides too, like the Serengeti Flyer which soars over one of the animal encampments. The Serengeti Express train ride covers similar ground but keeps you on the ground. Besides rides and attractions, there are animals, animals, animals. More than 200 species of animals including penguins, hippos, rhinos, giraffes and more. Lots of opportunities for interaction and education. Busch means beer and there’s a taproom too.

Ride the Pirate Water Taxi

Tampa is steeped in pirate culture thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team and the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest in the weeks leading up to Easter. Think New Orleans Mardi Gras on the water with a pirate ship invasion and plenty of costumed rogues of the sea throwing beads in multiple parades. The Pirate Water Taxi takes its lead from the theme and plies the Hillsborough River and nearby channels much like a hop-on, hop-off tour bus. It makes 16 stops and No. 1 is at the Florida Aquarium, a quick walk from the Tampa Bay cruise port and parking. At stop #9, you can hop off and get a close up view of the docked Jose Gasparilla II pirate ship that leads the pirate fest invasion. Get off at  #12 and amble along the Tampa RiverWalk until you get to the Armature Works food hall to get locally brewed coffee or a bite to eat from one of the many vendors. Armature is stop No. 16 where you can board the water taxi again for the ride back to the cruise port.

Get Artsy across the Bay

Across Tampa Bay from Tampa, downtown St. Petersburg boasts five museums and a number of galleries, including one that houses the work of famed glass artist Dale Chiluly . It’s just across the street from the Morean Art Center which has rotating exhibits and a fine gift shop. The museums include the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg and its collection spanning 4,000 years; the Dali Museum which has an impressive collection of the Spanish surrealist’s master works; the James Museum of Western Art and its rotating and permanent collection of art that celebrates the American West; the Florida Holocaust Museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting tolerance, and the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and its impressive collection of furniture and decorative arts. There are parking facilities downtown, and an Uber or Lyft ride is one way to cross the bay. The Cross Bay Ferry to downtown St. Petersburg is another alternative and the pick up spot in Tampa is about a mile from the cruise port.

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