This round-trip small ship cruise from St. Petersburg, Florida, promises an exhilarating journey along the Sunshine State. Witness fine-sand beaches, Gulf Coast turquoise waters where sea turtles and manatees swim, and sunsets that melt into the horizon. Explore Marco Island, where expansive mangrove forests serve as the backdrop for wildlife viewing and dolphin encounters. Experience the colorful and laid-back southernmost point in the US: Key West. Walk the same sunlit streets that inspired Hemingway to create some of his most famous works. Feel the energy of the town that vibrates with a unique cultural rhythm and literary history.
February 16-24, 2027
Featuring Tampa, Marco Island, Key West, Punta Gorda and St. Petersburg
Itinerary:
Feb 16 | Departure to Florida
Begin your journey with a hotel stay in the heart of downtown Tampa. Walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, where palm trees, parks, and sparkling bay waters create a perfect backdrop for the adventure ahead. Discover local gems like the Tampa Museum of Art and dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants offering fresh Gulf seafood. As the sun sets, unwind with a cocktail at one of Tampa’s up-scale rooftop bars, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the skyline and bay.
Overnight: Tampa, FL
Feb 17 | Tampa to St. Petersburg, Embarkation & Coastal Cruising
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the ship in St. Petersburg. Welcome Aboard! As you board the MS Maverick, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising. From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await. With luggage service included, your bags will be delivered directly to your spacious stateroom, so you can relax and enjoy the views as we set sail along the Florida Coast and the Gulf waters. (B,L,D)
Feb 18 | Marco Island
Enjoy a serene escape to Marco Island, featuring pristine white-sand beaches and calm Gulf waters. Lush mangroves and winding waterways invite exploration, revealing a vibrant ecosystem teeming with Florida Gulf Coast wildlife. Learn about the area’s local dolphin population on a boat tour narrated by a knowledgeable guide who shares insights about these lovable marine mammals. Or, join a small group fishing adventure along the backwater regions, with the opportunity for the big catch. Cruise the breathtaking 10,000 Islands, where you can spot diverse wildlife like manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species. Later, trace the settlement of this subtropical island paradise with a visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum, a highlight for anyone interested in Southwest Florida culture and history. (B,L,D)
Feb 19 | Key West Day One
Located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, this small island bursts with colorful char-acter 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 that continue to draw visitors on Florida Keys cruises. Discov-er the island on your own, aboard an open-air electric car. Drive along the same streets traversed by famous literaryfigures such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, whose legacies linger. Ride a trolley through the charming streets of Old Town, showcasing a collection of tropical gardens and historic conch houses, reflecting the island’s vibrant maritime story and diverse influences popular among Key West visitors. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a scenic seaplane flight to Dry Tortugas National Park, renowned for its marine life, pirate legends, and sheer unspoiled beauty. Once there, snorkel, sunbathe, or explore the history of Fort Jefferson on this memorable Dry Tortugas excursion. (B,L,D)
Feb 20 | Key West Day Two
One day is not enough for this quirky island. As the jewel of the Florida Keys, continue to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and eclectic culture that makes Key West a top Florida destination. Enjoy a guided walk to the Hemingway Rum Company, named after one of the island’s most famous figures. After a tour and tasting, visit the oldest operating cigar factory in the Florida Keys, where you will learn to roll your own cigar and sip a uthentic Cuban espresso. In the afternoon, set sail aboard a stunning 105-foot sailboat, reminiscent of the historic America’s Cup race vessels. Engage with live narration about Key West’s history and ecology, and even take a turn at the helm. As the sun sets, stroll along Mallory Square, which comes alive with performers and artists, celebrating the island’s free spirit with a nightly festival that highlights the island’s well-known nightlife. (B,L,D)
Feb 21 | Day of Cruising
Revel in the stunning views that unfold around you as you unwind on your private balcony. Join other travelers for lunch, then have an engaging after-noon with our enrichment program hosted by our onboard expert. Head up to the sun deck and enjoy the breeze as we continue along inland waterways shaped by Florida’s diverse Gulf Coast ecosystems. Make sure to swing by cocktail hour each night and get ready for exciting live musical entertainment, a favorite part of many Florida Gulf Coast cruises. (B,L,D)
Feb 22 | Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda offers a peaceful retreat with a historic downtown lined with restored buildings, fine dining, and boutique shopping. Home to several galleries, studios, and cooperative art spaces, the city has also become a thriving hub for artists. Peruse an “Artisan’s Village” of local potters, woodturners, fiber, and glass artists. Watch as they demonstrate their skills and browse gift shops full of their work. Nature lovers can visit Peace River, a 30-acre water- front oasis that encompasses the diversity of five ecosystem, including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, and tidal basin. Or, explore Iguanaland, the largest reptile zoo in the world, with over 200 different species of reptiles. For the ultimate relaxation and refined indulgence, choose to spend the afternoon poolside at a local resort, enjoying the warmth of the sun under a swaying palm tree in Southwest Florida. (B,L,D)
Feb 23 | St Petersburg
Known affectionately as St. Pete, this city sparkles along the Gulf Coast, distinguished by its vibrant arts scene and historical depth. St. Pete holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, a testament to its sunny disposition and inviting climate. The city’s downtown area is a hub for culture, with the renowned Salvador Dalí Museum showcasing the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Europe. During a docent-led tour, learn about the various styles of this influential and innovative artist. St. Petersburg also serves as a beacon for environmental conservation with its lush public parks and extensive shore-line, making it a prime destination for both cultural aficionados and nature enthusiasts. Visit the Sunken Gardens, a 100-year-old botanical paradise located in the middle of the city. Stroll along thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers, as well as a fabulous flock of flamingos, rehomed tropical birds, turtles and tortoises, and koi. (B,L,D)
Feb 24 | St. Petersburg
Enjoy breakfast on board before beginning your journey home, taking with you lasting memories of your time along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys. From the quiet beauty of mangrove-lined shores to the charm of coastal towns, each stop added something special to your voyage. (B)
Everyone attending this tour/cruise program must be able to safely embark and disembark the motorcoach; be able to walk at a leisurely pace for up to an hour and navigate stairs and uneven surfaces. If you require mobility or luggage assistance, you must have someone traveling with you who is willing and able to assist.
NO passport required for travel!
Inclusions:
• Round-trip transportation to the FSM or XNA airport
• Round-trip airfare to Tampa (baggage fees not included)
• 1-night pre-cruise stay in Tampa
• All transfers in Florida (airport, hotel, pier)
• 8-night Florida Gulf cruise aboard the MS Maverick in your selected cabin category
• All meals while onboard the ship (including drinks with meals) and a nightly cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres.
• A full enrichment package with guest speakers and nightly entertainment is offered throughout the cruise.
• All Featured Shore Excursions are included.(exclusions apply), (excluding gratuities)
• Taxes, and port charges and fees are included in the cruise fare.
• Prepaid onboard gratuities
(room stewards, dining & bar staff)
• All driver and guide gratuities for pre- and post-cruise services
• Service of a Universal Travel representative throughout the itinerary
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.