Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise

Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise Review

If you’re dreaming of an evening filled with good food, lively music, and gorgeous water views in St. Petersburg, the Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise might just be what you’re looking for. This two-hour cruise offers a chance to unwind, sip tropical drinks, and enjoy the scenery, all while aboard a boat bustling with energy. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it seems like a fun option for those wanting a casual, festive experience.

What really catches the eye here is the combination of a tropical buffet and open bar, which promises a relaxed vibe without breaking the bank. Plus, the views of St. Pete Beach from the water are a highlight that many travelers appreciate. One thing to keep in mind is that the experience is quite lively, with music and dancing, so if you prefer a quiet evening, this might not be your top pick. It’s especially suited for people wanting to combine sightseeing with a social, party atmosphere.

A possible consideration is the timing of the dinner service, which some reviews note could be a little later than ideal. If you’re eager to see the scenery before sunset, you might want to confirm the schedule ahead of time. This cruise fits best for those seeking a casual, entertaining way to spend an evening—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or celebrating a special occasion.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, good food, and waterfront views, especially if a relaxed party vibe appeals to you.

Key Points

• Relaxed two-hour cruise with dinner and drinks
• Tropical-themed buffet featuring mango-glazed chicken, teriyaki beef, and steamed shrimp
• Unlimited alcohol: soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum punch
• Casual, lively atmosphere with music from the onboard DJ
• Great views of St. Pete Beach and waterways
• Accessible restroom onboard for comfort during the cruise

What to Expect on the Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise

When we think about a boat cruise in water-rich St. Pete, the Calypso Breeze stands out as a fun, social option that doesn’t take itself too seriously. From the moment you arrive at Hubbards Marina, you’ll feel the relaxed vibe. Check-in is straightforward, and once on the boat—which typically accommodates up to 150 travelers—you’re in for a lively ride.

The dinner service is buffet-style, and the menu offers tropical-inspired dishes like mango-glazed chicken, teriyaki beef, and steamed shrimp. Looking at reviews, many find the food to be serviceable—“food was really good,” some say—though a few note that the offerings are not gourmet but certainly satisfying after a day at the beach. One traveler mentions that the best dishes were fresh pineapple and peel-and-eat shrimp, highlighting the tropical theme.

While dining, you can help yourself to unlimited drinks—beer, wine, and rum punch flow freely—making it easy to relax and socialize. Soft drinks are also available throughout. It’s a fantastic way to sip and chat without worrying about extra costs or waiting at a bar. The onboard DJ keeps the energy high with lively island music, and many guests find themselves dancing or simply enjoying the soundtrack as they glide along the waterways.

The cruise takes you along the calm intracoastal Florida waters, offering views of the iconic St. Pete Beach. As some reviews point out, the boat tours in circles, which means you may find yourself wishing for a little more variety in scenery, but the overall water views are enjoyable.

The Itinerary: A Waterway Adventure

The main highlight of this cruise is the cruise along Florida’s intracoastal waterways. This route offers a peaceful, scenic perspective of the coast and waterfront homes, with some reviews mentioning the “beautiful trip up and down Johns Pass.” While the boat doesn’t venture into deep-sea or shaded areas, it provides a comfortable, unobstructed view of the coastline.

The boat departs from Hubbards Marina and returns there after approximately two hours. This short duration makes it ideal for those with limited time or looking for a fun, quick experience. The cruise is scheduled in the evening, which means you’ll likely catch a sunset or enjoy the water illuminated by the evening lights.

The Dining Experience

The buffet is central to this cruise and adds a touch of tropical escapism. The menu includes mango-glazed chicken, teriyaki beef, and steamed shrimp. Based on reviews, the food is generally well-received, though some travelers note that it’s nothing fancy—more of a casual feast than a gourmet meal. The atmosphere during dinner is lively, with some guests describing it as noisy, which enhances the party vibe.

Desserts are available at an extra charge, and some find the overall food experience “okay,” but not outstanding. Still, with the unlimited drinks and island music, most guests find it adds to the fun rather than detracts from it.

The Drinks and Entertainment

One of the big draws here is the open bar featuring unlimited beer, wine, and rum punch. Reviewers love the convenience—no need to queue or pay extra, just help yourself. The DJ spins upbeat island tunes that keep the energy high, and many guests say they dance and have a blast.

A few reviews mention that the music could include more Caribbean songs or Bob Marley, but overall, the playlist appears to be a good mix that appeals to most.

Views and Waterway Experience

While the cruise is relatively short, you’ll get a decent view of St. Pete Beach’s coastline. Some reviews express a desire to see more water before it gets dark, which is a fair point if you’re hoping for sunset views. However, many say the scenery is still worth it, especially the boat’s vantage point from the water.

Notably, the boat’s circle routes mean you don’t venture far from the marina, so don’t expect multiple stops or long explorations. It’s more about enjoying the water, food, drinks, and music in a festive environment.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 150 travelers, the cruise feels lively but not overcrowded. It’s a good size for mingling without losing a sense of intimacy. The boat has restroom facilities onboard, which is handy given the length of the trip.

Accessibility appears to be considered, with service animals allowed and the activity being near public transportation, making it accessible for many travelers.

Pricing and Value

At around $56.62 per person, this cruise offers decent value for what you get—a two-hour party with buffet dinner and unlimited drinks. It’s not a fine dining experience, but it’s fun and relaxed, suited for those wanting a casual, entertaining evening. Several reviews highlight how it’s an affordable way to spend an evening with good food, drinks, and music, especially if you’re traveling with friends or celebrating something special like a birthday.

The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and What to Keep in Mind

The reviews reveal a generally positive experience with some minor drawbacks. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, great music, and delicious drinks. The buffet is described as “really good” by some, with fresh fruit and seafood being highlights. The lively atmosphere and scenic water views make it a memorable night.

On the downside, a few travelers mention that the food can be somewhat inconsistent—some items dry or seasonless—and the noise level can be high in the dining area. One review notes that dinner is served later, which might cut into time for outdoor viewing before dark.

Another consideration is the timing—initially scheduled for 4:30 pm, some guests dislike the schedule change without prior notice. It’s best to confirm the start time when booking to align expectations.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This cruise is clearly geared toward those who enjoy lively social settings and tropical vibes. If you’re looking for a relaxing, romantic dinner cruise, this might not be your best bet. But if you want to dance, sip drinks, and soak up water views with a fun crowd, it fits the bill. It’s also suitable for celebrating special occasions or just having a carefree night out.

This experience is typically best for adults or travelers comfortable with a bustling, party-like environment. Families with older children or teens might also enjoy it, though younger kids could find the noise and lively atmosphere less appealing.

The Sum Up

The Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise offers a pretty good deal for a two-hour, all-inclusive water adventure in St. Pete. Its strong suits are the fun, festive environment, the tropical-themed buffet, and the unlimited drinks—all set against a backdrop of scenic waterways and waterfront views. It’s a casual, lively way to unwind after a day at the beach or to kick off an evening with friends.

While the food may not impress everyone, most guests find it satisfying enough for the price, especially with the added bonus of open bar and good music. The experience shines brightest when you’re in the mood for a social, energetic night rather than a quiet, romantic cruise. If you’re traveling with friends or celebrating a special event, you’ll likely have a blast.

For those seeking a relaxed yet lively evening on the water, with friendly staff and a tropical atmosphere, this cruise ticks many boxes. Just be prepared for the noise and the possibility that dinner might be served a bit later than you’d prefer. Overall, it’s a carefree way to enjoy St. Pete’s waterways with a splash of island fun.

FAQ

Is there parking available at Hubbards Marina?
The tour does not include parking fees, so you’ll need to pay for parking separately at the marina parking lot or find nearby street parking.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately two hours, making it a quick but entertaining water experience.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an open bar with unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum punch during the cruise.

Can I see the water before dark?
Some reviews mention wishing for earlier dinner service to enjoy the scenery before nightfall. The cruise is scheduled in the evening, so sunset views depend on the timing and weather.

What’s on the buffet?
The buffet features tropical-style dishes such as mango-glazed chicken, teriyaki beef, and steamed shrimp. Desserts are available at an extra charge.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
While most travelers are adults, the activity could be suitable for older children or teens, especially if they enjoy lively music and social environments. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is best. Consider bringing a light jacket or layers if it gets cool in the evening.

This cruise is a solid pick if you want a fun, relaxed night on the water with good food, drinks, and music. Just set your expectations for a lively atmosphere and enjoy the views and company.