October 4, 2026 — Celebrity Summit is on its way from Los Angeles to Tampa through the Panama Canal and will start its winter Caribbean season there on October 18.
The Celebrity Cruises ship, part of Royal Caribbean Group, left Los Angeles on October 1 on a 17-night repositioning cruise, Cruise Industry News reports. The route calls in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica before the canal transit, then continues to Cartagena (Colombia), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and George Town (Grand Cayman).
Winter season from Tampa
| Cruise | Ports |
|---|---|
| 7-night Bahamas and Florida | Bimini, Nassau, Key West |
| 7-night Western Caribbean | Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City |
| Other sailings | George Town, Progreso, Roatán, Ocho Rios, Falmouth |
| Jazz charter, January 2027 (date TBA) | New Orleans |
The season runs until April 2027, when the ship repositions back to the West Coast (date TBA). Celebrity Summit carries 1,950 guests and measures 91,000 tons. It entered service in August 2001 and was refurbished in 2019.
What it means for airline travelers
- Tampa International (TPA) is the airport for this homeport. St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) and Orlando (MCO) are alternatives if TPA loads are full, but Orlando is a long drive, so allow for it.
- Fly in the day before. Winter is peak season for Florida flights, and standby seats to Tampa go quickly around holidays.
- Repositioning cruises are one-way. The April 2027 return to the West Coast will need air into Tampa and home from the arrival port, so plan both standby legs before you book.
- Interline rates: The report does not mention travel-industry rates.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: Celebrity Summit Starts Repositioning Voyage to Tampa
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