From Tampa, a New Nonstop Flight to St Thomas Is Coming This Winter
Breeze Airways is adding a new Caribbean route from Florida, with plans to launch nonstop service between Tampa and St Thomas in December.
The new flight will begin Dec. 16, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, according to the carrier. Introductory fares are starting at $149 one way, according to the company.
The route creates a a new nonstop option for reaching the U.S. Virgin Islands during the winter travel season out of Tampa, an increasingly important market for the Caribbean.
A New Caribbean Flight From Tampa
The St Thomas service is the latest Caribbean addition for Breeze Airways, the low-cost carrier founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman.
Breeze has been expanding its route network from Tampa International Airport, focusing on nonstop connections between cities that often require a stop through a larger airline hub.
The Wednesday and Saturday schedule creates an easy pattern for weeklong vacations and shorter island stays, with direct service from Florida’s Gulf Coast to one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism destinations.
The flight will arrive at Cyril E. King Airport, just west of Charlotte Amalie.
Why St Thomas
St Thomas remains one of the Caribbean’s easiest destinations for American travelers. U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit, and the island offers a broad mix of resorts, villas, restaurants, beaches and shopping.
You can spend the day at Magens Bay, snorkel at Lindquist Beach, explore the historic streets of Charlotte Amalie or head to Red Hook for restaurants, bars and ferry connections.
St Thomas also serves as the main gateway to St John. Ferries from Red Hook reach Cruz Bay in about 20 minutes, opening up trips to Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Virgin Islands National Park.
The island is also a starting point for trips to Water Island and the British Virgin Islands.
Where to Stay
St Thomas has continued to expand its hotel offering, from large beachfront resorts to smaller independent properties.
The Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef offers one of the island’s largest resort experiences, with multiple pools, restaurants and views across the Caribbean Sea.
Nearby, the Buoy Haus Beach Resort (part of the Autograph Collection) has a more intimate beachfront feel, along with direct entry to Morningstar Beach.
On the eastern side of the island, The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas remains one of the destination’s leading luxury resorts, with views toward St John, a private beach and its own catamaran.
Travelers seeking a smaller hotel can choose The Pink Palm, a boutique property above Charlotte Amalie with harbor views, colorful design and a hillside pool.
Breeze’s Growing Caribbean Network
Breeze operates many of its longer leisure routes with Airbus A220 aircraft, offering standard economy seating along with extra-legroom and premium seats at the front of the cabin.
The airline sells several fare categories, and its lowest advertised prices generally do not include every baggage or seat-selection option. The introductory $149 fare is subject to availability and restrictions.
The Tampa–St Thomas route adds another nonstop connection for the U.S. Virgin Islands while giving travelers across Florida’s Gulf Coast a direct way to reach Magens Bay, Charlotte Amalie and the ferries of Red Hook.
