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This, along with the port, helped Tampa to grow into the bustling metropolis that it is today. He also built the Tampa Bay Hotel, which is now the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall, where the museum is located. Anyone who’s ever been to a Busch Gardens knows just how much fun it is.
Learn More About Caribbean Shore Excursions
Port Tampa Bay is located just 8 miles from the Tampa International Airport, and less than a mile from downtown Tampa, making it one of the easiest cruise ports to get to. When you think about cruising out of Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are probably the first port’s that come to mind. If you are looking for something a little quieter, on Florida’s west coast sailing into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Tampa. The official port lots allow those with vehicle modifications such as ramps, or foot/hand controls to park for free if they are sailing. Also, 100% disabled veterans with license plates designating the car as such can also park for free. If you are driving in from the area, then you are usually fine driving to the port on the morning of your trip, but it still makes a lot of sense to stay in Tampa the night before.
Night Western Caribbean CruiseDetails
However, this bridge can only accommodate ships that measure 180 feet from the top of the waterline. For this reason, Royal Caribbean uses Port Tampa Bay for its Vision and Radiance class of ships. When booking your travel home after your cruise, it is important to not book too early of a flight, as you do not want to risk missing the flight home. So whether you want to sail to The Bahamas, Mexico, or points in between, or if you want to sail on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian, the port has something to offer. Don't waste time straightening your hair as Tampa tends to be extremely humid, especially in the morning hours. Tampa has enjoyed a substantial dip in crime rates during the past several years, and now averages about that of any major U.S. city.
How to Get to Port Tampa Bay Cruise

Some hotels offer shuttles to the cruise port as a perk for cruise passengers. Others are near public transportation that can get you to the ship in just a few minutes. No matter which option you choose, selecting a hotel with a shuttle can take a lot of the headache out of getting to the ship on embarkation day.
You get to visit some of your favorite countries within the park and each one provides different cultural elements to enjoy. The Tampa Bay Busch Gardens features various countries found in Africa, such as Egypt, Morocco, Nairobi, and so much more. Located in the heart of the Ybor city district where you’ll find a large Latin community is the Columbia Restaurant. They have been in business since 1905 and they make a mean Cuban sandwich on fresh Cuban bread. While there are taxis available in Tampa, they often charge a flat $30 and up for the short ride from the airport to Port Tampa Bay.
There are a handful of car rental agencies located close to the port. You can also take the TECO Line Streetcar around downtown Tampa and Y-Bor. For a fun way to see the city, try a water taxi, which will take you to various stops along the water. Port Tampa cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Tampa, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
World's largest cruise ship arrives at PortMiami after record year for the industry - Tampa Bay Times
World's largest cruise ship arrives at PortMiami after record year for the industry.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
We suggest trying to find a hotel in downtown Tampa or in Ybor City. Staying here essentially adds another port of call to your cruise with lots to do and explore. Plus, it’s easy to get to the cruise ship from either location on embarkation day. Passengers departing on cruises from Tampa Bay will leave from Port Tampa Bay, home to three cruise terminals. Just outside of the cruise terminals is the Channelside district, where you’ll find a handful of shops and restaurants.
Info About Cruise Terminals
The closest hotels are in downtown, which is a short distance away. Cruise Terminal #2If the port had a “main” terminal, this would be it. Parking is adjacent to the terminal, as is the Florida Aquarium and a complex of shops and restaurants.
Watch as its complex system of locks unfolds, then stop in the historic center of Panama Viejo, where you’ll learn all about the town’s pirate history. In addition, guests are just steps from the sights, sounds and experiences of Downtown Tampa. While staying at this hotel you will enjoy free access to the hotel’s fitness center and various other amenities.
Stop in one of the area’s many cigar shops and buy a few hand-rolled cigars to take home. Explore ancient forts in San Juan, lounge on the powdery white sand beaches of St. Maarten, and spot colorful schools of fish while snorkeling in St. Thomas—there’s no shortage of fun to enjoy. Tampa Bay is a convenient embarkation point for those looking for a sunny vacation to the Caribbean. There's a Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus stop located at the west end of the Red Baggage Claim curbside by Belt 15 at Tampa International Airport. However, bus service to Port Tampa Bay requires transfers and can take more than an hour, so this option is less convenient for port of Tampa Bay cruisers. In the late-1990s, Cruise Terminal 2 creation was incorporated in the Garrison Seaport Center scheme.
Embarkation is as crucial to the overall cruise experience as the ship, its onboard amenities and the itinerary of picturesque ports. A homeport that is easy to navigate, and provides a variety of unique and interesting activities just steps from the ship? And that’s exactly what cruise operators and their itinerary planners will find at Port Tampa Bay on Florida’s West Coast. Located within walking distance from the cruise terminals is Sparkman Wharf. Here you will find all you could ever want in dining and shopping, as well as an open-air biergarten that includes over 24 taps of Florida craft beer, all with a breathtaking waterfront view. The cruise terminal you sail from will depend on which cruise line you’re traveling with.
Smooth sailing: Cruise lines roll out early Black Friday deals - Tampa Bay Times
Smooth sailing: Cruise lines roll out early Black Friday deals.
Posted: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
They do not have a specific cruise package, but they do offer free parking, as well as a free shuttle to anywhere within a 3 mile radius, which includes the cruise port. This hotel features a “park and cruise” package that gives you free shuttle to and from the cruise port, up to 2 weeks of free parking, and a 10% discount at the hotel spa. Be sure to let them know at check-in that you wish to use their free shuttle service to reserve your seat. Just .3 miles from the Channelside Bay cruise terminal in Tampa, Park Connect has no hidden-fees in their pricing. The cost is $10 per day plus tax and again, there are no service fees. Park Connect offers covered parking areas, free cancellation up to 24-hours before your cruise and an easy to user interface for pre-paying for parking.
Tampa is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, nestled along the scenic Tampa Bay. This vibrant city is part of the Tampa Bay Area, which comprises several other cities, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Situated in Hillsborough County, Tampa offers a convenient starting point for exploring the beautiful region. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation.
Along the Garrison Channel waterfront lies the Tampa Convention Center, itself surrounded by food trucks and shops for last-minute purchases prior to embarking on a cruise. This area is also home to several family-oriented attractions and activities. Passengers can pre-pay with a credit card online for valet and self-parking. Dedicated parking spaces are available for guests with accessibility needs. Go south on 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive (Highway 60), then left onto Channelside Drive. Terminal 3 serves ships of NCL Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line.
If you have severe allergies and need a menu that’s gluten-free, you can either go to The Columbia for their gluten-free options, or try out The Refinery. Here the menu changes every week, so you’ll always be able to get something different. Featuring the best New York style pizzas anywhere other than New York is Eddie & Sam’s, located on Twiggs St in Tampa. They even use water shipped directly from New York to make the dough more authentic. Booking a ride is as simple as downloading the app and choosing a driver. But keep in mind that is just an esimate based on the time of the writing of this article.
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