International Cuisine In Over 2000 Restaurants
Tampa has over 2,000 restaurants servinginternational and American cuisine from take-outs to gourmet restaurants infive star hotels on the waterfront. Whether you fancy a juicy steak or freshseafood before embarking on your cruise out of Tampa, youll find plenty ofchoice close to the port.
Historic Ybor City has many authentic Cuban restaurants and is home to Columbia, the largest Spanish restaurant in the USA which serves delicious seafood paella in a series of historic dining rooms.
How Far Is Port Tampa Bay From The Airport
One of the most convenient things about Port Tampa Bay is its proximity to Tampa International Airport. Located just over 8 miles away, a trip from the airport to the cruise terminals takes about 15 minutes outside of commuting times and around 30 during rush hours.
Slightly further away, across Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, is the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. As a hub for ultra-low cost carrier Allegiant Airlines, it could definitely be a cost saver to use this airport instead of Tampa International. Even though it is across the bay, the drive time is only about 30-45 minutes from the cruise terminals.
Sunset at Tampa International Airport
Top Sights & Attractions For Cruises From Tampa
Ybor City
Once dubbed the Cigar Capital of the World, the Ybor City district is rich in history and Latin culture. Stop in one of the areas many cigar shops and buy a few hand-rolled cigars to take home. Spend the day mingling with locals at one of the craft breweries, or simply stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the façades of this charming neighborhood before boarding one of our Tampa cruises.
Dalí Museum
If youre a fan of celebrated Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, then a visit to the awe-inspiring Dalí Museum in St. Pete is a must. The museum is home to the largest collection of his art outside of Europe. The gift shop is a great place to grab a quirky gift to take home.
The Florida Aquarium
Rated one of the best aquariums in the country, the Florida Aquarium is located just steps away from Tampas port area. Here, you can pet stingrays, get up close with African penguins, and even spot dolphins in the wild on a catamaran cruise. The aquarium is so close to the port that passengers leaving on cruises from Tampa can bring their luggage, which the venue will safely store while you explore.
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Norwegian Cruises From Tampa
Last but not least, the Norwegian Cruise Line has one ship that sets sail from Port Tampa Bay.
The Norwegian Dawn cruise liner measures 965 feet in length with the capacity to hold 2,340 guests and 1,032 crew members. Guests can enjoy one-way or round-trip cruises with the Norwegian Dawn with 4-14 day cruises available. Destinations include Mexico, Bay Islands, Belize, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, Aruba and more.
The Norwegian Dawn provides over 20 bars, restaurants and lounges for guests to enjoy. For those who want to stay active while on vacation, theres a track, fitness center and ball courts. If relaxing is more your pace, check out the spa & salon, lap pool or one of the six hot tubs around the ship. Theres also a lounge just for teens, the perfect kid-sized pools and an arcade that everyone can enjoy.
Good Choice Of Affordable Hotels
Book one of Tampas hotels with a free airport shuttle service and transfer right from the airport to your air-conditioned room without paying a penny. From there, if you stay in the downtown district you can explore, dine and sightsee using the free TECO Streetcar. When its time to head to the cruise port, most hotels offer a shuttle service for guests and their luggage.
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Limited Choice Of Cruise Lines Out Of Tampa
The Port of Tampa Bay is currently limitedto just three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival CruiseLines and Norwegian Cruise Line . Celebrity Cruises will be making Tampathe home port for Celebrity Constellationfrom 2020.
However, this limited choice means Tampacruise port is much less crowded and busy than Miami, the cruise capital ofthe world. PortMiami is home to over 20 cruise lines and serves at least 60different passenger ships. If you want choice, consider cruises from Miami, butif you want easy uncrowded access to a smaller port, think about cruising fromTampa.
Why Choose Anywhere But Tampa
Why Port Tampa Bay is an ideal homeport for cruise lines wanting to offer exciting itineraries and pre- and post-cruise activities
As any itinerary planner knows, cruises provide guests with a unique and wonderful way to explore the world, allowing them to continuously move between beautiful locations and make memories that will last a lifetime. Every port of call on an itinerary plays a vital role in creating an enjoyable cruise experience, but what about the homeport?
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? Now thats an attractive prospect for guests. And thats exactly what cruise operators and their itinerary planners will find at Port Tampa Bay on Floridas West Coast.
Positive impressions start from the moment the cruise guests arrive at the modern, award-winning Tampa International Airport. The airport is a convenient 15-minute drive from the Channelside District in Downtown Tampa, which enables travellers to get a view of the water and soak up the Florida vibe and sunshine before they arrive at one of the three cruise terminals.
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The Celebrity Constellation Heads To Florida
Currently sailing a variety of itineraries out of ports such as Venice, Italy and Dubai in the United Emirates, the ship will undergo a refurbishment as part of Celebritys $500 million fleet-wide program known as the Celebrity Revolution. The ship will then undertake a 14-night transatlantic that will take her from Barcelona to Tampa.
Our guests and travel advisors have been asking us to return to Tampa since our last call there in 2007, said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. While fleet is undergoing a massive modernization with the Celebrity Revolution, the beautiful city of Tampa is also experiencing quite a renaissance.
Stunning Views And Photo Ops
Cruising out of Tampa Bay provides plenty of interesting scenery as you sail down the channel and out into beautiful Tampa Bay. While other ports have a departure that reaches open waters in less than 30 minutes, when you cruise out of Tampa you get several hours of coastal scenery.
Sail past small islands, tankers, car carriers, pleasure boats, parks, waterfront hotels, Florida Aquarium and MacDill Air Force Base and take photographs of Tampas high-rise architecture followed by the skyline of St Petersburg before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
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Find Out What’s Happening In Tampawith Free Real
“How fitting for our evolving brand to return to an evolving city with a completely revolutionized’ ship,” said Lutoff-Perlo.
“We are very excited to welcome Celebrity Cruises to the Tampa Bay market,” said Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson. “In 2020, Celebrity Cruises will offer a variety of itineraries from Tampa that will include stops at locations in the southern and eastern Caribbean. The addition of this premium brand to the explosive growth that Tampa Bay is experiencing will add an extraordinary adventure to the many choices vacationers have in Tampa Bay.”
Brilliance Of The Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
The Brilliance of the Seas is undoubtedly one of the top cruises that depart from Tampa.
Not only does it fall into the affordable cruises category, it provides entertaining cruises packages for the entire family.
Teen disco, nursery, mini golf course, rock climbing, three-story theatre, movies by the pool, bars, nine restaurants all inclusive cruises dont get better than this.
Almost 75 percent of the cabins come with mesmerizing views of the ocean.
Budget accommodation options are also available on Brilliance of the Seas.
Size of Ship: Large
Cruises to resume from Tampa in October
Port Tampa Bay is preparing for cruises to set sail this October, just as a judge said cruise lines are allowed to require proof passengers have been vaccinated.
TAMPA, Fla.Carnival Cruise Line announced Thursday another round of ships and their departure dates, including one out of Tampa.
Starting November 14, Carnival Pride will set sail from Port Tampa Bay. The cruise is one of several Carnival ships that require passengers to be vaccinated, unless they fall under one of the exemptions.
In addition, passengers regardless of vaccination status must provide a negative COVID-19 test.
The decision was made after the Bahamas announced that any ship wanting to stop at one of its ports must confirm that all passengers over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, aside from any medical exemption.
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Announcing All New Cruise Lines In 2020
In 2020, Port Tampa Bay will be the homeport for 3 all new cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises and the return of Holland America Cruise Lines. These popular cruise lines join Port Tampa Bays already fun-filled line-up of Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Lines making for an unbeatable selection of world class cruising options to the West, East and Southern Caribbean as well as the Panama Canal!
Following a brief 1 season hiatus, Holland America Lines, RETURNS in 2020 with an itinerary of Western Caribbean destinations that include Costa Maya-Mexico, Belize City and Santo Tomas de Castilla-Guatamala. Holland America has been Port Tampa Bays longest running luxury cruise line making memorable vacations for guests since 1984. Book yours today at www.hollandamerica.com
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Top Things To Do In Tampa
Visit a Gulf Coast Beach
Some of the nations leading beaches are found on the Gulf Coast, and passengers on Tampa cruises will have plenty of award-winning options to explore. Clearwater Beach frequently tops best-of lists. At Fort de Soto, you can canoe or kayak, hunt for seashells, and explore the historic fort. At the upscale St. Pete Beach, try an exciting watersport like parasailing or kiteboarding, or simply lounge on its sugary sands.
Explore Downtown St. Petersburg
Located southwest of the city of Tampa, St. Pete is an artsy city that boasts upscale boutiques and restaurants, museums and art galleries, and fun activities for the whole family. If youre here on a Saturday, stop in the Saturday Morning Market for live music, international cuisine, and artisan goods.
Catch a Game
No matter what type of sport youre into, youre bound to find it here in Tampa. Sit near the ice and dodge pucks at a Lightning game, cheer on the Bucs to the sounds of a pirate ships cannonballs blasting at Raymond James Stadium, or snack on cracker jacks while watching the Yankees during spring training or the Rays during the regular season.
Where can I eat near the Tampa Cruise Port?
Berns Steak House
1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
For the ultimate culinary experience in Tampa Bay, Berns Steak House is the most sought-after choice. Its extraordinary wine menu, delectable steaks, and magnificent dessert room make it a top spot to celebrate a special occasion. Reservations are recommended.
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Walking Distance Of Downtown And The Riverfront
You dont need a car to explore the areaaround Tampa Bay port. Stroll along the Riverwalk enjoying the views of pleasureboats, commercial ships and cruise liners coming and going in the port. Thisrejuvenated waterfront area is home to the massive Florida Aquarium, voted oneof the Top 3 Aquariums in America. It has a plethora of different habitats and marinelife including turtles, sharks, reef fish and rays with an emphasis onconservation of the ocean.
You can also walk to Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa Bay History Center, Amalie Arena, GlazerChildrens Museum, Center for the Performing Arts and Cotanchobee Fort BrookePark. History lovers will enjoy a guided tour of historic Ybor City, once theworlds largest cigar-making area.
Cruises Out Of Tampa Florida
| There are 87 cruises that depart from Tampa, FL in the year 2022. Four cruise lines offer cruises that leave out of Tampa in 2022 – Carnival , Royal Caribbean , Celebrity and Norwegian .You can see Tampa cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap Tampa cruise deals in 2022. |
| Departure |
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Tampa Port Facilities & Location
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 youll find a handful of shops and restaurants. Tourist information centers, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms are available at the port.
Celebrity Cruises Things To Do
- You will find that Celebrity Cruises attracts a diverse range of cruise travelers. Most of the onboard activities are designed to appeal to people in their mid-30s to 50 years old. A number of programs onboard also attract the interests of children and teens. More families choose to sail on Celebrity during school vacations, or during the summer months. The longer voyages attract people who are older, or who have retired. Be advised that children who are younger than one year old cannot sail on trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, or South American cruises, or any cruise that requires 3+ days consecutively at sea. Otherwise, for all other cruise schedules, passengers must be at least 6 months old. Passengers must be at least 21 years old for any voyage leaving North America, or 18 years old for cruises traveling from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and New Zealand. The cruise line is happy to assist passengers with special medical needs. Cruise passengers that need additional assistance or medical aids should call Celebrity at 954-628-9708 to make arrangements before they sail.
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Cruises Out Of Tampa Are Close To Orlando
Why not combine your cruise out of Tampawith a visit to Orlando? Enjoy visiting your favorite theme parks or head tothe Florida Mall, the upscale Mall at Millennia or Orlando InternationalPremium Outlets for some great deals as part of your cruise-and-stay vacation.
Greatlive entertainment
Book tickets to watch Tampa Bay Lightning ice hockey, see a top UFC fight, watch a Cirque du Soleil performance or get seats to a live concert all the big names come to Tampas Amalie Arena!
Easy To Reach By Road
Tampa is the northernmost cruise port in Florida,and the only one on Floridas west coast. Served by the I-75 and I-4, it is about150 miles closer to the northern states than Port Miami and Port Evergladescruise port so why drive further than you have to?
If youre driving to Tampa for a cruise,its wise to drive down a day or two earlier in case of bad weather furthernorth. Once you get the Sunshine State, youll have no more problems with iceand snow, unlike some other cruise ports.
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Cruises Return As Celebrity Edge Sails Off From Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. â After more than a year of being shelved due to the pandemic, cruises made a return Saturday afternoon in South Floirda.
The first cruise ship to leave a U.S. port since coronavirus brought the industry to a 15-month standstill sailed away with nearly all vaccinated passengers on board.
Celebrity Edge departed Fort Lauderdale at 6 p.m. with the number of passengers limited to about 40% capacity, and with nearly all 1,100 passengers vaccinated against COVID-19.
What You Need To Know
- Cruises return with Celebrity Edge sailing from Fort Lauderdale Saturday
- Cruise industry has been at a 15-month standstill due to pandemic
- 99 percent of passengers on the ship were vaccinated, cruise officials said
Celebrity Cruises, one of Royal Caribbean Cruise’s brands, says 99% of the passengers are vaccinated, well over the 95% requirement imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A giant greeting was projected on a wall of one of the port buildings: “Someday is here. Welcome back.”
Passengers arrived with matching T-shirts that read phrases such as âstraight outta vaccinationâ and âvaccinated and ready to cruise.”
To comply with both the CDCâs requirement and a new Florida law banning businesses from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination, Celebrity Cruises asked guests if they would like to share their vaccination status. Those who did not show or say they are vaccinated face additional restrictions.
Find Out Whats Happening In Tampawith Free Real
This will be the first cruise ship to depart from Port Tampa Bay since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order on March 14, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Royal Caribbean cruise will be followed by cruises with Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line in November and Norwegian Cruise Line in December, departing from Port Tampa Bay.
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Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
Explore some of Grand Caymans most famous sights like Seven Mile Beach or Stingray City. You can book shore or reef dives, or enjoy a turtle excursion to learn more about marine turtles and Grand Caymans conservation efforts. Food travelers will want to book A Taste of Cayman to sample local cuisine and visit the Cayman Islands Brewery, which produces the only locally brewed beer.