Which Cruise Lines Sail Out Of Tampa
Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle, Royal Caribbean Internationals Brilliance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Dawn will all sail out of the city, enabling cruise travellers to explore multiple destinations across the Caribbean and Central America.
When Should I Arrive
Because Port Tampa Bay is a smaller port serving only two or three ships at any given time, its an easy place to get around. If parking in the garages, 30 minutes is plenty of time to park and walk to the terminal.
Its also possible to drop off your family or friends at the terminal with your bags and then park while they wait. Surface lots are about a ten to fifteen-minute walk away so if you choose those, make sure to factor in additional time.
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.
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Royal Caribbean Is First Cruise Line To Restart Cruises From Tampa
The cruise industry restart has reached the Port of Tampa.
Royal Caribbeans Serenade of the Seas arrived in Tampa on Saturday to begin offering cruises from West Florida, which is the first time a cruise ship has sailed from the Port of Tampa since 2020.
Serenade of the Seas will depart Terminal 6 on Saturday to begin a new cruise season there, having just wrapped up an abbreviated cruise season in Alaska.
Serenade will offer 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa, Florida, starting Oct. 16 and 7-night Caribbean itineraries, beginning December.
Royal Caribbeans return to Tampa is just as ceremonial as it is tangible to the area. Business Research & Economic Advisors estimated that a 3,000-passenger ship generates an average of $334,000 in passenger and crew onshore spending per call in a homeport city.
Cruises have been able to restart from other ports in Florida, including Port Everglades, PortMiami and Port Canaveral, but this is the first time Tampa has been able to see ships leave.
Later in December, Brilliance of the Seas will return to Tampa to offer 4- and 5-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises beginning on December 16.
Is May A Good Month To Cruise
May/June. Why: Less crowded than many other months, the early summer season is a prime time to enjoy the Caribbean on the quieter side. Pricing: Cruise traffic ramps up to prepare for the influx of summer-month vacationers. The Caribbean Sea averages 81 degrees for most islands during this time of the year.
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Ships Sailing From Tampa
From Royal Caribbeans massive fleet of ships, three call the port of Tampa home Rhapsody of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. Spread over 13 decks, Brilliance of the Seas has amenities for guests of all ages. From the game shows to the outdoor movie nights to the mystery dinner theater, youll find plenty to do at sea. The Rhapsody of the Seas has 12 decks, including a solarium, and the schedule includes jewelry-making classes and the original Pure Country and Piano Man shows. On the 12-deck Majesty of the Seas, youll love the dance and cooking classes, and the kids will enjoy the slides at Splashaway Bay. Both the Brilliance of the Seas and the Rhapsody of the Seas have four different room categories interior, ocean-view, balcony and suites, while Majesty of the Seas has three categories of rooms.
Port Of Departure Tampa Florida
Tampa, Cigar CityCruise Ship TerminalsCruise Terminal 2Cruise Terminal 3Cruise Terminal 6Cruises From TampaThings To Do Near Tampa Cruise PortFlorida AquariumSS American VictoryChannelside Bay PlazaTampas RiverwalkYbor CityHenry B Plant MuseumBusch Gardens Theme ParkGetting To The Cruise PortCruise Port Map
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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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Cruises From Tampa Florida
- Post published:12/07/2021
- Post last modified:12/07/2021
Tampa, Florida lies along the Gulf of Mexico and is home to a very popular cruise port. According to Cruise Critic, Port Tampa Bay has evolved into a year-round bustling cruise port for mostly Western Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries, though cruises to many destinations are available from Tampa. Tampas cruise port is close to major airports and a number of cruise lines visit the port.
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Enjoy Tampa Before Or After Your Cruise
There are plenty of great cruise options departing from Tampa, and you may as well enjoy a bit of time in this lovely city in Central Florida when you are traveling there to take a cruise. For tips on how to make the most out of your cruise vacation, check out the Tampa Port Authority website for suggestions on what else to see and do in the area before and after your cruise.
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Port Of Tampa Bay Announces Cruises Will Sail In October
One of Floridas most popular ports announced that cruise ships will resume sailing in October. Port of Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson released a statement saying that Royal Caribbean will be the first line to sail from the port when Serenade of the Seas embarks on October 16th. It will be the first cruise from the port since March 2020.
Royal Caribbean will be followed by Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line in November and Norwegian Cruise Line in December from the Port of Tampa Bay.
Port Tampa Bay enthusiastically welcomes back our cruise line partners. Beginning in mid-October, Royal Caribbean International will resume sailing from our port, followed by Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line in November and Norwegian Cruise Line in December, said Anderson. Tampa has long been regarded as an attractive homeport thanks to the variety of quality hotel and dining options, our world-class beaches and nearby attractions. The return of the cruise industry will have a far-reaching economic impact on our region.
According to officials at the port, there are new protocols in place for passenger health and safety. Terminals will undergo a deep cleaning after a cruise embarks which includes disinfecting commonly touched things like door handles, railings and countertops.
Cruise Season In Tampa
Just like many of the ports of call, Tampa lies within the area affected by the Atlantic hurricane season. From June through October, there is certainly a higher risk of hurricanes and inclement weather. November through April is an ideal time to consider a cruise that includes stops in the Caribbean.
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As Always Practice Good Hygiene To Prevent The Spread Of Covid
- Wash your hands, front and back and in-between fingers, for a minimum of 20-seconds multiple times during the day. Especially after using the rest room, touching your face or coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away or cover your mouth with the inside of your arm instead of your hands. Wash your hands afterwards.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
- Wear a mask when out in public.
- Practice safe social distancing.
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Cruise Ships That Have Been Stuck In Port Since The Pandemic Struck Are Starting To Trickle Back Into Florida But Tampa Bay Won’t See Any Cruise Lines Return Until The Fall
If you want to take a cruise this summer, you’ll have to first drive across state to Port Canaveral where ships could begin sailing soon as early as June.
Port Tampa Bay isn’t scheduled to host its first cruise until November.
Before they can set sail, federal guidelines call for cruise lines to use volunteer guests to test their infection control plans. That includes having laboratories onboard to test for COVID-19.
John Murray is CEO of Port Canaveral.
“Every cruise line has to have an agreement with a hospital, has to have agreements with a transportation company to move people that might be sick to a hospital, and housing agreements if someone has to be quarantined ashore,” Murray told WMFE, “so theyve been working these deals independently.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has banned companies from requiring proof of vaccinations from customers.
One of Tampa’s main cruise lines, Norwegian, said earlier this month it was considering suspending Florida departures because of the ban, but Port Tampa Bay’s website shows it plans to resume local operations in December.
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Transatlantic And European Repositioning Cruises
If youre after a Transatlantic crossing cruise that departs from Tampa, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian are your best bets. Some people really enjoy the cruise ship experience so a week at sea is the perfect way to relax.
- Royal Caribbean has a 14-night option that stops in Key West, Portugal, Gibraltar, Malaga, and then ends in Barcelona .
- Norwegians 14-night option stops in Bermuda, the Azores, and ends in Denmark. Inside cabins start at $799 per person.
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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.
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Royal Caribbean Cruises From Tampa Florida
Visit Cozumel, Mexico, on a Royal Caribbean cruise from Tampa, Florida.
When you need to get away from the daily grind of life, a cruise lets you unplug and unwind. If youre looking for a cruise line that’s good for couples, families, singles and travelers of all kinds, Royal Caribbean fits the bill. The cruise line has ports all over the world, including Tampa, Florida, where you can begin a journey to the Western Caribbean and Mexico. As a bonus, if you have extra time before or after your trip, you can visit all the attractions in Tampa like the pristine beaches, Busch Gardens and the Tampa Riverwalk.
Cruise Ships In Tampa
The cruise ships that depart from Tampa are all relatively similar with regards to amenities and offerings. They tend to be larger ships with endless entertainment, big casinos, numerous dining options, and ample pool and sundeck space. These are not ultra-luxury cruises, but youll find beautifully appointed suites if your budget allows. Look for other luxury touches like special wine packages or dining options, especially on lines like Holland America. You will need to factor tipping, alcohol, port charges, and excursions in your budget.
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Carnival Cruise From Tampa
Carnival Cruise Line currently has two ships that sail out of Port Tampa Bay: Carnival Pride and Carnival Paradise.
The Carnival Pride measures an impressive 963 feet long and has a guest capacity of 2,124 with 930 crew members on board. This cruise liner offers one-way and round-trip cruises ranging from 6-14 days. Destinations include Cozumel, Belize, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Panama Canal, Bermuda, Barcelona and more.
While onboard, guests can enjoy a day at the spa, an afternoon of waterslide excitement or an evening of live entertainment. There are also numerous restaurants to choose from that cater to both kids and adults.
The Carnival Paradise cruise ship measures slightly less at 855 feet long and has a guest capacity of 2,124 with 920 crew members on board. This cruise ship offers round-trip cruises only ranging from 4-6 days. Destinations include Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Grand Cayman, Key West and more.
Couples will love the adult-only serenity retreat offered by the Carnival Paradise. While kids will go crazy over Camp Ocean, which offers age-appropriate crafts, songs, games, toys and dancing plus a delicious kid-approved lunch! The Carnival Paradise has it all.
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Facilities At Port Tampa Bay
There are three cruise terminals at Port Tampa Bay.
- Cruise Terminal #2: Home to Carnival Cruise Line
- Cruise Terminal #3: Home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
- Cruise Terminal #6: Home to Holland America Line
The three terminals offer ample parking and valet services are available at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Channelside Bay Plaza and the Florida Aquarium are both on either side of Cruise Terminal 2, while they are within close walking distance from Terminal 3 and Terminal 6.
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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 get into and out of, 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.
St Thomas Us Virgin Islands
Explore some of the beautiful beaches around St. Thomas and the stunning harbor of Charlotte Amalie. Book a catamaran sail, island tour, eco hike, and more. Divers flock to St. Thomas for its stunning reefs and numerous wreck sites teeming with marine life. If you’re certified, don’t miss booking a dive here.
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Royal Caribbean Vaccine Requirements
Royal Caribbean does not currently require cruisers from Florida to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but there are disadvantages to cruising with the line without your shots. Most places on board the ship will be available to everyone, but there are certain venues onboard Royal Caribbean ships designated for vaccinated passengers only. All guests are tested prior to boarding.
All crew members on board Royal Caribbean ships are fully vaccinated and are tested each week for the virus.
You may have seen a few weeks ago when a cruiser, dubbed Cruise Karen, was removed from a ship after testing positive for the virus.
Whats Next For The Restart
Four more Royal Caribbean cruises ships will restart operations before the year comes to a close.
Explorer of the Seas is scheduled to restart cruises when she sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning on November 7. Explorer will sail 7-night Southern Caribbean sailings.
Royal Caribbean is especially excited to see Navigator of the Seas return to service, because it means the restart of cruises for the cruise line from the west coast.
Navigator will offer 3-, 4- and 5-night Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico cruises from Los Angeles, beginning November 19.
Grandeur of the Seas will start cruising again when she offers 7- and 14-night Southern Caribbean sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados, starting December 5.
Finally, Enchantment of the Seas will begin cruising again in December, when she sails from Baltimore on December 23, offering 8-night Bahamas sailings, and select 12-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean.
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