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
What Cruise Lines Leave 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.
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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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Cruises Are Back These Ships Will Sail This July From Florida
Find out which cruise ships are resuming operations out of Florida this July including from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
Are you planning on taking a cruise this summer from Florida but getting confused about the offerings? You are likely not alone. Cruise companies have been changing their schedules, ships, requirements, and itineraries on an almost daily basis in the last few months.
Nonetheless, Cruises Are Back!
So, the question is then, which cruise ships are sailing? We look at what we can expect from Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line this July and some other cruise lines that will sail from the sunshine state.
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.
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Where Do You Park When Leaving On A Cruise From Tampa Bay Florida
Tampa Bay in Florida is a popular cruise ship destination because of its proximity to beaches, restaurants, shopping and sites that celebrate and promote Cuban history. According to the Tampa Port Authority, at time of publication, six cruise ships from four cruise lines sail out of Tampa’s port. The cruise lines leaving from Tampa are Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Lines. If you live close enough to Tampa Bay that driving makes more sense than flying, ample valet and self-parking can be found at and near the Port of Tampa.
Sail Beneath Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge is amajestic landmark with its sail-like supporting cables. It is over 4 miles longand the longest single span is 1200 feet. The current contemporary cantilever bridge was completed in 1987 andcarries 59,000 vehicles and around 100,000 people every day. It makes a greatphoto op as you sail beneath the four-lane I-275 highway, especially at sunset.
The bridge is 430 feet at its highest point.Currently the largest Oasis-class cruise ships are 236 feet in height, sotheres plenty of room for them to sail comfortably beneath. However, as cruiseships get higher and require a deeper draught, the bridge could limit the sizeof cruise ships sailing in and out of Tampa port in the future.
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Caribbean Cruises From Tampa
Royal Caribbean and Carnival operate many Caribbean cruises out of Port Tampa Bay. Everything from standard 4, 5, and 7-day cruises to multi-week options are available. You can also choose from repositioning cruises that have you depart from Tampa, but finish in another port.
- Carnival offers a 14-night cruise from Tampa that takes you to the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Aruba, Bonaire, and St. Maarten, ultimately ending in Baltimore, Maryland. This repositioning cruise starts at $3,059 per person for an inside cabin.Maarten, ultimately ending in Baltimore, Maryland. This repositioning cruise starts at $3,059 per person for an inside cabin.
- Royal Caribbean offers week-long and shorter cruises. Their four and five night Western Caribbean cruises are often priced as low as $200 per person. Four night cruises head to Cozumel, while the five night options include Grand Cayman in addition to Cozumel. Prices for the four night Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise start at $209 per person for an inside cabin.
Wondering which ship you should book? Expect carriers like Carnival and Royal Caribbean to cater to younger crowds with some heavy partiers. Many of these cruises are so deeply discounted that youll find large groups of friends getting together for a wild week at sea. If youre looking for a more laid-back and mature crowd, consider Holland America.
What’s 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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Cruise Lines That Sail From Port Tampa Bay
A popular port located on the west coast of Florida, Port Tampa Bay is a year-round homeport for several ships and a growing winter/spring homeport for other lines:
- Carnival
- Norwegian
- Royal Caribbean
Itineraries that leave from Tampa offer choices of Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean, along with partial Panama Canal transits. Some lines even offer five-night voyages from Tampa to the Bahamas, most of which call at the cruise lines private island there. Autumn and spring transatlantic voyages also arrive and depart from Tampa every year.
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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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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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
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Carnival Pride To Set Sail From Tampa In November
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.
Vaccine exemptions for cruises to the Caribbean will be limited to a very small number of children under 12, and teens and adults with a medical condition who can provide written confirmation from their medical provider that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Our sailings from Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Maryland will operate under these criteria until December 31, 2021 with the assumption that current and evolving restrictions imposed by destinations will remain in place.
In addition, passengers regardless of vaccination status must provide a negative COVID-19 test.
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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.
Celebrity Cruises Out Of Tampa
Another great cruise line that sails from Tampa Bay is Celebrity Cruises. Their ship, the Celebrity Constellation, meausures 965 feet long and holds up to 2,184 guests and 999 crew members. From Port Tampa Bay, Celebrity Cruises has one-way and round-trip cruises ranging from 5-15 days. Destinations include Spain, Grand Cayman, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Antigua and more.
Celebrity Cruises offers fun for kids of all ages. Teens can participate in culinary classes and Xbox tournaments. Pre-teens will have the chance to join the ship scavenger hunt and sports tournaments. Elementary-age kids can join the campouts, movie nights and lawn games. All ages are welcome at the silent disco party. Dont worry, the adults havent been forgotten on the Celebrity Constellation. Theres a spa, adult-only solarium and numerous bars and lounges.
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Tampa Cruise Port Directions
From Orlando FL take highway Interstate-4 West to Exit 1, continue south on 21st Street, on Adamo Drive turn right, then left onto Channelside Drive.
From Clearwater FL take Highway 60 East , follow the signs to Interstate-275 North that merges with Interstate-4 East. Follow Interstate-4 East to Exit 1.
From Tampa International Airport take FL-60 E northeast on George J Bean Inbound Parkway, continue for 2,3 miles, take the right ramp to FL-60 E , at the fork keep right and follow the signs for Tampa to merge onto FL-60 E. Take Interstate-275 North to McKay Ave , turn right onto McKay Ave. United Cab and Yellow Cab taxi service is available outside airports Baggage Claim Level. To the cruise terminal, taxis charge flat rate fee USD 28.
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Port Cruise Parking Right Across The Street
Very few cruise ports have cruise parking within walking distance of the cruise terminals, but Tampa does! Theres no need for a shuttle or taxi from your cruise car park, just book self-parking at the cruise port and you can wheel your luggage across the street to cruise check-in.
Prices are $15 per day to park at the port cruise parking lot at 810 Channelside Drive. It is convenient and secure with 3,500 spaces, including half in the covered garage. For other parking options, check out our Tampa cruise parking guide.
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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.
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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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!
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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Find Out What’s 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.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
Another cruise line set to sail this July is Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which sails 2-day itineraries onboard its Grand Classica cruise ship starting July 2. Guests do not need to be vaccinated but will be held to additional health and safety regulations onboard the ship.
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
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