According to the Tampa Port Authority, the Port of Tampa in Florida welcomed over 800,000 cruise passengers in 2009 while Carnival Cruise Lines named the Port of Tampa their Port of the Year. Here are some facts for passengers cruising from Tampa.
Facts about Tampa Cruise Terminal
Cruises from Tampa Cruise Terminal – Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Holland America all offer cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Carnival cruises from Tampa embark passengers at Cruise Terminal 2. Tampa Cruise Terminal 2 is located next to the Channelside Bay Plaza and the Florida Aquarium. On the other hand, Holland America and Royal Caribbean cruises originate from Tampa Terminal 3. In 2011, Norwegian Cruise Line will also be offering cruises from Tampa.
Where is the Port of Tampa? – The Port of Tampa is located off Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa at the north end of Tampa Bay. Cruise passengers can choose to fly to either Tampa International Airport (TPA) or the St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Getting from Tampa International Airport – The TPA airport is located 9.5 miles and about 25 minutes from the Port of Tampa. Alternatively, cruise passengers can use the St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport, located an additional 40 minutes from the Tampa Airport.
Cruise Transportation and Transfers from Tampa Airport
Taxis from Tampa Airport – Taxis are available on the baggage claim level of the Tampa Airport. Expect to pay the maximum flat rate of $25 for a taxi from the airport to the cruise port or downtown.
Airport Shuttle from Tampa Airport – There are shared shuttles available from Tampa International Airport to the Port of Tampa. The cost of a shared passenger van to downtown Tampa starts at $12 per person based on number of people sharing. Shuttles are located on the baggage claim level.
Rental Cars from Port of Tampa – Car rental agencies within the airport include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise and Thrifty. The rental counters are located across the walkway in the Red Baggage Claim Area and across the walkway in the Blue Baggage Claim Area. A number of rental car companies are located off the airport as well.
Parking at the Tampa Cruise Port – For those who have their own car, parking is located directly across the street from the cruise terminals at 810 Channelside Drive. The cost is $14 per day.
Best Tampa Hotels for Cruises
Hotels near Tampa Cruise Port – Choose from the Westin Tampa Harbor Island, Sheraton Riverwalk, Embassy Suites Convention Center or Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel. All are located within one mile of the cruise port.
Tampa Airport Hotels – The Doubletree Hotel Tampa Airport offers park and fly rates that include 14 days of free parking. They also offer a complimentary airport shuttle. Other hotels with complimentary airport shuttle include the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport and La Quinta Tampa Bay Airport.
St. Petersburg Florida Hotels – To extend a cruise vacation consider staying in St. Petersburg, Florida near the beach. The Don Cesar Beach Resort is a four-diamond Loews hotel located right on the beach. Alternatively, the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown offers free WiFi and breakfast.
Tampa, Florida is an alternate option as a gateway for a cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. Other more popular Florida embarkation ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
