Cruise Port of Tampa

Tampa gives cruise passengers a wealth of options before and after a cruise. Located on Tampa Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is the third largest city in Florida and one of the largest ports in the U.S.

Terminals: As the states' largest cargo port, the Port of Tampa is also growing in importance as a year-round passenger port, boarding 850,000 cruisers a year. State-of-the-art cruise terminals adjoin Channelside (www.channelside.com), an entertainment complex anchoring an urban renewal that has made downtown Tampa a focus for dining, nightlife, hotels, shopping and the arts.

Other characteristics of the Port’s cruise terminals include customer-friendly information areas, superior security, full passenger amenities and on-terminal parking, at just $12 per day.  Valet services are also available.  Close proximity to the interstate highway system adds to the overall convenience of cruising from Tampa.

Home Base: Tampa now homeports five vessels from four cruise lines:  Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines, offering the variety of 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 14-day cruise itineraries and ports of call by other lines, including Crystal Cruises.  The 2,124 passenger Carnival Miracle became the first Spirit Class vessel to serve Tampa. 

Getting There: The drive from Tampa International Airport to the cruise terminals takes about 20 minutes, and a cab ride costs $20. From the airport, travelers take I-275 north to I-4 East to Exit 1. Go South on 21st street and turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60) then left onto Channelside Drive and follow signs to Florida Aquarium/Seaport Terminal. Visitors can drop their luggage at the terminal before proceeding to parking areas. Parking costs $12 per day for cars, more for oversize vehicles.

Early Arrivals: The terminals are hospitable and modern, but most early arrivals spend their time at Channelside. There, travelers can sit at a sidewalk cafe at the water's edge, visit boutiques and galleries, or dine at establishments such as Margarita Mama's and Jackson's Bistro.

Pre-and-Post-Cruise Stays: Travelers who stay at least one night at the Holiday Inn Express in north Tampa (813- 910-7171) can park free during their cruise via the "Park & Cruise" package. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Tampa East (877-227-6963) offers free shuttle transportation within five miles. The Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina (888-268-1616) is part of Channelside.