Tampa

Visitors don't have to venture far west from downtown Tampa to be on a Gulf of Mexico Beach. A string of barrier islands runs from St. Pete Beach north to Denedin and includes resort communities such as Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach. Closer and only a bridge away from Tampa is downtown St. Petersburg. The Pier (www.stpete-pier.com), a dining and shopping complex in downtown St. Petersburg, is a popular spot for cocktails and viewing sunsets.

From downtown Tampa, a 50-cent trolley ride takes visitors to Hyde Park Village, an urban center for strolling, shopping famous name boutiques and idling at sidewalk cafes.

Eight miles northeast of downtown Tampa is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, one of Florida's top theme parks. The 300-acre park is home to some of the world's newest, tallest and fastest roller coasters, as well as to gardens, a zoo, entertainment venues and a selection of restaurants.

Those who like to shop can visit Tampa's 200-store International Plaza (www.shopinternationalplaza.com), a dining and shopping complex. It's next to the airport and six miles from the port.

For golf lovers there are over 90 courses in the Tampa Bay area, many of which are open to the public. The Rocky Point Golf Course (813-673-4316) is just west of the Tampa International Airport. The Tampa Bay Area is the fastest growing golf region in the state.

The Florida Aquarium is located right beside the cruise terminal at Garrison Seaport Center. It features sea creatures in near-natural habitats, dive in shark tank, Eco-tour and over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals.

Holland America Line's three-and-a-half-hour "Historic Tampa" shore excursion is for post-cruise passengers departing the airport after 3pm. The excursion ends at the airport. Carnival offers a pair of four-hour shore excursions, both with airport transfers. One is a city tour and the other features the Florida Aquarium.