Cruises to Tampa

605 Reviews
Tampa (Photo:Sean Pavone/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Tampa

Tucked inside Tampa Bay on Florida's west coast, it's really no surprise that Tampa has evolved as a year-round bustling cruise port for Western Caribbean itineraries including Cuba, as well as Panama Canal. Its red-hot waterfront is jampacked with sights, sounds and surf, and is just a hop, skip and a jump away from century-old St. Petersburg and from Clearwater, one of Florida's best beaches.

Cuban-influenced Ybor City -- a short streetcar ride from the cruise terminals -- is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Its narrow brick streets, red-brick buildings and wrought-iron balconies offer old-world charm. You'll also spot flamenco dancers galore and old factories selling Florida's best hand-rolled cigars, not to mention plenty of Major League teams batting up for spring training. Finally, Tampa offers up award-winning beaches to perfect your glamour tan and more than 2,000 restaurants to soothe your hunger.



  • More about Tampa

  • Why Cruise to Tampa?

  • Tampa Cruise Port Facilities?

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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

7 Night
Belize & Mexico Cruise

1,827 Reviews
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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

14 Night
14 Nt Azores & Spain Transatlantic

1,827 Reviews
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Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade

25 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,042 Reviews
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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

9 Night
New Orleans & The Caribbean

1,827 Reviews
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7 Night
Western Caribbean - Tampa

2,042 Reviews
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17 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,355 Reviews
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7 Night
Grand Cayman, Belize & Mexico

1,827 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Southern Caribbean Cruise

1,826 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

14 Night
Transatlantic Cruise

1,827 Reviews
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16 Night
Bermuda & Spain Transatlantic

1,827 Reviews
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10 Night
10 Nt New Orleans & The Caribbean

1,827 Reviews
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5 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

1,235 Reviews
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4 Night
Bahamas & Florida - Tampa

2,355 Reviews
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7 Night
Key West & Bahamas Cruise

1,827 Reviews
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14 Night
Southern Caribbean - Tampa

2,355 Reviews
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More about Tampa

Why Cruise to Tampa?

Pros:

Ybor City, one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, is a streetcar ride away

Cons:

There's a ton to do nearby, but the humidity can zap energy; stay hydrated

Bottom Line:

Tampa, and its surrounding cities, offer sports, sun, museums and attractions for everyone in your party

Tampa Cruise Port Facilities?

The Channelside complex is just a short walk from the terminal. Everything you could possibly want is close at hand -- from multiplex cinemas to shopping, the Florida Aquarium and plenty of places to dine, be it fast-food or a waterside bistro. There's even a complimentary, 75-minute educational catamaran tour around the port on Wednesdays on Thursdays, although reservations are required (813-905-7678). There is a tourism information kiosk, a spacious passenger lounge, and parking garage with valet parking.

Good to Know?

Don't waste time straightening your hair as Tampa tends to be extremely humid, especially in the morning hours. Additionally, the summer months see more rainfall than average. Tampa has enjoyed a substantial dip in crime rates during the past several years, and now averages about that of any major U.S. city. Take safety precautions you'd take in any city.

Getting Around?

The Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 5 miles from downtown. Amtrak services Tampa, arriving downtown at Union Station on Nebraska Avenue. Travel time from the airport via most modes of transportation is about 20 minutes. St. Petersburg is a 30-minute drive from the Tampa airport.

For seeing the sights, it's highly recommended that you rent a car. All the majors, such as Avis and Hertz, are at the airport in the red baggage claim area and across the walkway in the blue baggage claim area. Parking is relatively easy around Tampa, whether you choose street parking or the many garages.

Shuttle vans, such as Bay Shuttle and SuperShuttle provide service 24/7, leaving from all four quadrants of the baggage claim level and providing services to a number of outlying destinations.

Taxis need to be called, though you'll generally see some lined up near the hotels, the performing arts center and terminals. Two reliable taxi companies to call are Tampa Bay Cab (813-251-5555) and United Cab (813-253-2424).

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) operates Tampa area buses, trolleys and the TECO Line Streetcar System. HART's Route 30 runs buses from the airport to downtown, leaving from the east end of the red baggage claim area.



The TECO Line Streetcar System takes visitors back in time in replicas of Tampa's streetcars of the 1920s. The streetcar system whisks you on a 2.4-mile journey between downtown area hotels, the shops and restaurants of Channelside, the Port of Tampa and cruise terminals, the Florida Aquarium, and the Ybor City historic district. You can travel the entire line in only 22 minutes, giving you plenty of time to sightsee before your ship sails.



The rubber-tire In-Town Trolleys circulate around downtown and the Hyde Park Village shopping area. The In-Town Trolley connects with the TECO Line Streetcar System at the striking Southern Transportation Plaza at the southern end of the streetcar line, only a short ride from the cruise terminals.



Visitors can take advantage of the 1-day unlimited ride fare card. If your stay in Tampa will last a little longer, you can purchase a 3-day unlimited ride visitor pass, available though HART facilities and select hotels.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are readily available.

Language?

English is spoken.

Where You're Docked?

Tampa Cruise Port Address:
Terminal 2: 651 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Terminal 3: 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Terminal 6: 1333 McKay Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Ships dock at the Port of Tampa Cruise Terminal, six to eight minutes from downtown.


Tampa Cruise Reviews
On way back the views of Tampa Bay and the skyline were out of this world. Never saw it with an ocean view, always from the surface roads.Read More
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jagtrouble2
We found a hotel near the airport (Holiday Inn Express) on the water near a beach and some waterfront dining. The access and facilities were fine. Read More
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VintageCheap
Easy parking close to ships, friendly port staff...highly recommend for the extra $20 using Valet parking at this port. Valet drop off is at the ship drop off and they helped with unloading luggage, and when we returRead More
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ROYERSKINE
FABULOUS, we did a pre and post cruise stay over in Tampa's Ybor City Historic District. Lots of Cuban influence restaurants, bars, shops and traditional cuban style cigar shops on and in the 7th Avenue part of the dRead More
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wisnir

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