I am not a first time cruiser (7 others), but this was my first cruise on Royal Caribbean and probably my last. I travelled with my husband and children. I will tell MY story and you can use it as it applies for you...

TAMPA:

The Port of Tampa was the quickest and easiest port I have been to so far. It is located in Ybor City in a business/residential area. You drive all the way up to the ship. I'm not sure what parking is like as I was dropped off and picked up by my sister. It takes 3 hours to travel out of Tampa Bay and going under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is something that HAS to be experienced from the deck of the ship - the ship's clearance is only 6 feet from the top of the bridge. Read more