Pre-cruise: We departed Virginia via US Airways on Saturday morning from Ronald Reagan Airport. On arriving at the airport, we found the long term parking was full and we needed to park in the daily parking for $20/day. We checked our luggage and made our way through security in short order. While waiting at the gate, they announced our flight was oversold. They offered a $325 voucher (which was more than we paid for the flight!) and a first class seat for a flight later that evening. My DW and I accepted the offer and went home for the afternoon. Since the long term parking was full, we went back home and had our DD drive use back to the airport later that afternoon. SCORE!!! First class seats, no parking fee and vouchers to use for our flight to next years cruise. A great way to start the vacation.

We stayed overnight at the Homewood Tampa Airport Westshore. We were picked up by the hotel shuttle at the airport and check-in was quick and easy. The room was large with kitchen facilities and free internet. We found the bed to be a little hard but it was only for one night. The hotel also offered a free shuttle to two local malls but we were tired and did not take advantage of it.

Sunday: The next morning, the hotel offered a free hot breakfast (hash brown patties, scrambled eggs, sausage, oatmeal, rolls, etc.). After breakfast, my DW and I walked around the neighborhood but there wasn't much to see. We did walk to a nearby mall but they were closed until 11 a.m. on Sundays. By the time we got back from the walk, it was time to head out to the port. We called a cab and it was a quick 10- 15 minute ride to the cruise ship port. Cost was $20 plus tip. Read more