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For a taste of authentic Florida Cracker cuisine, try sofkee porridge, pilau (rice cakes) or fried alligator tail during your next Tampa cruise. For the ultimate culinary experience in Tampa Bay, Bern’s Steak House is the most sought-after choice. Its extraordinary wine menu, delectable steaks, and magnificent dessert room make it a top spot to celebrate a special occasion. No matter what type of sport you’re into, you’re bound to find it here in Tampa.
Tampa, Florida
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. Many top-rated cruise lines offer cruise itineraries out of Tampa, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. The port’s proximity to Tampa International Airport makes it a favored starting point for many cruise adventures.
Our Ship Sailing Out of Tampa
During Panama Canal itineraries, you’ll also stop in idyllic destinations in Central and South America, including the jungles of Costa Rica, the romantic city of Cartagena in Colombia, and the beautiful island of Cozumel in Mexico. Positive impressions start from the moment the cruise guests arrive at the modern, award-winning Tampa International Airport. 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. One of the growing trends both cruise lines and their itinerary planners are seeing is an increase in the number of guests who are interested in extending their cruise by enjoying the pre- and post-cruise activities in the homeport city. Embarkation is as crucial to the overall cruise experience as the ship, its onboard amenities and the itinerary of picturesque ports.
Moffitt Cancer Center at Port Tampa Bay
Once dubbed the “Cigar Capital of the World,” the Ybor City district is rich in history and Latin culture. Stop in one of the area’s many cigar shops and buy a few hand-rolled cigars to take home. Spend the day mingling with locals at one of the craft breweries, or simply stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the façades of this charming neighborhood before boarding one of our Tampa cruises. The islands of the Western Caribbean offer the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation in a lush, tropical environment. Dive into some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs in Cozumel and explore the famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off the coast of Belize.
Margaritaville at Sea will sail new ship from Tampa in 2024 - USA TODAY
Margaritaville at Sea will sail new ship from Tampa in 2024.
Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You’ll find it hard to choose a favorite from the area’s picturesque beaches. Tampa Bay is a convenient embarkation point for those looking for a sunny vacation to the Caribbean. 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. Tampa cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. Today, Tampa’s port is one of the largest in the nation due to its phosphate shipping and shrimp trading.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Tampa’s food scene stems from a fusion of Cuban, Spanish, Italian and Floribbean influences. Local raw bars serve up fresh shrimp, oysters, scallops and grouper from the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban sandwich— piled with Genoa salami— is a city signature.
A homeport that is easy to navigate, and provides a variety of unique and interesting activities just steps from the ship? And that’s exactly what cruise operators and their itinerary planners will find at Port Tampa Bay on Florida’s West Coast. Amtrak services Tampa, arriving downtown at Union Station on Nebraska Avenue.
Night Bahamas & Perfect DayDetails
Travel time from the airport via most modes of transportation is about 20 minutes. Tampa, nicknamed "The Big Guava", is so much more than merely home to Busch Gardens (one of the most popular theme parks in Florida). The Ybor City district is alive with history, shopping and fine dining. The Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Industry are also must-sees.Looking for a cruise from Tampa? Rated one of the best aquariums in the country, the Florida Aquarium is located just steps away from Tampa’s port area.
In addition, guests are just steps from the sights, sounds and experiences of Downtown Tampa. 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. Pristine beaches and fascinating history await in the Eastern Caribbean, where you’ll stop in popular destinations like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, along with more under-the-radar islands such as St. Kitts and Nevis. Explore ancient forts in San Juan, lounge on the powdery white sand beaches of St. Maarten, and spot colorful schools of fish while snorkeling in St. Thomas—there’s no shortage of fun to enjoy.
And come nightfall, 7th Avenue in Ybor City heats up, Latin-style. To get from the Tampa cruise port to most attractions in the city, you’ll need to rent a car or use a ridesharing service. There are a handful of car rental agencies located close to the port. You can also take the TECO Line Streetcar around downtown Tampa and Y-Bor. For a fun way to see the city, try a water taxi, which will take you to various stops along the water.
Moffitt Cancer Center at Port Tampa Bay is located in the busy Water Street district across from The Florida Aquarium at Port Tampa Bay’s Cruise Terminal 2. 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.
Watch exciting performances in the theater and enjoy family fun at the pool deck. Break up with your weekly routine and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships — no days off required. Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures. Located southwest of the city of Tampa, St. Pete is an artsy city that boasts upscale boutiques and restaurants, museums and art galleries, and fun activities for the whole family.
Set sail to destinations like Mexico, Belize, Key West, or cruise the Southern Caribbean and the Bahamas. Whether you prefer a senior, romantic, singles, or family cruise, Cruise Critic caters to your preferences. Some of the nation’s leading beaches are found on the Gulf Coast, and passengers on Tampa cruises will have plenty of award-winning options to explore. At Fort de Soto, you can canoe or kayak, hunt for seashells, and explore the historic fort. At the upscale St. Pete Beach, try an exciting watersport like parasailing or kiteboarding, or simply lounge on its sugary sands.
You’ll find ATMs throughout the city’s most-visited destinations and neighborhoods. Credit cards are widely accepted, though it’s always wise to have some cash on hand. International Plaza is an upscale shopping destination with both brand-name and luxury stores, plus a number of world-class restaurants, located about 20 minutes away from the port. For upscale boutiques in a picturesque setting, head to Hyde Park Village, just 10 minutes from the port.
Spend an afternoon strolling through the historic district of Ybor City or walk along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat at the trendy Armature Works. Sports fans can catch a game at the Raymond James Stadium, while thrill-seekers can head to Busch Gardens, home to exhilarating roller coasters that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Unlock a treasure trove of adventures on Florida’s west coast, plus cruises to the Western Caribbean.
