Thursday, April 18, 2024

Tampa Cruise Port Terminals: Ultimate Guide for Port Tampa Bay

cruise ships port of tampa

St. Petersburg is home to some of the best beaches in Florida, not to mention the amusement of the city’s water-based activities, including swimming, diving, and beach strolling. Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa – Ybor City is tucked in Ybor City, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods near Port Tampa Bay. The hotel is situated near the International Airport of Tampa, within a close range of popular attraction sites, such as ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium.

Night Panama Canal CruiseDetails

There's a Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus stop located at the west end of the Red Baggage Claim curbside by Belt 15 at Tampa International Airport. However, bus service to Port Tampa Bay requires transfers and can take more than an hour, so this option is less convenient for port of Tampa Bay cruisers. In 2013, the port Tampa was ranked USA's 16th largest (by domestic trade tonnage), 32nd largest (by foreign cargo tonnage) and 22nd (total shipping tonnage). Port's impact on Florida's economy is over USD 15 billion, with supported over 80,000 local jobs. Most handled vessels are bulk carriers and tankers, also Ro-Ro ships (car carries) and boxships (container carriers). In 2017-Q1 (winter season) the port handled 239,301 passengers (3% increase over 2016-Q1).

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

There are a number of independent lots that line Channelside Drive, in some cases costing as little as $7 per day (plus taxes and fees). While the entire Tampa area can offer hotels, there aren’t many right at the port. The closest hotels are in downtown, which is a short distance away.

cruise ships port of tampa

View All Cruises from Tampa, Florida

As we mentioned, it is highly recommended to fly in the day before your cruise departs. When doing that, booking a hotel is an important part of the planning process when cruising from Tampa. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site.

In our opinion, Port Tampa Bay is one of the best-kept secrets in cruising. Rated one of the best aquariums in the country, the Florida Aquarium is located just steps away from Tampa’s port area. Here, you can pet stingrays, get up close with African penguins, and even spot dolphins in the wild on a catamaran cruise. The aquarium is so close to the port that passengers leaving on cruises from Tampa can bring their luggage, which the venue will safely store while you explore.

Explained: Free Disabled Parking for Florida Cruises

Port of Tampa Bay dealing with flooding but landside operations uninterrupted - The Capitolist

Port of Tampa Bay dealing with flooding but landside operations uninterrupted.

Posted: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

In 2014, the port purchased two new China-made gantry cranes (from ZPMC / Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries) for USD 21,5 million. Two bridges spanning Old Tampa Bay - Gandy Bridge (1924-opened, carrying highway 92) and Howard Frankland Bridge (1960-opened, carrying highway I-275) directly connect Tampa to St Petersburg.

Mediterranean Retains Second Most Popular Cruise Market

If you’re going on a cruise out of Tampa and need some helpful advice about the Tampa cruise port, we’ve got you covered. Port Tampa Bay has plans to invest $380million over the next five years to build new docks with deep-water access, modernterminals and navigational improvements. It also plans to install gantry cranesable to handle the largest post-Panamax ships. Cruisers will be askedto wait in various allocated points around the ship. When your group is called,you can head to the gangway to disembark. Your cruise pass will be scanned onefinal time and then canceled so no return to the ship is possible.

Terminal parking at the Tampa cruise port is conveniently located across the street from Terminals 2 and 3 and adjacent to Terminal 6. Ybor CityJust about 10 minutes from the cruise port, Ybor City is a great place to head if you’re looking for something to do in the evening. The historic district is home to lots of older buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants, most with a Latin flair. It’s great for a date night or just a stroll to explore and take in the atmosphere.

Complete Guide to Cruising From Port Tampa Bay

Additionally, each cruise terminal serves specified cruise lines to enhance efficiency and convenience. At the helm of Florida’s economic engine is the city’s popular cruise port – The Port of Tampa, also known as Port Tampa Bay. When you think about cruising out of Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are probably the first port’s that come to mind. If you are looking for something a little quieter, on Florida’s west coast sailing into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Tampa. Independent LotsOne of the reasons that Tampa charges relatively little for parking is that the port faces a lot of competition.

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. 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.

Sail down the Panama Canal, an engineering masterpiece that allows ships to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watch as its complex system of locks unfolds, then stop in the historic center of Panama Viejo, where you’ll learn all about the town’s pirate history. Tampa Bay is a convenient embarkation point for those looking for a sunny vacation to the Caribbean.

In May 2019 starts an USD 10 million project with planned renovations of all the 3 cruise ship terminals. Works (by Gilbane Building Company) include interior improvements and adding of escalators in Cruise Terminals 2 and 6. Cruise Terminal 2 will also be refurbished and upgraded to be able to handle transit itineraries, and not only roundtrips without passengers embarking from non-US ports. Since January 2019, world's 6th largest containership company COSCO Shipping (China) added Port Tampa Bay to company's GME Transpacific service (Gulf of Mexico Express). COSCO is also member of Ocean Alliance (together with CMA-CGM, OOCL, Evergreen Marine).

You can also jump on a shipwreck diving trip or spend time with dolphins and penguins backstage. The satisfying terrestrial life and aquatic ecosystems showcased in the Florida Aquarium will fill your exploration with fun and thrill. The winter season, running from November through March, makes the best cruising time. Over this season, the temperatures are relatively friendly for cruising, with a typical daily range of 70°F (21°C) and 79°F (26°C). Due to the season’s convenience, the November-March season has become Tampa’s peak cruise times.

Pete region, it can take anywhere from minutes, depending on where you are. In a tourist hotspot like Tampa, there’s no shortage of places to stay. That means it can be convenient — and inexpensive — to stay the night before your cruise. Unlock a treasure trove of adventures on Florida’s west coast, plus cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Located in the heart of the Ybor city district where you’ll find a large Latin community is the Columbia Restaurant. They have been in business since 1905 and they make a mean Cuban sandwich on fresh Cuban bread. If you’d like to do some sightseeing before you ship out, go out to dinner, or visit an attraction or two, Tampa certainly does not disappoint.

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