Tampa Port ?

[annbanan]

Our first time going out of Tampa. Any points I should know? I have heard that some do not like leaving there because it takes so long going down past Florida. I don't think that should make a difference. I wonder if you can see the coast as we are heading south. :rolleyes:

[sansterre]

The first hour leaving Tampa is very interesting. You can see land on both sides of the bay. Leaving port, I think the starboard side is more scenic (St. Petersburg). The port side is more industrial in nature. Around 7, you pass under the bridge which is quite interesting IMO.

[GeriatricNurse]

The first hour leaving Tampa is very interesting. You can see land on both sides of the bay. Leaving port, I think the starboard side is more scenic (St. Petersburg). The port side is more industrial in nature. Around 7, you pass under the bridge which is quite interesting IMO.


The bridge is called the "Sunshine Skyway Bridge"! ;)

[crusinbanjo]

Mrs Banjo & I have sailed out of Tampa twice. Both times were enjoyable and the Sunshine bridge is a sight to see at night! I also like Tampa because it is easy to get from the airport to the terminal and back at the end of the cruise. Very handy!

[dyjack]

Passing under the Sunshine Bridge is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy your trip!

[jtl513]

I wonder if you can see the coast as we are heading south. :rolleyes:By the time you're past the Skyway bridge it's dark, or nearly so, and all there is to see until the next morning is distant ship or shore lights.

[canehdn]

I have entertained the idea of a cruise out of Tampa myself and have wondered about the airport ... compared to Fort Lauderdale Airport. Is the airport just as crazy on disembarkation day or not quite as busy? If anyone that has used both could give me a general idea I'd appreciate the input. Thanks.

[canehdn]

Double post ... sorry

[ricki]

Tampa International Airport is much easier to fly in and out of than Ft Lauderdale. You are dealing with far less ships in port, usually.

Ricki

[lorekauf]

I loved going out of Tampa. I came in the day before so I don't know what the airport is like the day of. IMO Fort Lauderdale can be an ordeal to deal with. Tampa was a very positive experience.

[sunandsea]

Our first time going out of Tampa. Any points I should know? I have heard that some do not like leaving there because it takes so long going down past Florida. I don't think that should make a difference. I wonder if you can see the coast as we are heading south. :rolleyes:

Here is a pretty good article that will get you going in the right direction learning about Tampa:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1227720/a_travel_guide_for_tampa_bay_florida.html?cat=16

[annbanan]

Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, that will be cool, going under the Sunshine Skyway! I am looking forward to the trip no matter what.

[FLACRUISER99]

I shouldn't rain on your parade but the one time I left from Tampa it was foggy. All ship traffic was stopped so we could not leave, the gang planks were all pulled in, the Captain said no one could go ashore due to the fact that if the fog lifted we had be ready to go. To make a long story short we did not leave until the next morning around 10 or 11 and had to miss one port. I hope you have better luck then me!!

[cindy1957]

I wouldn't worry about a foggy port. We live in Tampa and that is a pretty rare occurance. It doesn't help when it is you but it isn't the same as the Seattle or Alaska. Sunset today in Tampa is around 7:45 so when you take your cruise will determine how light it is when you go under the Skyway Bridge. It is a very beautiful bridge.

The scenery around the port is not wonderful because this area of Tampa started as an industrial port a long time ago. The ship departs from an area called Channelside. The Florida Aquarium right next door is nice, the shopping area is attractive, and there is a lot of new residential/hotel development. Because Florida's elevation is low you don't have beautiful shore lines that you can see from a distance like some of the Caribbean islands. On the other hand you should have blue skies, sunshine, and by comparison warm breezes. We took the Ryndam a year ago and had a great time.
Enjoy yourself and if you want to come in a few days early there are several CC posters who can give you great input.

[annbanan]

Wow, fog for a whole day! I think that is rare. What month did you cruise?

Thanks Cindy. I've been up to Tampa for baseball games but never around the port. I'm looking forward in going under the Skyway Bridge!