Port of Tampa

[PCruzer]

We are thinking about the Veendam out of Tampa for this winter. It's been a long time since we have cruised out of Tampa. I was looking at air schedules from our local airport. Do you think there is any possibility of making a 10:55 am flight on debarkation day? I know that we have done it before from Fort Lauderdale, but the port and airport are so close there. Has anyone ever done this early a flight out of Tampa? Thanks!

[Roz]

That's cutting it awfully close. On my last cruise, an elderly British couple who were both hard of hearing held us up for hours because they didn't report to immigration. Knocks on their door went unanswered so finally the head of security unlocked their cabin door and had to write them a note!

You can't control things like this.

Roz

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

You are cutting it close.

One time when we were in Tampa, it was a Sunday when we disemabrked the ship, there were hardly any cabs at the pier. The lines were long for people waiting for cabs to go the airport and hotels.

We had to wait 30 minutes and we were in the top category on the Noordam and among the first off the ship.

:)

[TampaMike]

I sailed Veendam March 03 & March 04. Both times we were delayed in arrival & debarking. My last trip did not start debarking until 9:35am, and I was not off untill 11:10am.

The sail into Tampa Bay has some sticky issues, frequently causing delays. Fog is a major winter & spring issue. Secondly, the shipping lane does not allow multiple ships to pass.

I would advise a flight after 12 noon.

[lwnbwlr]

We were on the Noordam in April and arrived in Tampa quite early. Unfortunately for some, Customs checked passengers and baggage on a massive scale delaying embarkation until almost 11:00AM. I'm with the others suggesting a later flight.