Doughboy77

My menagerie of towel animals bring back fond memories...

 

We've got one of those as well from our five night cruise on the Inspiration. Not sure what we'll do with 7 this October...

 

 

 

This is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa. The gateway to our freedom.

 

Inspiration in October 2006

 

 

 

Also on the Inspiration as we left Cozumel. A stairway to paradise.

 

Springhill Suites:

DW and I stayed at Springhill Suites last Sunday and had a great time. After landing and collecting our luggage we called and they had the shuttle pick us up. We didn't use it after that as a local friend picked us up to hit Wal-Mart then to dinner at a Thai place at Channelside. The free continental breakfast was one of the best I've seen and it had my favorite, belgian waffles (wish the ship had them!). When we checked in we requested a taxi for 11 and it was there right on time. We ended up sharing it with another couple so it was only $15 per couple. Overall it was a great experience and we're likely to stay there next time we visit Tampa.

No need to apologize. :)

Agreed. :)

suncoastgirl - I had read your previous post dealing with picking up items near Springhill Suites and saw that the closest package stores were by Wal-Mart on Kennedy Blvd. I was looking for some confirmation from katie because yesterday when I called the hotel they told me that the shuttle would only go to the malls and when I asked specifically they said the shuttle would not go to Wal-Mart. I figured that katie (having just been there and having made use of the shuttle system) would be able to provide me with some specific details as to how useful the shuttle would be for us so I can plan accordingly.

 

I have read through many pages of this thread looking for information and do appreciate the contributions by yourself, Cracker Ken, and all the others who've chipped in here. I'm sorry if my desire to get some clarification here made you feel like your efforts aren't appreciated.

 

 

katie - Thanks for the response (and defense). I was probably just dealing with an over-worked desk clerk who didn't have all the correct information. Looks like our decision is made.....now to just run it by my DW. ;)

katie, thanks for the great review of the hotel...you've got my wife and me seriously considering staying there before our Inspiration cruise. Since we'll be flying in we're planning on picking up some Cokes and (hopefully) some rum and Bailey's to go with the free punch and coffee onboard. Were there any places near the hotel where we could pick up these things?

I'll jump on the bandwagon here and ask about drugstores and package stores around Chase Suites. DW and I stayed there last year before our cruise but didn't get a chance to explore the area. This year we figure we'll need to stop somewhere what with the new flying restrictions. any help would be appreciated.

If you are flying in and don't have to worry about parking, Chase Suites has an internet rate of $79 that we were able to get. It includes transportation from the airport, but not to and from the port. However, even if taxis each way cost $20 you're still coming out ahead when compated to the $139 park and cruise rate. That's what my wife and I are doing in two weeks.

Doughboy,

None by were you are staying but, pull a Jessemon, ask the cab driver to stop by one on the way to the port. Probably the ABC on Kennedy Blvd would work. It's on the way to the port.:D

 

Sounds good to me. Thanks for the tip!

Jessemon, it's good to hear about the malls nearby to Chase Suites, but what about liquor stores? Wouldn't mind picking up a goodie or two to take on board with us. ;)

I went ahead and booked the $79 room. Apparently it's supposed to be just an internet rate, but it had gone up by the time I was ready to book. Called the hotel and they were nice and gave me the $79 rate anyways. That includes a shuttle from the airport as well as a shuttle anywhere within 5 miles. Just gotta get a taxi for going to and from the port. Should come out ahead this way. Now to just get to the actual cruise. :D

I'm needing some info on taxis in Tampa. I found a rate of $79 at the Chase Suites and need to know how much a taxi will cost from there to the port as well as from the port back to the airport. If the fare is low enough I can go with this low rate instead of the $139 for the ship and shuttle package. Thanks for any help!