First time on the Paradise out of Tampa

[Scooterpi]

This is the first time we've cruised out of Tampa. We are flying in the night before and will arrive around 8:30 pm. Can anyone recommend a hotel to stay in? Will we be able to get taxis from the airport to the hotel to the pier and then from the pier back to the airport when we debark? Around how much will this cost?

[Ehpride]

If you stay downtown, taxi fare to and from the airport should be about 25 dollars. Most downtown hotels have a free local shuttle as well. I've stayed at the Courtyard and Residence Inn. Both were nice and if the weather is nice, it's about a mile long walk to Channelside. I really liked the Hampton Inn Ybor City. It's close to the trolley, walking distance to restuarants, good shuttle, good breakfast and very secure location.

[ManicHispanic]

If you stay downtown, taxi fare to and from the airport should be about 25 dollars. Most downtown hotels have a free local shuttle as well. I've stayed at the Courtyard and Residence Inn. Both were nice and if the weather is nice, it's about a mile long walk to Channelside. I really liked the Hampton Inn Ybor City. It's close to the trolley, walking distance to restuarants, good shuttle, good breakfast and very secure location.

 

 

+1 on the Hampton Inn, I believe free port shuttle also.

[Ehpride]

If you need wine for the ship, go to the store at Channelside. Prices were reasonable. Precinct Pizza was great too.

[Scooterpi]

Thanks for the suggestions! Will there be cabs there when we disembark? When we flew into Ft. Lauderdale there were a ton of cabs for transport to the airport when we embarked and disembarked.

 

A free shuttle sounds perfect!

[Ehpride]

There should be cabs. Depending on how many people are with you, there's an office at the port thst stores luggage, sells discount aquarium tickets and has a shuttle to the airport for about 10 dollars per person. For two of us with a late flight, we stored luggage there, got a real lunch and took a shuttle to the airport. It cost less for us to take that than it would have been for us to take a cab. It might not hurt to have numbers for cab companies just in case.

[lindfaz]

As the ship leaves port, be sure to go topside to see the magnificent site when the ship goes under the Sunshine Skyway. It looks like it is only inches away. A great photo op time also. Have a great cruise.:)

[CoasterJoe]

If you need wine for the ship, go to the store at Channelside. Prices were reasonable. Precinct Pizza was great too.

 

Unfortunately the wine store closed a couple of weeks ago.

[Ehpride]

Unfortunately the wine store closed a couple of weeks ago.

 

That sucks! I really hope they do something to revitalize Channelside.