Tampa Help

[JRGAPI]

OK Mates

I have been reading all the threads and learning a lot of info.

Now I have a few questions:

1. Exactly where is the Carnival pier in Tampa, FL.?

2. I am going to bid on price line for hotel in airport and downtown

areas. Which of the two would be better choice? We don't want

to stay in rough area. Also want to stay close to shopping area

for cruise supplies that we don't want to carry on airplane. Either

walking distance or short cab ride will be OK.

3. What is the normal cab fare from pier to airport for return home.

 

JR

[signman]

The piers for Carnival, RCCL and any other line are adjacent to the Aquarium at Channelside.

 

I would look at the Westshore area first. Loaded with every kind of shopping and dining. Prices may be cheaper than in Downtown.

 

Sorry, don't have info on cab fare, but it isn't that far. Guessing that it would be around $25 or less. Perhaps the website for the airport would have this information.

[COLMRS]

We are flying out of Tampa to LA to go on a Hawaian cruise. Are there

hotels near the airport that offer parking if you stay there the night before

and maybe the night of return simular to hotels/motels near Port Canaveral and Ft Lauderdale. Would appreceiate any information. We live in Lakeland, Florida

and our other options right now seems to get a one day rental car.

[Doughboy77]

If you scroll a little further down this page you'll see a nice long thread called 'Hotel Suggestions for Tampa' and you'll find a ton of information there.

[Bassnote_1]

OK Mates

I have been reading all the threads and learning a lot of info.

Now I have a few questions:

1. Exactly where is the Carnival pier in Tampa, FL.?

2. I am going to bid on price line for hotel in airport and downtown

areas. Which of the two would be better choice? We don't want

to stay in rough area. Also want to stay close to shopping area

for cruise supplies that we don't want to carry on airplane. Either

walking distance or short cab ride will be OK.

3. What is the normal cab fare from pier to airport for return home.

 

JR

 

The piers are all on Channelside Drive which is way south of the Airport. There are a cool set of shops next to Cruise Terminal 3 and attached to Cruise Terminal 2 lots of neat theatres and resturants. The Aquarium ($15 each to get in) is a must see as well.

 

Airport hotels are a tad cheesier than the downtown ones, but cheaper. Nothing too rough until you get into or around Ybor City (which does have a good,safe tourist area that is kinda neat). There is a nice mall near the airport that is more upscale (Nieman Marcus et al). I would also recommend a great steak house on Dale Mabry Dr. Called Sam Seltzers. That was an outstanding meal.

 

Cab fare to/from the pier/airport is a flat $20 + tip unless you want to make some stops.

 

I also would tell you about the porters at Terminal 3. You won't touch a bag when you get there, they will make sure your bags are properly marked ect. and they will help you find/carry your bags at the end of your cruise. Well worth the extra tips.

 

I would recommend renting a small car for about $40 (two days) and buying a map. Go to Clearwater Beach as well, if you have time. This is the nicest beach that I have ever been on. Then dump the car at the airport, grab a cab to the pier and board by 11!;)

 

Tampa is pretty easy to get around in, have fun and enjoy!