Cruising on NCL from Tampa...Terminal Experience?

[Red-Sol]

Might be booking a cruise sailing from Tampa on the Jade. Curious how people have found the experience of sailing from there?

Edited August 12, 2022 by Red-Sol

[RosieRoo]

1 hour ago, Red-Sol said:

Might be booking a cruise sailing from Tampa on the Jade. Curious how people have found the experience of sailing from there?

We used to live in that area and sailed from there many times.  It’s a very easy port to navigate.  There’s a parking garage right across the street from the terminals and they used to have valet parking which was great. Not sure if they still have it since Covid. Just be careful not to book a super early flight. Tampa is notorious for fog at certain times of year and it can delay the ship arriving into port. 

[kdmbluerzr]

Good info, thanks. I too, have been looking at a cruise on the Jade out of Tampa in 2024. 

[SeaShark]

Sometimes you find the best information on a board dedicated to the topic.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/

 

That is the Cruise Critic forum that covers departures from the Tampa Port. It will have the best information on the terminal and the surrounding area, while this board is geared toward what happens after boarding the ship.

[Lionkingrichard]

We just cruised in Feb.

 

Uber to port had to drop us off about 100 yards down the street which was ok as that was where testing was.

 

One line into the building and no special lines for Haven. Once through security at the top you went Right for Haven and Left for general. Did not go left, so can't comment on that side. 

 

Getting of the ship, pay a porter. Trust me!

 

If getting a Uber we had to turn left and walk to the corner about 100 yards.

[rluzius]

Terminal 2 is small and old. Terminal 3 is much bigger and nicer.

[Red-Sol]

4 hours ago, rluzius said:

Terminal 2 is small and old. Terminal 3 is much bigger and nicer.

Does NCL tend to sail out of one more than another?

[Homosassa]

17 minutes ago, Red-Sol said:

Does NCL tend to sail out of one more than another?

It really doesn't make a different.

 

Tampa cruise port is very small and no one terminal is more or less convenient for luggage drop off (don't arrive before all departing guests have cleared the terminal, sidewalks, or roads in front of the terminal.

 

If your terminal has the long term parking in the garage across the street, there will be an area set aside specifically for your cruise line and sailing that will be secured for the length of your cruise.

 

We have cruised out of Tampa many times.  None of our experiences have been "terminal."

 

https://www.porttb.com/facilities-terminals 

[Red-Sol]

36 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

We have cruised out of Tampa many times.  None of our experiences have been "terminal."

🤣