Introducing Tampa
The city of Tampa is located on the western coast of Florida, around 50 miles southwest of Orlando.
Tampa has its beginnings as the small outpost of Fort Brooke, established by the United States Army in 1824 on the coastline of Tampa bay to help protect the important harbor. Tampa remained a small and remote post until 1884 when the railroad businessman Henry B Plant determined to construct a railroad extension which ran through Tampa, ending at Port Tampa. After the railroad was finished, Plant set up a ferry ship service carrying passengers, mail and goods between Havana, Cuba and Port Tampa. Then Plant constructed a series of grand hotels in the area, including Port Tampa Inn and the St Elmo Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel by Hillsbrough River in Tampa. The entrepreneur Don Martinez Ybor was next to have a large influence on the rise of Tampa, when in the 1880s he set up a huge cigar-making factory close to the center of the city. Ybor constructed many streets of character casitas to accommodate over 12000 tabaqueros (cigar makers).
Tampa benefited from a double dose of excellent commercial luck when mining explorations found easily accessible phosphate deposits in Bone Valley eastwards from the city.
By 1900 Tampa had increased in size from a tiny outpost to one of the largest cities in Florida.
Today Tampa has risen to become one of the main cities in Florida with an important commercial shipping harbor, and a prominent industrial zone.
Tampa’s ports have been very influential on the city’s economy right from the 19th century. Port Tampa was the city’s first port, but it was first joined by, then beaten into second place by, the Port of Tampa. Tampa was a thriving port for passengers in the late 19th century but passenger operations dwindled during the 1900s. Round trip cruises only began in the 1980s when Regency Cruises and Holland America started operating cruises from the Port of Tampa to the Caribbean. The cruise giant Carnival noted the demand for these cruises, and set up a cruise programme out of Tampa in 1994.
Touring Tampa
Florida Aquarium
The whole family will enjoy the large amount of sea creatures at the Florida Aquarium. Favorite exhibits include Aquariumania, No Bone Zone, Ocean Commotion, Coral Reefs and Dragons Down Under. There are also special activities on offer such as Penguins - Backstage Pass and Wild Dophin Ecotour. The Aquarium is positioned just beside cruise terminal 3.
Channelside Bay Plaza
The large Channelside development features lots of shops, entertainment venues, restaurants and bars, including an IMAX theater and a bowling alley.
Tampa’s Riverwalk
Enjoy the sights of the city and views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the newly opened Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk contours the riverside it passes lots of attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Cruise Ship Terminal 2, Channelside Bay Plaza, Cotanchobee Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Kiley Gardens and the Tampa Museum of Art. The southern section runs all the way between the Florida Aquarium and the USF Park. At the moment it’s possible to continue on from USF park, but with some detours.
Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the fabulous Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for visitors to Tampa. It’s sumptuously constructed to look like a Moorish palace, with extra flourishes of Victorian era architecture. Today the hotel building is largely occupied by the University of Tampa, but it also houses the very educative Henry B Plant Museum, which chronicles the life of the celebrated magnate.
Ybor City State Museum
With its Cuban roots Ybor City is one of two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Ybor City’s narrow alleys, wrought-iron railings and brick buildings offer an insight into old-world history. Visit a bar with dramatic flamenco dancers, or purchase a hand-made cigar at a shop. Take the original Teco Streetcar from Cumberland Avenue, York Street, or Port Authority stops to Ybor city.
Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you can watch a stage show with live entertainment, take a memorable safari crossing the Serengeti plains, enjoy memorable meetings with amazing wildlife and frighten yourself on thrilling roller coasters. Busch Gardens is positioned 8 miles north of the cruise port.
Cruise Ideas
Cruise vacations from Tampa call at enjoyable ports of call in Grand Cayman, , Honduras and Jamaica. Pick from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 night\day lengths.
The variety of destinations are the ingredients for a memorable vacation You’ll be able to enjoy a whole range of excursions - in Cozumel join a shore excursion to the iconic Mayan ruins at Tulum, in Belize experience lazy Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Key West eat delicious Key Lime pie at the legendary Sloppy Joe’s and in Costa Maya get up close to the lush rain forest.
For a full calendar of cruises see cruises from Tampa.
Tampa Cruise Terminals
Cruise Terminal 2
Tampa Port Authority’s Garrison Seaport Center scheme of the 1990s included the creation of Cruise Terminal 2. The terminal offers a large cruise passenger embarkation and disembarkation area, fast customs facilities and baggage operations. The terminal offers a single quay. Cruise Terminal 2 is used by Carnival. Car Parking is available straight across the street at the Channelside multi-storey car park. Valet services are available.
Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was finished in 2002 to meet the need of a growing demand for cruises from Tampa. Services include customs, restrooms, guest lounge, baggage trolleys and a snack shop. The terminal offers a single cruise ship berth. Cruise Terminal 3 is home to Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line cruise ships. Parking is located straight across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-deck car park.
Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is located on the west shore of Ybor channel. Cruise Terminal 6 has been renovated for use by Holland America. The cruise terminal offers just one cruise ship quay. Car Parking is located directly onsite.
For the port authority website see Tampa Port Authority.
Traveling to the Cruise Terminals
By Air
Tampa International Airport is located around nine miles from the cruise port. Catching a taxi is an easy to travel from airport to cruise port.
By Car
From Orlando
Take Interstate-4 westwards to exit 1, signed Ybor City. Head southwards on 21st Street then turn right on Adamo Drive, signed Cruise Terminals 2 Thru 6 Hwy 60 then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the open parking area directly at the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south on Channelside Drive. The long term parking garage is on the right of the street just across from the Florida Aquarium.
From St Petersburg
Drive along I-275 eastwards. Merge with I-4. Follow Interstate-4 east to exit 1 , signed Port Of Tampa. Travel southwards on 21st Street and make a right on Adamo Drive, signed Cruise Terminals 2 Thru 6 Hwy 60 then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 turn left onto McKay Street to get to the open parking area next to the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south along Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking building is on the right of the street just opposite the Florida Aquarium.