Before You Sail: Tampa Bay

Spend a Night in Tampa Bay

Flying in the day before is the safe choice — and Tampa makes it easy to enjoy. The cruise terminals are in the Channel District, so much of what you want to do is close by.

Where to stay

Tampa is a working port city with a long Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrant history, and that shows up in its food: Cuban sandwiches, deviled crabs and café con leche are local staples worth trying before you board.

Fly-in cruisers usually pick one of three areas: near Tampa International Airport for convenience; downtown and the Channel District to walk to dinner and be minutes from the ship; or the Gulf beaches — Clearwater or St. Pete Beach — for a beach-vacation feel with a longer drive on embarkation morning. Ask us for hotel suggestions to fit your budget.

A Simple Embarkation-Day Plan

1. Breakfast near your hotel, then check out with bags.
2. Leave enough time for downtown traffic — several ships may be in port.
3. Arrive in your boarding window; drop bags with the porters.
4. Onboard: lunch, explore, and be on deck for the Skyway sailaway.

Arriving very early? Remember there is no bag storage at the terminals — the Florida Aquarium option is your friend.

Packing help: Cruising Checklist. Travel insurance: Cruise & Travel Insurance.

After Your Cruise

Ships dock early, so if your flight is not until the afternoon you have a few hours in Tampa. A morning visit to the Florida Aquarium next to Terminal 2 works well, and the aquarium will hold your bags with an admission ticket. Ybor City is another easy option for a Cuban-sandwich lunch before the airport. If you are driving home toward St. Petersburg or Sarasota, the beaches make a relaxing last stop.

Hurricane season

From June through November, tropical weather can change itineraries, delay returns or close the port briefly. Leave flexibility in your travel plans and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections and trip interruption.