By
Alex Smith |
With new cruises announced, and lots to do just steps from the terminal, cruising from Port Tampa Bay has attractive and safe choices for everyone.
Port Tampa Bay has brought back options designed to meet the needs of eager cruise guests. Guests sailing from Tampa will find brand new hotel offerings, a variety of dining from fine to quick and casual, breweries and family-friendly attractions. Coupled with nearby white sandy beaches and an easy-to-reach airport, Tampa is an attractive destination for guests about to set sail on their next cruise.
The 2022-2023 cruise season will offer variety for cruise passengers sailing from Tampa given the range of itineraries that will be offered on six cruise vessels. In autumn 2022, Royal Caribbean International will operate two ships from Tampa – Serenade of the Seas and the Brilliance of the Seas – which will offer four-, five- and seven-night itineraries to multiple destinations. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line will operate four-, five- and seven-night itineraries on Carnival Paradise and Carnival Pride. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn will offer seven-night itineraries and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation will offer 10- and 11-night itineraries following their return to the port last year.
Now that Port Tampa Bay is a home for nearly all the major cruise brands, guests have a much wider choice of cruise options – from quick getaways to extended vacations. Travellers can visit a variety of Caribbean destinations, including St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Thomas, Dominican Republic, St Maarten, Aruba and more.
The development of Tampa’s Water Street area and nearby hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment projects continues to boost the attractiveness of the bay area as a homeport. Water Street brings the elements of a vibrant community in an interconnected and walkable space that is just steps from cruise terminals. Water Street boasts new high-end and boutique hotels like the Tampa Marriott Water Street, the JW Marriott, and The Tampa Edition. Additionally, the area offers a mix of retail and entertainment options that include international brands and cuisine, to charming boutiques and local fare.
Additionally, cruise guests have the convenience of a nearby airport, adjacent secure parking garages, three updated cruise terminals, pristine beaches and local attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, Sparkman’s Wharf and Ybor City. Cruise guests can walk from terminals and explore a dynamic waterfront, diving into a century of Cuban, Spanish and Italian culture in historic Ybor. Or guests can hop on one of several downtown trolleys to visit Tampa’s new Riverwalk, which features a variety of bars and restaurants, waterfront parks, museums and beautiful architecture.
This article was first published in the 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.