Tampa Florida
Introducing Tampa, Florida
By Lena Hunt
Tampa Cruise Port, a bustling waterfront with so much to do while waiting for your ship
Tampa Cruise Port is known for its year round cruising to mainly the Western Caribbean and Panama Canal and for being a bustling waterfront with tons of things to do. The port is tucked inside Tampa Bay, which is not too far from the century-old historical St. Petersburg (and its award-winning beaches of Fort DeSoto) and Clearwater (with powder sugar white sand that has earned its awards). Along with all the many activities of nearby beaches including Tampa Bay’s own sea, sand, and sun what-to-do’s. Tampa Cruise Port’s waterfront has many unique shops, artist’s creations, live entertainment as well as eateries of every flavor. Large mural paintings of sea life and everyday life of the area will lead you to a courtyard of even more shops and restaurants. Eat outdoors and take in the view of the water. It’s constantly bustling so you might want to book an extra day or two just to get in some of the sights and sounds. Some hotels have special packages where you can stay a 2-3 nights and get free parking during your cruise.
Tampa, Florida
Introducing Tampa Florida
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
April 7, 2010
Ships from one of these well-known cruise lines - Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, or Celebrity – will embark from this sunny port. While you wait for your ship to arrive why not have some fun? Remember that your vacation doesn’t just begin when you get on board. It begins at the port! Everything is within walking distance or a trolley ride away. Just a stroll away from the port is the lovely-landscaped Florida Aquarium with over 5,000 aquatic animals and plants for a fun learning experience.
Rare and exotic plants are even labeled and defined for an awesome educational and fun experience. There is even an outdoor play area with water spouts where kids of all ages and get soaked and cool off in the Florida sunshine. A newer attraction is one where certified divers can even spend some quality time with sharks. The Florida Aquarium is next door to the port so there is much to take in during your wait and you'll be wondering where all the time went.
Then walk just a bit further down Channelside Drive, follow the trolley tracks (if you wish) as you walk to some of the best shops selling everything from local artists’ painting and wares to handmade fudge to Imax theaters. You can even ride the trolley to get to Channelside’s restaurant shops, restaurants, and area hotels. The downtown journey is 2.4 miles long and it takes only 22 minutes for the entire ride. The cost is only $2 one way for adults and $1 one way for senior citizens and children. Children under four can ride free. Soak in a little history, sunshine, and fun all at the same time.
A couple of stone’s throw away is the Cuban-flavored Ybor City. This is a place where the streets are still made of brick and where old buildings exhibit balconies of wrought iron. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Have your camera ready because the sights are irresistible as colorful and energetic flamenco dancers entertain you. You’ll think that you have entered a miniature version of the old island of Cuba.
Known for its beautiful, bustling waterfront, Tampa Cruise Port and the city of Tampa with major league teams, the finest and local shopping, and over 2,000 restaurants is a vacation in itself. Be sure to book a stay before you board your cruise ship. You’ll be thrilled that you did!
