Introduction
Tampa is situated at the center of the coastline of Florida at the head of a large bay sheltered by the Pinellas peninsula.
In the early 19th century the Federal Government made a decision to move the Seminole Indians to lands near Tampa bay. Fort Brooke was constructed on the east bank of Hillsborough River to maintain control over the area. It continued as an isolated and little populated outpost until 1884 when the Florida railroad businessman Henry B Plant determined to build a railroad which ran through Tampa, ending at Port Tampa. Following the completion of the railroad, Plant set up a steamship service carrying passengers, mail and cargo between Havana and Port Tampa. Following these projects Plant constructed a number of opulent hotels around the bay, including Port Tampa Inn and the St Elmo Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel by Hillsbrough River in Tampa.
In 1885 the Tampa Board of Trade enticed the Cuban Don Ybor to construct a new cigar-making factory in the town. The cigar business grew rapidly, in part due to the fact it was ideally positioned between the supply of tobacco coming in through Port Tampa and the retail markets of the USA.
At a similar time rich phosphate deposits were discovered near the city, leading to a mining and shipping boom. By 1900 Tampa had grown from a tiny outpost to one of the biggest cities in the state.
Tampa's rise continued through the next century, and today the city has evolved into a modern urban center busy with enterprise and commerce.
The economic achievements of the city are in many ways thanks to its thriving ports. At the beginning Port Tampa operated as the city’s port, but it was first joined by, then beaten into second place by, the Port of Tampa. The city was a busy departure and arrival port for foot passengers in the 1880s and 1890s but passenger operations dwindled through the next century. But it was not till the 1980s when cruises became popular, with Regency Cruises and HAL arriving at the Port of Tampa to operate cruises to the Caribbean. From 1994 Carnival also homeported a ship at Tampa, the Tropicale.
You Choose The Cruise
Cruise vacations from Tampa call at intresting ports of call including places in Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. Choose from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 day durations.
The ports-of-call make for a memorable trip - you can visit a wide range of exciting sights - in Belize experience lazy Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Costa Maya see the lush flora and fauna of the verdant tropical rain forest, in Grand Cayman stroll along the beautiful white sands of fabulous 7 Mile Beach and in Roatan swim in the blue waters of Half Moon Bay Beach.
Cruises from Tampa shows all the cruise ship departures from Tampa.
Cruise Terminals Map
Cruise Terminals
Cruise Terminal 2
Tampa Port Authority’s Garrison Seaport Center project of the late 1990s included the creation of Cruise Terminal 2. Available facilites include customs, baggage trolleys, a snack bar, taxi rank and restrooms. The terminal has access to a single mooring. Cruise Terminal 2 is home to Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.
Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was finished in 2002 to service a growing demand for cruise vacations out of Tampa. Facilities include a snack bar, luggage carts, restrooms, VIP lounge and customs. The cruise terminal has a single cruise ship mooring. Terminal 3 is used by Royal Caribbean, HAL and NCL cruise ships. Parking is located straight across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car park. Valet services are available.
Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is positioned just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 provides facilities for HAL. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship mooring. Parking is available next to the terminal.
For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.
Sightseeing In Tampa
Florida Aquarium
The whole family will marvel at the myriad of sea creatures on show at the Florida Aquarium. Favorite exhibits include Ocean Commotion, Coral Reefs, No Bone Zone, Wetlands and Aquariumania. Extra activities are available such as Swim with Fish and Penguins - Backstage Pass. The Aquarium is sited just beside cruise terminal 3.
SS American Victory
The cargo ship SS American Victory sailed all through World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been renovated into a working museum. Walk aboard and witness the entire ship including weapon systems, lifeboats, a hospital section, the bridge and steering center. The SS American Victory is moored by the Florida Aquarium.
Channelside Bay Plaza
The large Channelside development offers many bars, shops, eateries and entertainment venues.
Tampa’s Riverwalk
Enjoy the best-known sights of the city and sweeping views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the new Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk meanders along the waterside it passes a whole host of sites including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Channelside Bay Plaza, Teco Line Streetcar, USF Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.
Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the majestic Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian design. Nowadays the hotel building is primarily taken up by the University of Tampa, but it is also home to the well worthwhile Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famed entrepreneur.
Ybor City State Museum
With its Cuban roots Ybor City is one of two National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida. Ybor City’s iron balconies, narrow streets and brick houses give a glimpse of 19th century history. Drop in at a bar with flamboyant flamenco dancers, or buy a hand-made cigar at a shop. Several stops of the old Teco streetcar are near the cruise port and can carry you to Ybor city.
Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to go on a memorable trek crossing the magnificent Serengeti plains, take in a show with live perfomers, enjoy up-close meetings with rare wildlife and frighten yourself on pulse-pounding roller coasters. Busch Gardens is positioned 8 miles north of the cruise port.
Traveling To The Cruise Port
By Air
Tampa Airport is around 7 miles away from the cruise terminals. Catching a taxi is a simple way to travel between the two.
By Car
From Orlando
Follow I-4 westwards to exit 1. GoTravel south along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then head left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the parking area next to the cruise terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south along Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking lot is located on the right of the street across from the Florida Aquarium.
From St Petersburg
Take I-275 eastwards. Merge with I-4. Follow I-4 eastwards to exit 1 , signed Port Of Tampa/Ybor City. Continue southwards along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the open parking next to the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south on Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking garage is located on the right of the street just across from the Florida Aquarium.
