Cruises from Tampa

Considered the fastest growing cruise port in North America, the Port of Tampa is popular with cruise passengers because of its semi-tropical climate and immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico. Three cruise lines offer departures from Tampa: Carnival, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. Some popular cruises from Tampa include the Western Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Cruise Traffic Growing

Because of the increase in demand for cruises from Tampa, the cruise lines have been bringing in new and larger ships. For example, Carnival Cruise Line's new 2,600-passenger ship, Sensation, had to be custom-built to fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In addition to bringing in larger ships, the Tampa Port Authority expanded Garrison Seaport Center Terminal #2 in 1998 and opened the new Terminal #3 in 2002.

Tampa Attractions Near the Seaport

The growth incruises from Tampahas drawn many attractions to locate near the Port, including:

• Florida Aquarium and Dolphin Quest eco-tour
• St. Pete Times Forum hockey and concert arena
• SS American Victory Ship and Yacht StarShip
• Channelside Bay Plaza entertainment complex featuring theaters, shops and restaurants
• Tampa Bay & Company official Visitor Information Center.
• SS American Victory Mariners Memorial & Museum, a World War II era merchant marine ship that offers daily tours

Channelside

Channelside, an entertainment complex developed from an old warehouse and banana dock district, offers a multiplex cinema sometimes showing independent films, an IMAX theater, entertainment, shopping and restaurants in a waterfront setting. Restaurant choices range from the upscale Jackson's Bistro to casual patio dining at The Marriott Waterside Café, or wings and burgers at Hooters. Channelside is located a short walk from Tampa cruise embarkation facilities at the Port of Tampa, so you can have fun and stock up on necessities before you leave for your trip.

Local Cruises

If you don't have the time for a big cruise, you can still enjoy the beauty of Tampa Bay by trying these diverting escapes:

• Evening Dance Cruise
• Lunchtime Sightseeing Cruise.
• You can even get married on the beach with the gorgeous Gulf sunset as a backdrop!

tags: cruises from Tampa, tampa attractions, tampa tours