Tampa cruise port guide: Sail away from Port Tampa Bay

23.08.2024 - 17:45 / thepointsguy.com

Nestled on Florida's west coast, Tampa's cruise port is situated on the bay, rather than directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Port Tampa Bay serves five cruise lines and offers a variety of sailings to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Central America.

Tampa is a fantastic place to begin or end your cruise. It offers easy access to international airports, premier hotels from major brands and boutique options, and restaurants to suit any culinary desire. Add a few days to your vacation to explore what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer, including pristine Gulf Coast beaches, Central Florida's nearby theme parks and incredible museums for adults and children.

The three cruise terminals at the port of Tampa are terminals 2, 3 and 6.

The best place to view a map of the three cruise line terminals is on the Port Tampa Bay website. Click one of the three terminals, and you'll be taken to a Departure Guide that includes a map.

The port offers restrooms, vending machines and luggage storage through a third party. Several restaurants and bars are a few minutes' walk from the terminals.

All cruise terminals are ADA-accessible, with elevators and ramps. Availability permitting, cruise staff can help transport passengers in wheelchairs to and from the vessel.

Five cruise lines sail from Port Tampa Bay and utilize the three cruise terminals:

Tampa's port does not have set terminals reserved for specific cruise lines, as you might find in other Florida ports. The calendar feature on Port Tampa Bay's website can help you find which terminal is assigned to your ship on departure day. Click on your ship's name on the calendar square for the day you embark, and you'll see its terminal at the top of the pop-up box that appears. You'll also see an option to purchase on-site parking for your cruise in the same box.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

If arriving by air for your cruise, you can choose to fly into several airports close to the Tampa Bay cruise port.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest option, approximately 7 miles and a 15-minute drive to Port Tampa Bay. Major airlines that fly here include Air Canada, Alaska, American, British Airways, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Virgin Atlantic.

If you're looking for lounge access, TPA has a Delta Sky Club at Concourse E.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is farther away but might have more affordable and desirable flight schedules for your needs. This popular Central Florida destination is approximately 85 miles from Tampa's cruise port. Though it can be just an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive without traffic, plan for considerable congestion on the highways between these two major cities. With traffic,