TBR

I'd like to think this was either meant in jest or is sarcasm directed at the OP. If not.............SMH.

Yes it was sarcasm.

we went on brilliance nov 8 anyone not happy with not much entertainment on this cruise? plus cabin steward sucked

Thanks for the heads up. I'm suppose to sail in 9 days on the Brilliance. I'm going to call Royal in the morning and cancel the cruise. I'd rather lose the money now then go and have a sucky cruise. :(

The Brilliance just returned today from its first sailing out of Tampa. I will be sailing on her in 9 days. This post will move to the top and maybe someone just returning will see it and post.

I would recommend the Brandon area I 75 and Hwy 60. There are several hotels on either side of I 75 with 20 or so restaurants and a large shopping mall all located in the area. Hwy 60 is a direct shot west to the port of Tampa about a 7 mile drive,15 minutes in non rush hour traffic. Here are a few of the 10 or so hotel,motels nearby

http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/brandon/tpabr/hoteldetail

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpabr-courtyard-tampa-brandon/

http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/embassy-suites-tampa-brandon-TPABDES/index.html

I saw on another thread that esgargot was available every night,do you happen to know if that is true? What were the always available options?

I am cruising on Freedem of the Seas departing from Port Canavarel on Oct. 25. Our last night on the cruis is Halloween. Just curious what to expect. Is there a Halloween Party? Do most people dress up?

We sailed Liberty last year and Halloween was the last night of our cruise. There were several guests dressed up in costumes. They had the celebration combined with the Quest in Studio B

Thanks Jessemon...I have read this entire thread and while I agree completely that it is very informative, I am completely overwhelmed with information regarding Tampa Hotels. I thought it would be a good idea to narrow it down a bit.

I live in tampa. If you are not going to have a car, I would stay in the Westshore area. Embassy suites,Marriott,Sheraton and several other hotels are in the area. As someone mentioned in another post Embassy suites is across from Westshore mall and several good dining establishments are within walking distance. Another mall, International Plaza is about 2 miles away and there are about 12 restaurants and upscale stores to shop in. The airport is about a 10 minute ride from westshore area and about 15 minutes to port.

The only problem with the hotels in the Rocky point area,Chase Suites,Sailport and others, is limited access to stores or dining. There is a Bahama Breeze up the street from Chase suites,Landrys seafood is across hwy. Not much else to do,the bay can be nasty at times for swimming. Sometimes the beach is closed. If you do not have a car, you are at the mercy of taxi or hotel van.

One area to avoid is Busch Blvd near Busch gardens,not a good area to be after dark.