island lady

Indeed, we used to do the off site parking for many years. That parking method ended up being less and less convenient and more and more of a PIA. Now we always park directly at the terminal.

As Ellen stated...very easy peasy to use T#1. Easy to drive in, drop your checked bags with the porters, then heading back out take a U Turn up into the garage, prepay, then self park.

It's a 2 hour drive for us to get to Tampa, and only 20 minutes to get to PC...so of course...we prefer PC. Plus PC has many more choices. But...that being said, was happy to hop on little Serenade for something different for two weeks. Enjoying it. 🙂

On return, it is usually around 2-2:30 am...but today we came in very early, so was just after midnight. Was up and on our balcony to watch. Always beautiful! On the way out...frustratingly...it is around dinner time, but if it is not dark yet...not as impressive.

Very light fog and lifting here in Port of Tampa. Disembarkation is marching along smoothly. Sun is peaking out. 🙂

No worries fellow cruisers boarding today (17th) on Serenade in Tampa. Captain made the smart decision to come in a few hours early to beat the fog. We tied up at the pier just before 3 am and are sitting here waiting for the happy cruisers embarking today (plus happy cruisers that won't be leaving the ship late today for transport) 😉 It was a smooth ride in, and the Sunshine Skyway bridge was, as usual, beautiful to sail under. 🙂

We are Pinnacle and not allowed into CL on Serenade this last few weeks...so don't feel bad.

I don't think it will be as bad as two weeks ago....IMHO...but actually just happy this is a TAD for us. 😮

We are sardine sandwiches on Serenade this week. Impossible to walk around the two tops...all lined up like cans of it on a shelf. 😮

At least I only have this one addiction to a single silly website. 😄 Though just lurking would be too boring for me. 😉

Eggnog...not really wine. 😉

OK...cruisers of Serenade (and Brilliance?)...here we go again. Anyone planning on boarding a ship in Tampa tomorrow morning (12/10), you can plan on cooling your heels. Not sure if it will be as bad as two weeks ago, and from what I can see on the weather report...probably not...but we have notice that Mother Nature's Fog Demon will be making an appearance tomorrow morning again. We are on B2B, but there will be some "not so happy cruisers" that are planning to board, and planning to disembark tomorrow. Really just a heads up that there is no dealing with Mother Nature in this port when she wants to let loose her Fog Demon. Be prepared.

I noticed that. Lurker. 😉

Welcome to Cruise Critic and your 2nd post.

My little SUV is there right now. Simply pull in at the traffic light follow the signs, drive up to drop your checked luggage (there are officials there to direct you) then start back out, but hang a left before you get back out to the light (well marked) to go into the open fenced lot. Guard at gate will take your payment and give you a receipt, then drive in to self park. The entrance gate to walk up to the terminal is at the opposite end from where you came into the entrance to pay.

Ah...hah! You are finally going for it! 🤗 Bucky still putting it off, mostly due to having it sit so much in the garage...(we seem to never be home). Let us know how you like it!

I would have gone, but had booked B2B on Serenade over a year ago. Enjoying the "practice run" right now. Nice to get reacquainted with the little ship before the WC next year. 🙂 Trying to get a peek at our cabins during upcoming TAD. 😉

Those of us on the World Cruise were invited for a two night freebie on Wonder, which will be intensive info on the World Cruise events and destinations. Could not attend...already on the WC ship right now...Serenade for two weeks. 😉

That table slides back and forth too. I pulled the chairs out, slid it to the wall, and used it for my laptop use. Was nice when "Mr. Sleepy head" was snoring upstairs. Loved the full second bathroom right behind it as well. 🥰

LOL...thought about the golf cart...but will just make me miss my own hot rod red flashy cart at home. 😄 Sitting here at the pier, waiting to venture on shore when we are ready. Simply going to find some sort of transport to get down to Alice Town to find a fishy lunch and some adult beverages. 😁🥃

Yes, some are by passing the assigned check in...if lucky. Of course there is a reason for assigned time, to get better control of the crowds outside the terminal. Then....when they are enforcing it, you get to cool your heels outside the terminal and wait. You have to decide if you want to take that gamble. Me...not fond of standing around outside, when I could sit comfortably with a beverage in my hand, knowing I can check in at assigned time when it comes up.

Indeed there is! 😋 So many choices...so little time. 😉 Though we like the downtown (original location) of Pancho's Backyard, we really prefer the one over at the "clown ship" terminal area. So easy to walk over to, great seawall over the water view table if you get there early. Always good service, Margaritas, and great food. Currently just tied off to the pier in Bimini. Going down to Alice Town to walk around and chose a restaurant for lunch. Walk down to "Radio Beach" as well. Beautiful weather day today for it. 🙂

Mmmm...Panchos. 😋

Love cruising (and parking) at T#1. Our system: We drop tagged bags way early with the porters as we pull in (never a line). Heading back out, U turn up into the garage, pay at entry gate on second floor, find a good parking spot. Leave carry on bags in the vehicle, walk over to Grills next door. Secure two delicious (and generous) Bloody Marys, find a seat on the dock. Admire the aft end of our soon to be temporary home. Mmmm...when it gets close to our assigned time, collect carry on bags, check in...with relaxed smiles on our face. 😄

Looking forward to Bimini. Bucky has been there many times (before it was cruise ship visit port), but this is my first. I do understand it is a tiny...tiny little spit of land, but will still be nice to go somewhere other than the same Nassau, Coco Cay, Nassau, Coco Cay...and repeat. 😉 Sitting at the dock with Oasis at "Theme park of the seas" here in Coco Cay right now with Oasis. Noticed rain on the horizon, but we had already done our "walk around with Coco Loco in hand" with a quick bite of early lunch at Chill grill. Has been raining cats and dogs since 1 pm. Happy to get back to the ship before it came in. Ahhh....enjoying a nice SB while your bro naps (yeah, sign of Mr. Bucky getting a bit long in the tooth). 😄