hollster8 Posted February 28, 2012 #1 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I'm a cruise newbie (only sailed once) and a Carnival virgin :rolleyes:. My family and I are sailing on the Legend this Thanksgiving so I've been perusing the boards, naturally. I keep seeing people talking about going under the bridge while leaving the Tampa port, and I'm not sure what they're talking about. What is this? What makes it so exciting? I'm *very* curious. It sounds like quite the show, whatever it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare pyropoodle Posted February 28, 2012 #2 Share Posted February 28, 2012 it is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge People talk about it because as you go under it, it really looks like the whale tale of the ship is going to crash into the bridge. as you pass under it, visually it looks like you have only a foot or two of clearance, although, i'm sure it's probably more like 20-50 feet, i have no measuremnts, so if someone knows, please share, but it sure does look close. it's very cool and usually the captain or the CD will make some announcement that they are nearing the bridge so you can go up to the top deck and watch. if i recall correctly, you near the bridge a couple of hours after you leave the port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuyahoga11 Posted February 28, 2012 #3 Share Posted February 28, 2012 It is an awsome experience. Go to a high deck for the best view. The ship clears the bridge by a couple feet. You will pass under about 2 hours after sailaway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyMaster Posted February 28, 2012 #4 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Yep,,quite a sight! As noted above, it's usually about 2 hours after leaving the pier, and well worth the effort to get up on a high, open deck to watch the ship slip under the span. Have a GREAT cruise! "SKY" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classylady59 Posted February 28, 2012 #5 Share Posted February 28, 2012 It is really so cool to go up to the highest deck and watch as you pass under the bridge. It is also a great photo op. You get great photos as you approach the bridge as well. Yes, about 2 hours after sailaway. We always took the early seating for dinner, so we were always in the dining room and never saw it from deck, this time we had Anytime dining, so we went to dinner after we passed under the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Banditswife Posted February 28, 2012 #6 Share Posted February 28, 2012 We did the Legend last dec. The bridge is all lit up when you go under it. It does appear to be very close to the whale tail. As pp stated, it is about 2-2.5 hrs after sailaway. You need to be on the highest deck to get a good view/ pic opportunity. It was awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peppergal Posted February 28, 2012 #7 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I agree, it's an amazing view. We took this picture going under the bridge on the Inspiration a few years ago: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollster8 Posted February 28, 2012 Author #8 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Cool! I'm glad I asked. We have the later dinner assignment, does that mean we'll miss it? I would change to anytime (especially since we'll have DD with us who will be 18 months) but we're going for a family reunion so I don't think that would go over well to opt out of the "family dinners". :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skrufy Posted February 28, 2012 #9 Share Posted February 28, 2012 The Sunshine Skyway bridge is a highlight of the cruise. You will pass under it about 2hrs after departure, but sailing in November it will be dark out when you reach it. Returning it will also be dark. If you have early dining it starts just as you pass the bridge. Many people skip the MDR and eat at the buffett so they can see the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagnoliaFly Posted February 28, 2012 #10 Share Posted February 28, 2012 You'll get several announcements asking you to go on deck if you want to see it. It is pretty neat! You pass with about 14 feet of clearance but it looks much closer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridabum Posted February 28, 2012 #11 Share Posted February 28, 2012 This was from the Inspiration.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare pyropoodle Posted February 28, 2012 #12 Share Posted February 28, 2012 with late dinner seating, you won't miss this. it happens around 6:30 or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indianaseadog Posted February 28, 2012 #13 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I guess it is worth seeing once. Kind of "been there, done that" type of experience for me. But warning: When we did it we were on the same deck as the whale's tail and as you go under the bridge the captain blows the horn a few times. Very very loud. So if you loud horns or noises bother you, dont go to the top deck. Enjoy your cruise. The Legend is a great ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad09821 Posted February 28, 2012 #14 Share Posted February 28, 2012 These are from the Paradise last week. It was amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cigar Dude Posted February 28, 2012 #15 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Short video of our trip under the bridge! Enjoy! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rizzorp Posted February 28, 2012 #16 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Here are a few pics when I was on the Sensation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumofsons Posted February 29, 2012 #17 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollster8 Posted February 29, 2012 Author #18 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Thanks everyone for filling me in! We'll check it out in Nov! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayscore Posted February 29, 2012 #19 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Short video of our trip under the bridge! Enjoy! :) Thanks, CG! Good show! JS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maldenmusic Posted February 29, 2012 #20 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I would love to see this....maybe someday I will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Banditswife Posted February 29, 2012 #21 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Great video Cigar dude. Thanks, Remember tho, that in Nov it will most likely be dark when sailing under it. They do have it all lit up, but our pics were not very good because of it. It was still a great experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katkamm1 Posted March 1, 2012 #22 Share Posted March 1, 2012 My sister and I are going on the Legend in September and I really want to see this but we have early dinner so I have to decide if its worth it being late for dinner but there is always the buffet even though I love the dining room experience..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted W Posted March 1, 2012 #23 Share Posted March 1, 2012 We were scheduled for Mexico a couple years back when the swine flu broke out. RCCL changed our trip to the north and we went to San Francisco. Going under the Golden Gate was a tremendous experience. There were people stopped on the bridge as the ship passed under. A great time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ehpride Posted March 1, 2012 #24 Share Posted March 1, 2012 It is very cool. Go up on the highest deck you can toward the front and you will get some great views of the tail before and after the ship goes under. It's about 2 hours after sailaway so you'll be good with late seating. Last time, there was a cop up on the bridge waving to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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