Port of Tampa/Downtown

[carnival03]

Anyone have must see/do in Port of Tampa area? We have a 2:25 flight home so trying to find things to fill time.

[Maimou]

What are you interested in, how much time do you have, and do you want to walk from the cruise terminal, or are you game for a bus/taxi ride? I live in Tampa and would be glad to offer suggestions based on those things (don't want to tell you about something you don't have time for/interest in)

[carnival03]

What are you interested in, how much time do you have, and do you want to walk from the cruise terminal, or are you game for a bus/taxi ride? I live in Tampa and would be glad to offer suggestions based on those things (don't want to tell you about something you don't have time for/interest in)

 

Hi, lucky you to live in Tampa this snow in Maryland is getting old :) anyways, I know there is an aquarium right next to the port so that is of interest. We all like city life so maybe just walking/shopping downtown (we plan to get luggage express so we won't have to carry any luggage). Our flight is a 2:25 flight out of TPA. We have FTTF and we could be off the boat as early as 8-9AM if we have something we want to do. With your experience living in the area and possibly flying in and out of TPA what time do you recommend we be at the airport by? Another important piece of info, debarkation day is easter, so any suggestions based on all this, open to all suggestions! Thanks for you help and insight.

[Green4me]

If you are interetsed in the Florida Aquarium as you noted then I would suggest that for a few reasons. They are so close of a walk you can have a casual breakfast on board and then walk on over. I checked and they open at 9:30am on Easter Sunday and have all sorts of special events like underwater Easter bunny and mermaid shows. You can check it out on their web site for more information.

 

Enjoy

[carnival03]

If you are interetsed in the Florida Aquarium as you noted then I would suggest that for a few reasons. They are so close of a walk you can have a casual breakfast on board and then walk on over. I checked and they open at 9:30am on Easter Sunday and have all sorts of special events like underwater Easter bunny and mermaid shows. You can check it out on their web site for more information.

 

Enjoy

 

Thank you:)

[Maimou]

Thanks, Green4me, for chiming in-I got busy and had to run. I agree with what you said about the florida aquarium. I love it, just haven't been for a few years. You can eat lunch there too http://www.flaquarium.org. If you would rather meander around Ybor City and have lunch at the Columbia Restaurant for Latin food http://www.columbiarestaurant.com., then there is a streetcar that will take you there http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org. Enjoy!!

 

But be sure to be at the airport 1 1/2 hours early, it's usually not a problem, but it can pack up on occasion.

[carnival03]

Thanks, Green4me, for chiming in-I got busy and had to run. I agree with what you said about the florida aquarium. I love it, just haven't been for a few years. You can eat lunch there too http://www.flaquarium.org. If you would rather meander around Ybor City and have lunch at the Columbia Restaurant for Latin food http://www.columbiarestaurant.com., then there is a streetcar that will take you there http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org. Enjoy!!

 

But be sure to be at the airport 1 1/2 hours early, it's usually not a problem, but it can pack up on occasion.

 

Thank you so much! Can't wait to be down there in only 26 days!!!

[BlueHerons]

Thanks, Green4me, for chiming in-I got busy and had to run. I agree with what you said about the florida aquarium. I love it, just haven't been for a few years. You can eat lunch there too http://www.flaquarium.org. If you would rather meander around Ybor City and have lunch at the Columbia Restaurant for Latin food http://www.columbiarestaurant.com., then there is a streetcar that will take you there http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org. Enjoy!!

 

But be sure to be at the airport 1 1/2 hours early, it's usually not a problem, but it can pack up on occasion.

 

I second the suggestion of Columbia! OMG the paella! Just understand if you order it takes about 40 minutes to make.

[pg1]

We will be coming into port early am in Tampa. Now, would love to go to beach or ??? but we have our luggage. Should we go to airport and check it and then taxi to a beach?? If so, or any other suggestion, on storing luggage for few hrs. Our flight won't leave till 3:15, which we should be at airport by 2 for sure??? Appreciate any recommendations and also a hotel w/pool as we will come in day before?

[carnival03]

Don't know what line you're with but carnival offers Luggage Express. It's a program for $20 P/P and the last night on board they bring your flight luggage tags and boarding passes to you room. On the last night you set your luggage outside your stateroom and they take it to the airport a check it for you. You won't see or touch your luggage again till your final destination. You only have to worry about carry-ons. Each participant is allowed 2 checked bags. This program however is limited to the flight availability. You get info on the first night on board and have to sign up 3 nights later I believe.