Introduction
The city of Tampa is positioned at the center of the Gulf coastline of Florida in a large bay protected by the Pinellas peninsula.
Tampa can trace its origins back to the small settlement of Fort Brooke, founded by the US Army in 1824 at the head of Tampa bay to help keep watch over the native Seminole Indians. The new village suffered many setbacks, including yellow fever epidemics, a huge hurricane that devastated large parts of the village and war between the army and the Seminoles.
Then the 1880s heralded major changes when Henry B Plant built a railroad through the town. The railroad terminated at Port Tampa. After the railroad was finished, Henry B Plant founded a ferry ship service carrying mail, passengers and goods between Port Tampa, Key West, and Havana. Plant’s efforts did not finish with the railroad and ferry company, for he then started with a plan to construct several grand hotels in the area, such as the famous Tampa Bay Hotel in Tampa.
Also in the late 19th century rich phosphate seams were discovered nearby, resulting in a huge rise is mining and shipping activity. By the end of the 19th century Tampa had developed from a small village to one of the largest cities in Florida.
Today Tampa has grown into one of the major cities in Florida with a foremost commercial shipping port, and a thriving business area. The city's ports have had a major impact on the city’s economy right from the 19th century. There are now two main ports, as Port Tampa was joined by the Port Of Tampa in 1917 when a deep water channel was dredged all the way to the top of Hillsborough Bay.
The cruise company Carnival spotted a demand for Caribbean cruises out of Tampa, and established a cruise operation from the Port Of Tampa in 1994.
The city of Tampa is positioned at the center of the Gulf coastline of Florida in a large bay protected by the Pinellas peninsula.
Tampa can trace its origins back to the small settlement of Fort Brooke, founded by the US Army in 1824 at the head of Tampa bay to help keep watch over the native Seminole Indians. The new village suffered many setbacks, including yellow fever epidemics, a huge hurricane that devastated large parts of the village and war between the army and the Seminoles.
Then the 1880s heralded major changes when Henry B Plant built a railroad through the town. The railroad terminated at Port Tampa. After the railroad was finished, Henry B Plant founded a ferry ship service carrying mail, passengers and goods between Port Tampa, Key West, and Havana. Plant’s efforts did not finish with the railroad and ferry company, for he then started with a plan to construct several grand hotels in the area, such as the famous Tampa Bay Hotel in Tampa.
Also in the late 19th century rich phosphate seams were discovered nearby, resulting in a huge rise is mining and shipping activity. By the end of the 19th century Tampa had developed from a small village to one of the largest cities in Florida.
Today Tampa has grown into one of the major cities in Florida with a foremost commercial shipping port, and a thriving business area. The city's ports have had a major impact on the city’s economy right from the 19th century. There are now two main ports, as Port Tampa was joined by the Port Of Tampa in 1917 when a deep water channel was dredged all the way to the top of Hillsborough Bay.
The cruise company Carnival spotted a demand for Caribbean cruises out of Tampa, and established a cruise operation from the Port Of Tampa in 1994.
Tampa Cruise Port
Tampa has 3 cruise terminals, numbered 2, 3 and 6. For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.
Cruise Terminal 2
Cruise Terminal 2 was opened in 1998 as part of a 70-acre, downtown, coastline, multi-function scheme. Available facilites include a snack shop, customs, baggage trolleys, taxi rank and restrooms. The cruise terminal offers only one mooring. Terminal 2 is used by Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-storey car park. Car parking valet services are available.
Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was constructed in 2002 to meet a growing demand for cruise vacations from Tampa. The terminal offers a streamlined passenger embark and debark area, baggage handling services and streamlined security. The terminal has access to a single cruise ship berth. Terminal 3 is used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Car parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.
Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is located just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 has been completely renovated for use by Holland America. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship berth. Parking is located directly next to the terminal.
For a full schedule of cruises out of Tampa, see cruises from Tampa.
Tampa has 3 cruise terminals, numbered 2, 3 and 6. For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.
Cruise Terminal 2
Cruise Terminal 2 was opened in 1998 as part of a 70-acre, downtown, coastline, multi-function scheme. Available facilites include a snack shop, customs, baggage trolleys, taxi rank and restrooms. The cruise terminal offers only one mooring. Terminal 2 is used by Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-storey car park. Car parking valet services are available.
Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was constructed in 2002 to meet a growing demand for cruise vacations from Tampa. The terminal offers a streamlined passenger embark and debark area, baggage handling services and streamlined security. The terminal has access to a single cruise ship berth. Terminal 3 is used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Car parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.
Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is located just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 has been completely renovated for use by Holland America. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship berth. Parking is located directly next to the terminal.
For a full schedule of cruises out of Tampa, see cruises from Tampa.
Excursions
Tampa’s Riverwalk
Experience the sights of the city and sweeping views across the Garrison channel by hiking the newly promoted Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk hugs the waterside it visits many attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa Bay History Center, Fort Brooke Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Kiley Gardens, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.
SS American Victory
The cargo vessel SS American Victory served all through WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been restored by volunteers to make a working museum. Come up the gang plank and witness the entire ship including guns, signaling equipment, a hospital section, galley and cargo equipment. The ship is anchored at a dock close by the cruise port.
Florida Aquarium
Both young and old will marvel at the myriad of sea life at the Florida Aquarium. Much-loved exhibits include Ocean Commotion, No Bone Zone, Coral Reefs, Explore A Shore and Bays and Beaches. There are also special activities on offer like Swim with the Fish and Wild Dophin Ecotour. The Aquarium is sited next to cruise terminal 3.
Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad businessman Henry B Plant commissioned the magnificent Tampa Bay hotel as a destination for winter visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian stonework. Nowadays the hotel building is largely taken up by the University of Tampa, but it also houses the very educative Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famous railroad magnate.
Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to experience up-close encounters with amazing animals, take a memorable safari across the Serengeti plains, frighten yourself on heart stopping roller coasters and watch a stage show with live perfomers. Busch Gardens is sited 8 miles north of the cruise terminals.
Tampa’s Riverwalk
Experience the sights of the city and sweeping views across the Garrison channel by hiking the newly promoted Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk hugs the waterside it visits many attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa Bay History Center, Fort Brooke Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Kiley Gardens, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.
SS American Victory
The cargo vessel SS American Victory served all through WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been restored by volunteers to make a working museum. Come up the gang plank and witness the entire ship including guns, signaling equipment, a hospital section, galley and cargo equipment. The ship is anchored at a dock close by the cruise port.
Florida Aquarium
Both young and old will marvel at the myriad of sea life at the Florida Aquarium. Much-loved exhibits include Ocean Commotion, No Bone Zone, Coral Reefs, Explore A Shore and Bays and Beaches. There are also special activities on offer like Swim with the Fish and Wild Dophin Ecotour. The Aquarium is sited next to cruise terminal 3.
Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad businessman Henry B Plant commissioned the magnificent Tampa Bay hotel as a destination for winter visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian stonework. Nowadays the hotel building is largely taken up by the University of Tampa, but it also houses the very educative Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famous railroad magnate.
Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to experience up-close encounters with amazing animals, take a memorable safari across the Serengeti plains, frighten yourself on heart stopping roller coasters and watch a stage show with live perfomers. Busch Gardens is sited 8 miles north of the cruise terminals.
Useful To Know
Timezone Eastern Time Zone
Currency USD
Language English
Timezone Eastern Time Zone
Currency USD
Language English