Port Tampa Bay Cruise Port, Everything You Need to Know

Port Tampa Bay, previously known as the Port of Tampa, is located in the beautiful city of Tampa, Florida. Port Tampa Bay can accommodate both cargo ships and cruise ships. This makes Port Tampa Bay one of Florida’s largest working ports. The Tampa Bay Cruise Port is one of four cruise ports in the state of Florida. The state’s cruise ports include the Port of Miami in the city of Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Tampa Bay’s cruise port accommodates three cruise ships at a time making it smaller in comparison to Florida’s other cruise ports. While its size is a bit more cozy, we found the Tampa cruise port to be very efficient. It is also very easy to navigate and a great port to cruise out of. Keep reading to learn how to navigate your way to your cruise ship at the Tampa Bay Cruise Port.

Cruises Lines That Sail Out of Port Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Cruise Port is currently the home port for five different cruise lines. They include Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Margaritaville at Sea is the newest addition to the Tampa Bay Cruise Port. It had its inaugural sailing from Tampa in June of 2024.

The cruise lines offer a variety of cruise adventures to choose from. They offer sailings to Caribbean locations such as Key West, Bahamas, St. Thomas, Amber Cove, La Romana, and Taino Bay in the Dominican Republic, San Juan, and Grand Cayman. Cruises to and through the Panama Canal. And stops in South and Central America, such as Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama. There are many sailings to popular destinations in Mexico such as Cozumel and Costa Maya. Whether you are a seasoned or new cruiser, we are sure it will be an unforgettable experience. 

The Best Time to Cruise Out of Port Tampa Bay

The best time to cruise out of Tampa will depend on your preferences. The high season and most popular time to cruise out of Tampa is from November through May. This time of the year is popular because it falls during the winter season, which has milder temperatures in Tampa. During the high season, you are likely to see higher prices for cruises and hotel stays during this time of the year.

The low season runs from May to October. You are likely to see a decrease in cruise prices. However, this time of the year includes the summer months, which tend to be hot, humid, and rainy. These months also coincide with hurricane season, which starts in July and goes through November. 

If you like cooler weather and don’t mind the higher prices, then high season is a good choice. If you would like to save a little money, then low season might be a good option as long as you keep in mind that low season falls during hurricane season. 

Cruise Terminal Locations at Port Tampa Bay 

The Tampa Bay Cruise Port utilizes three docks for its cruise lines. All of the cruise terminals at Port Tampa Bay are within walking distance of each other. Terminal 6 is a little further out from Terminals 2 and 3. However, terminal 6 is still within walking distance of those terminals. All three cruise terminals are on the downtown Tampa side of Port Tampa Bay. They service specific cruise lines although the terminal number can be adjusted when it is necessary. These are the addresses of the three cruise terminals at Port Tampa Bay:

• Cruise Terminal 2 is located at 651 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
• Cruise Terminal 3 is located at 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 
• Cruise Terminal 6 is located at 1331 McKay St, Tampa, FL 33602

Both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 share the same parking garage. Terminal 6 has its own parking garage as it is a little farther than both Terminals 2 and 3. 

Terminals Assigned to Cruise Lines

The cruise terminal you need to go to will depend on the cruise line you sail with. Changes to the port schedule can also affect terminal locations. Royal Caribbean International usually uses Cruise Terminal 2 and will sometimes use Cruise Terminal 3. Norwegian Cruise Line will also use Cruise Terminal 2 when in port. Carnival Cruise Line typically uses Cruise Terminal 3. However, if there is more than one Carnival ship in port, they will also utilize one of the other terminals. Cruise Terminal 6 is used by Margaritaville at Sea, which began cruising out of Tampa in June of 2024. Terminal 6 is also used by the other cruise lines if it is available and there are more than two cruise ships in port.

Cruise Documentation Will List the Embarkation Terminal Location

There are many cruises scheduled to leave out of the Tampa Bay Cruise Port on a daily basis, and the cruise terminal embarkation schedule might seem confusing and overwhelming. One thing to remember is that your cruise documentation will have the information about which terminal you need to head to in order to board your cruise ship. If there is a change in terminal location, your cruise line should contact you by email or text message if you have opted in to receive messages.

Additionally, as you make your way to the Tampa Bay Cruise Port, you will see signs that will direct you to the proper location as you get closer to the terminals. The signs will notify you that a specific cruise line, such as Carnival, is at a specific terminal, such as Terminal 3. Another way to verify which terminal you need to head to is by looking at the cruise ships. The cruise ships are large and very visible as you are approaching the terminal. The terminal location will be obvious by where the cruise ships are docked.

Getting to the Tampa Bay Cruise Port

There are several ways to get to the Tampa Bay Cruise Port. The transportation you choose will more than likely depend on your travel itinerary and whether you will be staying in Tampa or going directly to the port from the airport. These are a few popular options for transportation to the Tampa cruise port.

Transportation From the Airport

The closest airports to Port Tampa Bay are St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport in Tampa. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is 18 miles or 24 minutes from Port Tampa Bay, and the Tampa Airport is 9 miles or 16 minutes from Port Tampa Bay. The time it takes to reach the port can change depending on traffic conditions. 

While arriving a day earlier is advised, some people arrive the same day as embarkation. Many cruise lines offer transportation services from the airport to the port. Transportation services offered by the cruise line will need to be arranged through the cruise lines. You can also opt to reach the port by using a taxi or rideshare program from the airport. 

Transportation By Hotel Shuttle Service

If you arrive a day or more earlier and are staying at a local hotel, you can check if your hotel offers shuttle services. Many hotels offer free shuttle services from the airport to the hotel. Several also offer free shuttle services to the cruise terminal. Some hotels offer shuttle services to Port Tampa Bay for a small fee.

Transportation By Rideshare App

Lyft and Uber are readily available in Tampa. Thus, you can use either rideshare program to hire a car for a ride to the cruise terminal. 

Transportation By Tampa’s TECO Streetcar Line System

Another option is to get to the Tampa Bay Cruise Port by way of the TECO Streetcar. The TECO Streetcar is Tampa’s trolley service. There is no fee to ride the trolley. The trolley has several stops on Channelside Drive. The Cumberland Avenue and Channelside Drive stop, which is the Florida Aquarium stop, will place you right by the cruise terminal between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Keep in mind that if you are sailing out of Terminal 6, you will need to walk a bit further to your terminal. You will also need to take your luggage with you and lift it onto the trolley car. While using the trolley is convenient and free, this is probably not the best choice if you have a lot of luggage or any mobility issues.

Parking Information for the Tampa Bay Cruise Port

If you are driving to the cruise terminal, there is a parking garage available where you can park your car for the duration of your cruise. The parking garage you will use will depend on which terminal you will embark on your cruise. If you will be leaving out of Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, the parking garage you will use is located at 810 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. This is across from Terminal 3, the central terminal building. If you are leaving out of Terminal 6, the parking garage you will use is located at 1331 McKay Street, Tampa, FL. The parking lot on McKay Street is across from Terminal 6.

Valet parking services are also available at the cruise port. If you choose to valet your car, you will go directly to the terminal entrance and drop off your luggage and your vehicle. Valet services are popular, thus you should reserve this in advance as these services frequently sell out. It is ideal to prepay for valet parking services on the Port Tampa Bay website. 

You can pay for self-parking when you enter the parking garage. You can also pre-pay for self-parking directly on the Port Tampa Bay website as well.

Arriving at Your Terminal

When you arrive at your terminal, there will be several people available to assist you and direct you to where you need to go. First and foremost, you will need to drop your luggage off with a porter. The porters are there to collect the luggage and take it to the processing area. Your luggage will then be scanned, loaded onto the cruise ship, and delivered to your stateroom. If you’re traveling with very little luggage, such as a carry-on, it is possible for you to carry it with you onto the ship. Your luggage needs to be able to fit in the luggage scanning machine. If your bag is too large for the machine, you will need to take it to a porter. 

After dropping off your luggage, you will make your way to the entrance area. You will be advised to have your boarding pass with you and other travel documents with you. Your documents, such as your passport or birth certificate, if you are a United States Citizen, will be checked.

Inside the Cruise Terminal at Port Tampa Bay

Inside the terminal, you will start the process of being able to board your cruise ship. There are escalators and elevators available at all three terminals for accessibility, and the terminal is air-conditioned, so you will be comfortable as your information is processed. 

At this time, your travel documents will be reviewed, your carry-on luggage will be scanned, and your photograph will be taken and linked to your cruise account for identification. Many cruise lines also have drug-sniffing dogs on site that will check your carry-on luggage, including backpacks and purses. Once all the paperwork is handled, you will make your way and board your cruise ship. Most cruise lines will ask you to keep your boarding pass available as you will present it several times throughout the boarding process, including at your muster station on the ship. 

Locations to Visit Near the Tampa Bay Cruise Port

When you return from your cruise, you might be wondering what there is to do in Tampa for the day. There are several locations that you can visit that are close to the cruise terminal. The Florida Aquarium is between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and a short walk from the Tampa Bay Cruise Port. If you visit the Florida Aquarium, they offer luggage storage with paid admission. You will need to make sure that you pick up your luggage at least 15 minutes prior to their closing time, which, according to the Aquarium website, is 5:00 pm. You should verify the time when you visit the Aquarium.  

Channelside Bay Plaza and Sparkman Wharf are popular destinations. Both locations are also close by and just a bit west of Terminal 2. You will find a variety of stores and places to eat at these locations. If you would like to venture out, you can hop on the TECO Streetcar and visit Tampa’s downtown area. If you head in the opposite direction, you can visit the Ybor City district and learn about the history and culture of Tampa. The Tampa Riverwalk is also a great place to visit. You can go for a stroll and take in the view. You can read our blog post about 25 wonderful things to do in and around Tampa if you would like more ideas on places you can visit while in Tampa.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about cruising out of Port Tampa Bay to help you plan your trip.

Can I enter the port terminal if I arrive early?

Every cruise line has its own procedures in place for arriving cruise passengers. Some cruise lines will ask you to wait outside the terminal until your boarding time on your boarding pass. Other cruise lines will allow you to enter the terminal to begin your embarkation process if you arrive early to the terminal. However, this does not mean that you will be able to enter the ship early.

If I arrive early, will I be allowed to enter the cruise ship early?

While this procedure varies between cruise lines, you will more than likely be sent to a waiting area where you will wait until your boarding group is called. Cruise lines offer paid packages that guarantee early boarding. Some also offer early boarding for passengers who are booked in a suite or have reached a certain level in their loyalty programs. These cruise passengers will have priority when it comes to boarding. Many cruise terminals have air-conditioned waiting areas where passengers who have arrived early can have a seat until it is time to board their cruise ship. 

Do I need a Passport to go on a cruise?

Passports are recommended by the cruise lines. However, if you are a US Citizen leaving from a US port, you do not need a passport for many sailings. Some cruise voyages will require a passport, such as one-way trips through the Panama Canal and trips to certain Caribbean Islands. You should verify with your cruise line if a passport will be required on your voyage and, if not required, the type of documentation you will need to board your cruise ship. 

Verifying the required documents you will need is important, as you will be denied boarding if you do not present the needed documents.

Final Thoughts on Cruising out of Port Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal is a great, hassle-free cruise port. Although it can be considered a large port due to the variety of vessels that come to Port Tampa Bay, the cruise ship portion is on the smaller side and very efficient. There are many places to visit and things to do in Tampa to keep you busy if you decide to visit for a few days. We are sure you will enjoy your visit to Tampa and your cruise out of Port Tampa Bay.

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