develop their own routines while cruising. Some like to sleep
past breakfast, while others enjoy having breakfast in bed. Some
even like getting up early for a morning workout, walk or run.
Many cruisers choose their ships by destinations, while others
don’t care if they ever leave the ship. For those who do enjoy
going ashore, there is a wide assortment of activities to choose
from, such as water sports, cultural excursions or shopping.
Another advantage to cruising is that it appeals to all age groups
and allows multiple options at various times, so that everyone
can eat or enjoy a show together; yet, each person still has the
ability to go off on his or her own for a ship-planned activity or
quiet relaxation in myriad environments.
For those who are concerned about sea sickness, there is seldom
a problem, as these new ships are well designed with stabilizers
that ensure smooth sailing in all but the roughest of seas. For
those few times, there are wrist bands that rely on pressure and
other medications that relieve the unpleasant feeling that can be
caused by unusually bad weather. In recent years, we have rarely
found ourselves in need of medication to calm our stomachs,
despite the fact that we cruise quite often.
By leaving from the Port of Tampa, you can avoid having to
fly or drive to some far-off destination before you can begin your
vacation. There is easy parking at the Port that is centrally located
in Channelside. Add to this the variety of ships, cruise lines and
destinations that you can choose from, and you will understand
why cruising is another of Tampa Bay’s many pleasures.
There are good reasons why five cruise ships call the Port of
Tampa home, one of which is the fact that it is only nine miles
from Tampa International Airport. The Port of Tampa has full
passenger amenities, luggage drop-off, fast and easy check-in
with state-of-the-art terminals, and superior security, all of which
make it very guest friendly. Since cruise passengers often enjoy a
few days before or after their cruise in the port of departure, the
sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach; cultural opportunities in
St. Petersburg; and the world-class shopping, a zoo, aquariums
and unique dining in Tampa make this port a destination in its
own right.
Caribbean ports of call make up most of the popular cruise
destinations from Tampa, but there are also a few opportunities
to cross the Atlantic and one cruise through the Panama Canal.
Carnival Cruise Line’s M/S Paradise has four and five-day cruises
year round to Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman. The M/S
Veendan of Holland America Cruises has seasonal seven and
fourteen-day sailings to various islands in the Western Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s M/S Norwegian Star offers seasonal
week-long cruises to Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and
Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
has the M/S Brilliance of the Seas that seasonally goes on four
and five-day cruises to Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman.
Its Vision of the Seas offers seasonal seven-day cruises to Roatan,
Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Grand Cayman; and Costa Maya
and Cozumel, Mexico.
With all these choices, explore the exciting world of traveling
on the sea from the Port of Tampa. We think you will become as
addicted to it as we are. 9
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 151
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
This cabin on the
Norwegian Star is part of a
two-bedroom family suite.
It is relaxing to explore
the world from the
comfort of a cruiseship.