A few Tampa questions....

[heels_fan]

I've never cruised out of Tampa before and am considering booking a return flight that departs at 11:15. Is this reasonable? The cruiseline transfer will accept people with flights as early as 11:30, and I know they are pretty cautious and wait around forever until the bus fills up. My plan would be to use self debarkation and be off the ship ASAP. (& obviously not use the ship transfer!) My next question - should I have transportation to the airport lined up beforehand? - or will I be able to easily & quickly catch a cab? Thanks in advance for any advice! :)

[JohninDC]

I've never cruised out of Tampa before and am considering booking a return flight that departs at 11:15. Is this reasonable? The cruiseline transfer will accept people with flights as early as 11:30, and I know they are pretty cautious and wait around forever until the bus fills up. My plan would be to use self debarkation and be off the ship ASAP. (& obviously not use the ship transfer!) My next question - should I have transportation to the airport lined up beforehand? - or will I be able to easily & quickly catch a cab? Thanks in advance for any advice! :)

 

We just cruised Tampa last month on Carnivla Inspiration - they escorted early flights off right after self debark and VIPs. We walked off the ship at 9:00, grabbed bags, cleared customs, took a cab to TPA ($25+tip flat rate ;)) and were cleared through TSA and waiting at the gate just before 10:00! :D There were lines of cabs waiting at the port - no need to pre-book transportation.

 

As long as the ship is not delayed (fog and travel under the bridge is an issue in Tampa, particularly during the winter months) you should make it.

 

Good luck! :)

[heels_fan]

Awesome news. I was thinking I could possibly even be off the ship earlier. In Miami last month, the folks with early flights who used self-debark were the first ones called & were off by 8:00!