Tampa questions

[new_cruiser_22]

Five (5) of us (family/relatives, all adults) will cruise the western caribeans early november, my questions are for the day we disembark the ship.

 

1. what would be the least expensive way for 5 of us to get to the TPA airport from the cruise terminal?

 

1A - Cabs may not take all 5 of us together (each of us will have a carry-on size suitcase)?

 

1B - public buses? are there any public buses that run from the cruise port to the TPA airport?

 

1C - Shared van/shuttle? if a cab can take 3 of us, maybe the rest 2 of us can take shuttle - shuttle cost per person? which company has the best price?

 

2. If we consider a self-guided tour of Tampa for 4~5 hours before our flight departure (4pm), which part of Tampa would be recommended to see? None of us has been in Tampa before. We may consider shopping or sightseeing with easy walking. Prefer somewhere close to either cruise port or the airport.

 

Thanks for any info!

[surrocruiser]

The cab companies that we contacted said $25 each way and just tell them how many people and they would pick up with a van for the 5 of us.

 

We are staying at the Hampton Inn at Rocky Point which provides free pre cruise and post cruise shuttle. If you are going to be there a day early, it'sa pretty good deal.

 

Good luck!

[JohninDC]

There are mini-van cabs that should fit all five of you (unless you pack like my wife and daughters :o) for the same price as a regular cab. There are also shared shuttle services waiting for customers when you exit the cruise terminal - to TPA was about $10 per person, although with a group of 5 you may save a few dollar$$.

 

There is a luggage storage area near the port that will hold your bags for a small fee; check out Ybor City - lots of neat dining options, very pedestrian friendly, and not too far from the cruise terminal.

 

Good luck!