Tampa - How Far Is Airport From ......

[Aussie Gal]

We will be disembarking in Tampa next year after our 35 day cruise on the Veendam.

 

I am wondering if the airport is very far from the cruise terminal and would we be safe in booking a flight out of Tampa at 12.30pm. or should we make it later.

 

Thanks for your input and help.

 

Jennie

[sail7seas]

Jennie.......

 

The airport is about 15 minutes from the dock....depending upon traffic.

 

I would be a little nervous about booking a 12:30 flight but I would do it for a domestic flight.

 

Is yours domestic within U.S. or is this your flight (or connecting to your flight) back to Australia? If so, I would not take the risk.

 

It is a very long channel to enter the harbor at Tampa and if there is fog, which happens sometimes, all ships are held outside the channel. That could delay your arrival.

 

(I can recommend Marriott Waterside if you think you may wish to stay one night in Tampa and fly the next day. This hotel is so close to the dock you can walk there.....without luggage. Just a bit too far to drag your suitcases.)

[Aussie Gal]

Sail,

 

Thanks for the information. ;)

 

We will be flying domestic from Tampa to Los Angeles. We would rather get to LA airport and know we are there than have the worry that next AA plane which leaves at 2.15pm could be running late and we would not have enough time for check in etc.

 

Our Qantas plane home leaves at 9.20pm. There is a later one at 11.15pm.

 

That is a good idea re staying overnight in Tampa. It would certainly take the stress out of worrying if the ship was going to dock on time and as it will be early November and late autumn I presume that fog could easily occur.

 

Even though we will have been away from home nearly 40 days adding one more day to the trip is worth it if we take the stress out of getting home. Is there anything to see or do in Tampa?

 

Jennie

[Islandbuoy]

Most times ship is really outside TPA port nite b-4. Many people make 10:30 flts

[sail7seas]

Yes, you're right. Same as in FLL.

 

But most cruisers don't want to take the chance they'll be the ones that don't fit into the 'most times' smooth, early disembarkation. We all know there can be delays getting off the ship for so many reasons.

 

IMO....only people who are okay with missing their flight would book a 10:30 flight. That is very risky IMO .....not to say that sometimes (perhaps even often) people make it.

[sail7seas]

Jennie..........

 

I'm sorry but I can't help you a lot with what to do in Tampa. My DH and I enjoy sitting at the pool, taking a long walk....having a nice dinner, a few drinks and are content to call it a day. If we are in a city with a lot of history etc, we'll go out and about ....if something particular appeals to us to see and do. In all honesty, we were tired when in Tampa and just wanted to relax and not run around a lot.

[Stevesan]

I am wondering if the airport is very far from the cruise terminal and would we be safe in booking a flight out of Tampa at 12.30pm. or should we make it later.

Jennie

 

The airport is 9.5 miles from the cruise port. The flat rate taxi fare from the airport to downtown (9 miles) is $20.

 

We've booked a 12:15 flight. If we miss it there will be others.

 

Don't worry, be happy!:)

[Cruising Illini]

The "Tampa Airport Marriott Hotel" is connected directly via a walkway to the terminal. It is super easy to walk over to the check-in in about 10 minutes. The Marriott web-site has all of the details. There are several restaurants in the terminal and of course also in the hotel. For entertainment -- there is a gorgeous new super Mall -- the International Mall -- about a 10 minute cab ride from this location. There are also some excellent places to eat at the Mall, namely, the Cheesecake Factory, which has the largest menu (only cheesecake for desert) I have seen in years and every kind of food imagineable.

I agree with others that the possibility of FOG in the harbor is quite common. Many years ago a ship hit the main bridge and many cars fell in the water so this has caused a very cautious harbor-master re. ship arrivals.

We live one hour from Tampa and know you would enjoy seeing the city. EC

[TidePrideGA]

My favorite restaurant in the entire country (that I've actually eaten at of course) is the Columbia in Ybor City in Tampa. Not to be missed.

[sail7seas]

We didn't try the Columbia last time we were in Tampa but hope to have reservations in advance of us arriving in Tampa this April. We really want to try that restaurant seeing as we've heard so many good things about it.

[TidePrideGA]

Believe me, you won't be disappointed. They have the best salad I've ever eaten anywhere and the food all around is excellent. It's very "understated elegance" at a reasonable price.

[flapr]

Sail, try the 'paella' for 2 at Columbia Restaurant -- best to order ahead when you make your reservation.

[peaches from georgia]

My favorite restaurant in the entire country (that I've actually eaten at of course) is the Columbia in Ybor City in Tampa. Not to be missed.

Totally agree, TPGa, and I have recommended Columbia's here before for atmosphere and food. Paella, for sure, and a little sangria. :D

[gizmo]

Peaches, I agree. I have been to the Columbia in Ybor City numerous times and highly recommend it.

[elmorejj]

to Sail, Peaches et al. who have visited Tampa, can you give any other recomendations for restaurants?..............jean :cool:

[flapr]

For seafood, I recommend Landry's:

 

http://www.landrysseafoodhouse.com/

[peaches from georgia]

to Sail, Peaches et al. who have visited Tampa, can you give any other recomendations for restaurants?..............jean :cool:

I can tell you a lot more about Sarasota restaurants, just an hour south, but there may be some of the same restaurants in Tampa also. I will check. Are you seafood fans? Good steaks?

[BCEagle78]

If you are looking to have a steak dinner, don't miss Berns. They have one of the best wine lists around.

 

For more information see http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/

 

If you go there, ask for a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar. They encourage this and it is well worth the extra time it will take. I heard they have over 1 million bottles of wine...

[elmorejj]

I think I`ve heard of Berns before. Anyone else on the boards eaten there? Where do you eat at Sail? :cool:

[sail7seas]

Believe me, you won't be disappointed. They have the best salad I've ever eaten anywhere and the food all around is excellent. It's very "understated elegance" at a reasonable price.

 

What makes their salad so special? I'm a huge salad/veggie eater so it makes me very happy to hear they serve a good/great salad.

[TidePrideGA]

For atmosphere and decent food, I like Hurricane, particularly at sunset (they make a big production out of it).

 

http://www.thehurricane.com/

[sail7seas]

I think I`ve heard of Berns before. Anyone else on the boards eaten there? Where do you eat at Sail? :cool:

 

I, too, have heard of Berns and it is VERY highly recommended. I have never heard a bad thing about it but many good things.

 

Seeing as we will have four nights in Tampa this trip, I think we probably will dine there as well.

[sail7seas]

Totally agree, TPGa, and I have recommended Columbia's here before for atmosphere and food. Paella, for sure, and a little sangria. :D

 

 

I LOVE Paella and have not had it since we were in Spain. It was unbelievably delicious in Marbella. I'm getting hungry thinking about it.

And Sangria is perfect with it. :)

[sail7seas]

Sail, try the 'paella' for 2 at Columbia Restaurant -- best to order ahead when you make your reservation.

 

Thank you so much for the tip to pre-order the Paella when reserving. I never would have thought to do that. I appreciate the 'insider' hints.

[Cruising Illini]

Be VERY CAREFUL when going to Ybor city -- known to have gang problems and especially on weekends. It is often in the paper and we stay clear for that reason. There is a Columbia at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota also. EC