Tampa Skyway Bridge

[karen of PA]

For anyone who has cruised from the Tampa port, do you remember about how long it takes for the ship to reach the Skyway bridge in St Pete? I would love to be able to stand on the deck when we cruise under the bridge on the first day. We have My Time Dining but I don’t want to be stuck in the dining room eating when the ship goes under the bridge.

 

Thanks,

Karen

[skrufy]

1 hour ago, karen of PA said:

For anyone who has cruised from the Tampa port, do you remember about how long it takes for the ship to reach the Skyway bridge in St Pete? I would love to be able to stand on the deck when we cruise under the bridge on the first day. We have My Time Dining but I don’t want to be stuck in the dining room eating when the ship goes under the bridge.

 

Thanks,

Karen

Approximately two hours.

[rocky1]

On 9/12/2019 at 1:49 AM, skrufy said:

Approximately two hours.

This.

And (my experience has been) the captain may delay sailing time depending on tides. Yes, the clearance is that close, and you don't want to miss it!!!

[karen of PA]

I get such a thrill going under bridges on a cruise ship. It’s a great way to begin a cruise. We have cruised under the Verrazano Bridge in NYC several times. We live near the Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg and often go to Fort DeSoto Park where we can watch the cruise ships going under the bridge and returning to Tampa.

[Jasmin'sAunt]

On 9/12/2019 at 1:49 AM, skrufy said:

Approximately two hours.

This is correct. When we sail out of Tampa we always make sure we are up on deck when we get to the Skyway. You feel like you can reach up and touch it when you go under it. 

[purpleally]

And does anyone know when we finally get out of US waters and no longer have to pay taxes on the drinks?

[JohninDC]

15 hours ago, purpleally said:

And does anyone know when we finally get out of US waters and no longer have to pay taxes on the drinks?

Depends upon the path the CAPT takes - when the casino opens is a good guide.  I've never noticed any extra sales taxes on drinks while underway from Tampa? 😕

[Floridadude]

I have cruised out of Tampa many times.

My cruise a few months ago it was so windy we could not leave until after midnight as it is a small channel and need to stay in the middle, sides are too shallow.

 

Winter cruising with our early morning dense fog has created two of my cruises to be out at sea until 9am, then the 2 hours from the bridge to docking. Everyone that had flights before 1pm missed them.