Tampa Bay or Miami for W.Caribe

[Hawk15]

Are there any plus/minus's departing out of Tampa vs. Miami? Itineraries are the same. We plan on visiting Disneyworld after the cruise so Tampa seems more convenient for that. The concern I have is the 2 "sea days" out of Tampa, will they be much cooler than out of Miami.? sailing March 15. Thanks.

[nealthedeal]

Are there any plus/minus's departing out of Tampa vs. Miami? Itineraries are the same. We plan on visiting Disneyworld after the cruise so Tampa seems more convenient for that. The concern I have is the 2 "sea days" out of Tampa, will they be much cooler than out of Miami.? sailing March 15. Thanks.

 

Tampa is always more $$$$$$$$$$ :eek:

[Luluwa]

If you're flying - try to AVOID Miami :eek:

[MEOWSMURPHY]

Tampa is always more $$$$$$$$$$ :eek:

 

JUST THE OPPOSITE..airfare from Col to Tampa was much cheaper than to Miami and Miami is such a congested area..especially the airport...I loved sailing out of Tampa a couple of weeks ago..arrived at the port at 11:45 and we were on LIDO at 12:30...smooth process for sure..

[iluvdoxies]

The port of Tampa is really easy to sail from---check in is a breeze. Not near as congested as Miami.

 

As a Floridian, you will be plenty warm in March.

[Socref124]

Are there any plus/minus's departing out of Tampa vs. Miami? Itineraries are the same. We plan on visiting Disneyworld after the cruise so Tampa seems more convenient for that. The concern I have is the 2 "sea days" out of Tampa, will they be much cooler than out of Miami.? sailing March 15. Thanks.

 

The biggest difference is the size of ship. Ships leaving Tampa must be able to clear the Sunshine Skyway bridge, therefore, the larger ships cannot cruise out of Tampa. We were on the Miracle and the Legend sails out of Tampa now. Both are Spirit class ships which are a lot of fun:) . Not to big and not to small. Weather coming out of Miami and Tampa will be about the same. We have been out of both in February and didn't have any problems. I don't think Nealthedeal was talking about airfair. I believe he was talking about cruise fair. The Port Authority charges more in Tampa for the pilots to escort the larger ships than the Port Authority in Miami.:(

[Cruzman]

Driving distance is 230 miles less to Tampa for us, and parking is about $7 per day cheaper. Additionally, Spirit Class are my favorite Carnival ships. Also, Tampa is much less congested, and frankly we feel safer there.

[Megnolia]

If you choose Tampa, you'll be with me!

 

We are very excited about the Legend, as we love the Spirit Class. Also, Tampa is NOT always more expensive, as the Legend on the 15th of March was $200 cheaper pp for a balcony than the cruise from Miami (I forget which ship, is it Valor?). The prices may be different now. Unfortunately, past guest is sold out on the Legend sailing that date.

 

Whatever you choose, the itinerary is wonderful, and you'll have a blast!

[pungo3]

I have cruised from both ports more than once. Tampa is a much easier port to deal with. I think you'll be very happy cruising from there. Have a fabulous cruise.