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About the Port of Tampa (Cruise Port Information)
It's an exciting time for the cruise industry at the Port of Tampa. It started with a record year for cruise passengers. In 2003, more than 810,000 visitors decided a cruise out of Tampa was the way to go. Forecasts predict Tampa will host more than 830,000 passengers by the end of 2004, and, due to the introduction of several homeported ships and a service expansion, the future is very bright, indeed.
New ships keep joining the Port of Tampa roster. Royal Caribbean International's Nordic Empress now originates seven-day sailings out of Tampa to ports including Belize and Cozumel, and in 2005, Royal Caribbean will replace Nordic Empress with the larger Splendor of the Seas.
Carnival Cruise Lines now has two Fantasy Class vessels in Tampa, the Inspiration and the Sensation. Carnival has two itineraries, four- and five-day cruises, as well as seven-day cruises.
Celebrity Cruises' Horizon makes a home in Tampa. The vessel takes passengers on ten and eleven-day cruises to ports of call including Costa Rica and Grand Cayman.
The longest cruise at the Port of Tampa is on Holland America's cruise ship Noordam. That trip makes many stops, over 14 days, to ports of call including Barbados, Isla de Margarita, Guadeloupe, Aruba and Bonaire. Holland America's Veendam also homeports in Tampa. Holland America Cruise Line has been a great supporter of the Port of Tampa for many years. In December of 2001, the cruise line celebrated its one-millionth passenger from Tampa.
As the cruise business continues to grow in Tampa, the Tampa Port Authority is keeping pace by building the facilities necessary to accommodate passengers and more cruise ships. In 2002, the Port Authority recently opened Cruise Terminal 3, a 110,000 square foot facility. The Port also has three other cruise terminals in operation. Cruise Terminal 2 was refurbished in 1998 and has a 45,000 square foot baggage laydown area. Complete passenger services include a tourism information kiosk, superior security, a spacious lounge and excellent vehicle access. There is a 2,200-space, multi-level parking garage immediately across the street. The remaining terminals, Cruise Terminals 6 and 7 have great interstate access, full passenger amenities and on-terminal parking. Cruise Terminal 6 was also designed to accommodate both cruise lines and ferry services.
Port officials have a vision for the entire downtown waterfront called Channelside. It began a few years ago when The Florida Aquarium opened for business. Then in 2001, the redevelopment continued when an urban entertainment and dining district - simply called Channelside - was built. The entertainment complex also includes a 9-screen multiplex and an IMAX, 3-D domed theatre.
Tampa is not only a great place to embark on a cruise, it is also a wonderful destination in and of itself. Most passengers choose to spend some extra time nearby, or visiting Florida's world-renowned beaches or Orlando's attractions. Tampa International Airport is only 15 minutes away from the Port of Tampa, and the Port is just minutes away from some of the most exciting entertainment Tampa has to offer. The Port of Tampa is committed to making every visit to Florida's largest Port, a positive one. And, we also understand the important role the Port of Tampa plays in the city's quest to be seen as not only a homeport, but a destination, as well.
The city boasts several great tourist stops including Busch Gardens, the world's fourth largest open air zoo and theme park; Adventure Island; The Florida Aquarium; the Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science center in the Southeastern U.S.; Centro Ybor; the Channelside Shops; gulf beaches and the Performing Arts Center and excellent shopping.
The Port of Tampa has a lot to offer the cruise passenger - get to know us!
The Port of Tampa commands a position as Florida's largest seaport, handling nearly half of all seaborne commerce that passes through the state. It is the 12th largest cargo port in the nation. With several homeported passenger vessels, it is also a major cruise port.
Tampa is one of the state's most dynamic areas, a region where growth and economic expansion are realities, not possibilities. The Port of Tampa is moving ahead on dozens of fronts, working hard to plan for future challenges.
While the Port has always relied on bulk cargo, such as phosphate, liquid, sulfur, and petroleum, the Port is now diversifying its cargo operations. In addition, as the Port of Tampa continues to attract the booming cruise business, more cruise terminals and tourist accommodations are planned for the Channelside area.
The Port is the heart and soul of the community-- a growing, vibrant seaport that is an economic and cultural boon. Join the Port of Tampa, and be a part of the future. The possibilities are endless.
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