Research companies and routes that tend to start in Tampa. Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise lines use Tampa as their homeport and offer a variety of four-, five-, seven- and 14-day cruises to work with any schedule. Each one offers different routes, depending on what ports of call you want to see on your journey.
Contact a travel agent or a cruise booking agent to make reservations for the cruise that you desire. Tell them you want to leave from Tampa and give them an indication of where you wish to go on your cruise. Be sure to let them know if you also want to return to Tampa.
Book a last-minute cruise if you can be flexible with your dates. Since Tampa is the homeport to several cruise lines, they often have rooms they need to fill and are willing to lower the price as the cruise comes close to departing. Make sure to plan at least three days in advance, though, because cruise lines have to create complete passenger manifests up to 48 hours before they depart. Book a cruise from Tampa between 60 and 90 days before departure to get the best savings.
Book a cruise that leaves from Tampa during late April or May if you'd like to travel in the spring or from October to January (except for holiday weeks) for the best savings and least-crowded cruises.
Drive to Tampa, if you live close enough. Long-term parking is available at the Seaport Terminal, so you wouldn't have to take public transportation to reach your cruise.
Fly to Tampa, if you live further away.
Call a taxi once you arrive at the Tampa International Airport. Tampa Bay Cab and United Cab both serve the airport regularly.
Take a shuttle bus to the Seaport Terminal if one is available on the day and time that you arrive. The clerk at the information desk should be able to direct you to the correct one for your needs. The HART Regional Transit can be found on the east end of the Red Baggage Claim by Belt 20.
Stop at the Port of Tampa, located by the Seaport Terminal. Each cruise terminal is located on Channelside Drive, within walking distance to the Tampa Aquarium. Have your tickets, your identification and your luggage ready when you walk to the dock to meet the boat.
Show your tickets and your identification to the employee who checks you in.
Settle into your room and enjoy your cruise.
