In early 2010 Carnival had two ships sailing out of Tampa--the Carnival Inspiration and the Carnival Legend. Cruises were available for rates as low as $239 for a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, aboard the Inspiration. That includes two days at sea and one day in Cozumel. The Inspiration is a family-friendly ship with a water slide, resort-style pool and lots of special activities for kids, including teens. There is also an adults-only area adults on the upper deck with hot tubs, bar service, umbrellas and lounge chairs. The Legend is family friendly too, but is also known for its nightlife. The ship offers a variety of bars and lounges, including a cigar bar and dance clubs, as well as a casino.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
877-885-4856
305-406-4779
carnival.com
Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas sails from Tampa on a variety of cruises, among them, five-day cruises with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. In 2010 rates were as low as $305 for the cruise. The Radiance of the Seas offers many amenities, including a half basketball court, rock-climbing wall, nine-hole miniature golf course, jogging track and Internet center.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
Holland America offers seven-day cruises from Tampa, with cruises starting at $449 in 2010. The cruise aboard the MS Ryndam stops in Key West, Puerto Cortes, Honduras; Santo Tomas, Guatemala and Costa Maya, Mexico. The Ryndam features a three-story atrium with an eye-catching fountain created by sculptor Gilbert Lebigre in Pietrasanta, Italy. There is a feel of elegance all around the ship, and the ship's crew enhances the atmosphere with string quartet serenades in the Rotterdam dining room.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
877-932-4259
206-281-3535
hollandamerica.com
Pre-cruise parking is available at the Tampa Port Authority, and the rate as of 2010 is $14 per day. No reservations are needed. Valet parking is also available, and special parking needs, such as space for a recreational vehicle, is available from the Tampa Port Authority Cruise Parking Operations at 813-905-5072.
Tampa Port Authority
1101 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
800-741-2297
813-905-7678
tpa.thinkcreative.com
