Port of Tampa

Cruising from Port Tampa

The new buzz phrase in the travel industry is ‘home port cruising’. Simply put people are sailing from ports closer to their home, alleviating the need for a pre and post-cruise flight. After all that ‘cheap’ 3-day cruise isn’t so inexpensive when you add airfare for a family of four.

Florida obviously has the most to offer in the way of home port cruising. Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral are all located here.

Tampa has fewer cruise options in comparison to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale but that’s what makes it a great place to start your cruise. The port, located 15 miles from Tampa airport makes flying getting to the port a breeze by air. Its proximity to pristine beaches, world class shopping, sporting events, cultural fare and theme parks make it a favorite port of cruises from the world over.

These same attractions make it a top draw for local travelers as well. Vacationers driving a few hours to the port can take a 3, 5, 7 or 14 day cruise and then stay in the area for everything else the Tampa Bay has to offer.

Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Holland America all sail western Caribbean cruises from Tampa. Cruises range from 4 days to 14 days; visiting Jamaica, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Belize and Isla Roatan, Honduras.

The port is easily accessible from I4, I75, I275 and SR 60, the parking facilities are designed to hold upwards of 4,000 vehicles. Parking fees run approximately $14.00 per day in the parking garage. Other parking options include an overnight hotel stay that offers free or discounted parking while on your cruise and off site reduced rate lots near the airport.

Don’t overlook Tampa when considering your cruise options.


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Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Phone: 352.556.4437

Grand Turk Cruise Center

Grand Turk Cruise Center

The Turk and Caicos Islands about 600 miles southeast of Miami have a new reason for cruisers to visit, the brand new Grand Turk Cruise Center. The small island of Grand Turk is a mere 1.5 miles wide by 7miles long. The 14 acre cruise playground was built to keep cruisers interested in Grand Turk--as if the pristine beaches and shimming turquoise waters aren’t reason enough!

Carnival Cruise Lines, which built the Cruise Center, also owns Holland America, Princess, Regent 7-Seas, Silver Seas, Costa and several other cruise lines that do not sail to or from the US.  The Grand Turk Cruise Center will host HAL’s New Amsterdam, Eurodam, Noordam and Westerdam; Carnival’s Liberty, Miracle, Destiny and Glory; Princess’ Ruby; Costa Atlantica and 7-Seas’ Navigator.

The center has a 390 foot pier, accommodating two ships, and offers dining, shopping, and sunbathing on the beach or by the pool; water sports rentals and FlowRider the surf machine.  Cruisers can shop in the 10,000 sq. ft. duty free shop or visit the 35,000 sq ft marketplace that houses, jewelry shops, clothing stores, locally crafted souvenirs and restaurants.  I am quite sure there must be a Diamonds International nearby; I believe it’s an unwritten law that each and every port must have at least one Diamonds International shop.

If you prefer to take it easy under a palm tree, the center offers two beach areas, with clam shell shade enclosures.  If you prefer a private poolside cabana suitable for up to four people, you can reserve one on the ship. The cost is approximately $130 for the day and comes complete with bar and food service from Margaritaville.  The pool is ringed with comfy lounge chairs and within ear shot of the upbeat music at Margaritaville. Active guest or those with beer muscles will want to try their skills on the FlowRider surf machine. This is a good place to hang out and ‘people’ watch. A word to the women…wear a one piece bathing suit on the FlowRider.

Enjoy the 70s party on the ship too much? Bust one too many moves on the dance floor? Try Spa Anani. The spa offers beachside massage services starting at $20 for a 15 minute massage and $50 for a sea mud facial.

If you would like to see more of the island before or after your Cruise Center visit just go to the front of the center and hire a taxi for a tour of the island. Note: Taxis are not metered so negotiate a price and tour prior to departure.

Hopefully the Cruise Center will enhance your visit to Grand Turk and not replace seeing the island and supporting local mom and pop businesses that are located away from the pier area. It’s important to give back to the islands you visit!

Feel free to leave comments!

Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com

Phone: 352.556.4437

What To Pack For a Caribbean Cruise

Packing for a sunny Caribbean cruise can be daunting, especially if you are in a northern state and currently under three feet of snow. No need to buy a whole new wardrobe, although that can be fun. You already own everything you will need for your cruise.

First things first, take a look at your itinerary and see what ports you are visiting and what your excursions will be. Shore excursion days will dictate your wardrobe because for days at sea you can basically wear a bathing suit and cover up if you are going to be lounging by the pool. If you plan on horseback riding or visiting any cathedrals you will need long pants.

The essentials:

Bathing Suit- Bring two bathing suits per person, they are easily washed and hung up to dry.

Cover up- One cover up is generally sufficient.

Tops- Four t-shirts or polo shirts to mix and match with shorts or capris

Sweater/ Wrap- Even though you will be in the warm and often humid Caribbean don’t forget your wrap or light sweater for the dining room and theatre.

Shorts- Four pairs of shorts for touring during the day.

Slacks/Capri- A pair or two of slacks or capris for less formal dinners in the dining room and possibly touring during the day. Lightweight slacks are a must if you plan on excursions that include horseback riding or visiting cathedrals.

Formal wear- The days of gowns and tuxedos are not over, but ships offer wide latitude on what’s apropos for formal night(s). Men generally should have on a sport jacket and dress slacks. Women, at the very least, should wear a skirt or dress slacks and nice top. I have seen passengers turned away from the dining room because they have worn shorts to formal night.

Sandals – Flat sandals for walking on the islands and around the ship on sea days.

Sneakers- Again for touring and for relaxing on board the ship.  A must if you plan to use the fitness center while sailing.

Dressy Shoes- One pair will do for evenings at dinner and the show. You may want to change into sandals if the seas are rough.

A light weight rain jacket or poncho just in case you are caught in a little rain while touring. Also don’t forget your suntan lotion and sunglasses!

Your carryon bag should bag should have your medicine, a bathing suit and cover up for the first day on the ship. It may take a few hours for you to receive your luggage. Why wait around, put on your bathing suit and enjoy the pool.