Free time in Tampa post cruise

cana57 · #1 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2007, 10:52 PM

We have a few hours (almost 6) before needing to get to the airport; especially if we disembark ourselves. Can anyone recommend someplace to go for lunch and browsing. Also, with the amount of time we have, is it worth going to the airport, checking our luggage and then going out and about until we have to get back to the airport???

CROOOOZIN · #2 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2007, 12:15 AM

In Tampa the ship docks at a place called Channelside...Go figure.

There are many things to do there. Hooters, bowling, drinking,, IMAX Theater, NYPD Pizza, shopping, more drinking somewhere else, the aquarium.

Go here: WWW.CHANNELSIDETAMPA.COM

Sweetbaboo · #3 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2007, 10:32 AM

There are also two really nice malls w/in 5 mins of the airport, one is Westhore and the other is International, you'll go right past Westshore on the way to the airport and International is just down the street from it. Channelside is fun and from there you can catch a trolly that will take you to/through Ybor City, which is also a neat place to visit. As CROOOZIN said, the Florida Aquarium is right in the port and it's really nice.

adias.angel · #4 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2007, 12:47 PM

We just got back three weeks ago from Tampa and found out that at that hour of the morning many things are closed including the cinema.

We went down to Ybor city but were kind of disappointed. But again I think it was all about the time of the morning. If you have an extra $22 (flat rate cab fare for in city trip and of course the cost from pier to airport) they can take you to St Petersburg. Have a great trip, Carla

skymaster · #5 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2007, 06:38 PM

As I understand it, there is a place right at the pier where you can check your luggage for a few hours while you go to the aquarium or whatever. As someone else stated though, if you're arriving back in Tampa early, things may not be open yet? Westshore Mall, and International Mall are both good, but once again, may not be open early.

Ken

UConn1 · #6 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2007, 10:28 PM

From what I understand, the Aquarium will store your luggage for you while you visit the facility.

Jodi

adias.angel · #7 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2007, 01:10 PM

You can store your bags right where you board the boat. I think its a limo/car rental service at one end of the counter and the baggage check at the other.

It costs $2 per person for any baggage you want checked. If you can't find it just ask the attendant helping everyone find there way off the ship. Have a great trip, Carla

nolou525 · #8 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2007, 03:04 PM

As somone else stated, some of the things in Channelside are not open when the ship arrives. If you have a car, you can always drive to Clearwater Beach and go to Frenchy's on the beach for great food. You can walk the beach, relax and walk out on the pier.

If you don't want to drive to far, go to the Florida Aquarium right at the port. There are some great restaurants at the International Plaza along with some great shopping. The plaza is right near the airport. You can also.

If you don't have a car, you are limited to where you can go unless you take a cab.

JID · #9 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2007, 03:17 PM

I would suggest that you go to the airport and check your luggage. Then take a cab over to the Internatonal Plaza which is very close to the airport. Lots of great places to shop and eat lunch.
JID

skymaster · #10 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2007, 06:39 PM

JID beat me to the punch. After thinking about it a bit, that's exactly what I was going to suggest. Return to the airport, check your bags, then take a cab back to International Plaza, or WestShore Plaza. International probably has more interesting stores, and restaurants, and as JID sez, both are very close to the airport so cab fare won't be too bad.
Have a great cruise, and a lot of fun in Tampa when you return!

Ken