Sky

Cruznut2 · #1 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 10:23 AM

Good Morning Sky! Soon I will be sailing on Inspiration from Tampa. Since you have sailed from this port numerous times you can give me some info. What is the best parking option? I was thinking that since we are 3 ladies splitting the cost that Carnival would be a good deal for us. Good idea or not? Do you know the price for this? Does Carnival do a valet service? How near is their parking lot? I have never sailed from this port before. I know there is a garage across the street which I used once when visiting Channelside no one asked me for money there so I am assuming it is free. I cannot imagine it being free for long term. Thanks for any advice you can give. give Vita a hug for me.

Laura

colorcrazie · #2 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 03:13 PM

Hi Laura,
I'm not Sky, but we sail out of Tampa almost every year. So much easier for us than other Florida ports. The parking lot is across the street from the pier, but it is not free for long term parking. They also offer valet parking, but it is so close, we never saw the point to this. You can pull up, drop off the luggage, including carry-ons and leave one person to watch over it. Then, swing around and park. Very easy.
The check-in for Carnival is very well organized and moves faster and easier than any other port we've sailed from. We usually get there around 11 a.m. to maximize time on board. If you are flying in, have you considered using a shuttle? As far as Carnival being a good choice, I would say yes. In spite of some other peoples' opinions, I have always enjoyed Carnival. And I love the size of the ships they have out of Tampa. I don't like the huge mega ships and the Skyway Bridge limits the cruise lines to the somewhat smaller ships.
JMHO
Marty