Tampa Cruise Port
Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida is a vibrant city located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The cruise port in Tampa,
explained
Tampa, Florida is a vibrant city located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and diverse culture.
The city is home to a variety of attractions, including Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Tampa is also home to professional sports teams, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Tampa is a great place to live, work, and play, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
From its beautiful beaches to its lively nightlife, Tampa is a great place to visit and explore.
Price drops on cruises to Tampa.
723 cruises stop here in Tampa during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Tampa cruise's 90-day average.
Where is Tampa Cruise Port?
The Tampa, Florida cruise port is located on the western coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated on the Hillsborough River, just north of downtown Tampa. The port is easily accessible from the Tampa International Airport, which is located just a few miles away. The port is also close to many of Tampa's attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
- General location
- U.S.
- Category
- U.S. - Southeast
- Coordinates
- 27.94°N, 82.44°W
- Time zone
- America/New_York
What to do in Tampa
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Ways to spend the day
3 themesBeach Activities
Tampa, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and paddle boarding, there are plenty of beach activities to enjoy. Visitors can also take part in beach volleyball, beach football, and beach yoga. There are also plenty of beachside restaurants and bars to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the stunning views.
Cultural Experiences
Tampa, Florida is a great destination for those looking to experience the local culture. From visiting museums and galleries to attending festivals and events, there are plenty of ways to explore the city. Visitors can also take part in culinary tours, brewery tours, and historical walking tours. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the local atmosphere.
Outdoor Adventures
Tampa, Florida is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. From hiking and biking to fishing and camping, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Visitors can also take part in bird watching, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also plenty of parks and nature reserves to explore, as well as a variety of wildlife to observe.
Tampa cruise port beaches
3 in our guideCaladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a popular beach near Tampa, Florida cruise port. It is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundance of activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Caladesi Island State Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Tampa, Florida cruise port. It is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundance of activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Clearwater Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is another popular beach near Tampa, Florida cruise port. It is known for its beautiful sunsets, white sand beaches, and abundance of activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. St. Pete Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun.
Tampa's Aquarium
Tampa is home to the Florida Aquarium, a popular attraction that features more than 20,000 aquatic animals and plants. The aquarium is home to a variety of species, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. Visitors can also explore the aquarium's wetlands, coral reefs, and other habitats. The aquarium also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits.
Tampa's Busch Gardens
Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, a popular theme park that features roller coasters, water rides, and animal attractions. The park opened in 1959 and has since become one of the most popular attractions in the Tampa Bay area. Busch Gardens is also home to the world's tallest freestanding drop tower, the Falcon's Fury, which stands at 335 feet.
Tampa's Cuban Influence
Tampa has a long history of Cuban influence. In the late 1800s, cigar factories began to open in the area, bringing with them Cuban immigrants who settled in Ybor City. Today, Tampa is home to the largest Cuban population in the United States, and the city celebrates its Cuban heritage with festivals, restaurants, and cultural events.
Tampa cruise port shopping
3 in our guideHyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village is an outdoor shopping center located in Tampa, Florida. It features over 50 stores, including luxury retailers, department stores, and specialty boutiques. The mall also has a variety of restaurants, a movie theater, and a food court. It is a great place to find souvenirs, as it has a wide selection of unique items from local vendors and international brands.
International Plaza and Bay Street
International Plaza and Bay Street is a two-story shopping mall located in Tampa, Florida. It features over 200 stores, including luxury retailers, department stores, and specialty boutiques. The mall also has a variety of restaurants, a movie theater, and a food court. It is a great place to find souvenirs, as it has a wide selection of unique items from local vendors and international brands.
Tampa Premium Outlets
Tampa Premium Outlets is an outdoor shopping center located in Lutz, Florida. It features over 100 stores, including designer and name-brand outlets. The mall also has a variety of restaurants, a movie theater, and a food court. It is a great place to find souvenirs, as it has a wide selection of items from local vendors and international brands at discounted prices.
Which Tampa cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3
621 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3 is located in the Channelside District of Tampa and is the main cruise terminal for the city. It is the home port for Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, and offers a variety of cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 6
1350 McKay Street, Tampa, FL 33602Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 6 is located in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa and is the second largest cruise terminal in the city. It is the home port for Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, and offers a variety of cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 8
1201 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 8 is located in the Channelside District of Tampa and is the third largest cruise terminal in the city. It is the home port for Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, and offers a variety of cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
The Tampa Cruise Port offers free Wi-Fi access in the Cruise Terminal and throughout the port. Additionally, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area that offer free Wi-Fi access.
Tampa, Florida is generally considered a safe cruise port. The Tampa Police Department works closely with the cruise lines to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The port also has a security team that patrols the area and monitors the security cameras. Additionally, the port has implemented a number of security measures, such as metal detectors, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
There are several car rental options near the Tampa, Florida cruise port. These include major national companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Alamo, as well as local companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, and National. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and most offer discounts for cruise passengers. Additionally, many of these companies offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port.
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
Most Popular Tampa Cruise Port Tours
Independent shore excursions in Tampa, Florida, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.
Best Tampa shore tours
Curated from 10 · not a search resultTampa City Trolley Tour - THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE TOUR
Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer
Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport(TPA)
Private Transfer from TPA and Tampa Hotels to Port of Tampa
Bar Hop thru Tampa Downtown as a VIP in Maybach Interior Sprinter
Private Transfer from Port of Tampa to TPA and Tampa Hotels
Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer
Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels
Tampa Cruise Port Weather
- High
- 92°F
- Low
- 63°F
- Rain
- 7.3 in
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Tampa Cruise Port Traffic Today
Three cruise ships are docked in Tampa today, Saturday, September 12, 2026, bringing an estimated 8,981 passengers and crew ashore across the port's 3 piers — Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3, Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 6 and Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 8. Arrival and departure times below show how long each ship stays alongside, so you can judge how crowded Tampa will be while you're in port.
- Passengers
- 6,463
- Crew
- 2,518
- Ships
- 3
8,981 passengers and crew — 54% busier than a typical Tampa port day.
5 AM to midnight · solid bar = hours alongside · faded = arrival only, departure not published
Planning around the crowds?
- Tampa cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
- Slowest & busiest day analysis
- Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
Tampa photos, from our community
Shared by actual cruise passengers through our Cruise Quest mobile app and Gangwaze community. Every photo is reviewed before it appears here.
Been to Tampa?
Add a photo from your day ashore. We review every upload before it appears.
Also on your cruise
85% of Tampa cruises also call at one of these.
Tampa cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Tampa.
Where is Tampa cruise port located?
Tampa, Florida cruise port is located in U.S.. The Tampa, Florida cruise port is located on the western coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated on the Hillsborough River, just north of downtown Tampa. The port is easily accessible from the Tampa International Airport, which is located just a few miles away. The port is also close to many of Tampa's attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Is Tampa a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, Tampa, Florida is a great cruise port. It is home to the Port of Tampa, which is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The port offers a variety of cruises to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond. Additionally, Tampa is a great destination for pre- and post-cruise activities, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
How safe is Tampa cruise port for passengers?
Tampa cruise port has a safety score of 6.9 out of 10, ranking #25 of 37 ports in U.S.. Tampa, Florida is generally considered a safe cruise port. The Tampa Police Department works closely with the cruise lines to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The port also has a security team that patrols the area and monitors the security cameras. Additionally, the port has implemented a number of security measures, such as metal detectors, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
What is the weather like at Tampa cruise port in September?
In September, Tampa cruise port has average high temperatures of 92°F (33°C) and average lows of 63°F (17°C).
How many excursions are available at Tampa cruise port?
There are currently 10 excursions and tours available at Tampa cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at Tampa cruise port?
Tampa cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Beach Activities, Cultural Experiences, Outdoor Adventures. Tampa, Florida is known for its wide variety of activities and attractions. From outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking to cultural attractions like museums, galleries, and performing arts centers, there is something for everyone. Tampa is also home to a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, as well as a vibrant music and entertainment scene. With its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and exciting attractions, Tampa is a great destination for a fun and memorable vacation.
Can I rent a car at Tampa cruise port?
There are several car rental options near the Tampa, Florida cruise port. These include major national companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Alamo, as well as local companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, and National. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and most offer discounts for cruise passengers. Additionally, many of these companies offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port.
What is the WiFi situation at Tampa cruise port?
The Tampa Cruise Port offers free Wi-Fi access in the Cruise Terminal and throughout the port. Additionally, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area that offer free Wi-Fi access.
Where is the cruise terminal at Tampa cruise port?
The address of the Tampa, Florida cruise port is 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
What is the Tampa Cruise Port cruise schedule?
Today there are 3 cruise ships in Tampa: Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas — bringing an estimated 8,981 passengers and crew to port. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Tampa on any date.




























