the boomer live

This post  shows the main areas a visiting cruise ship passenger needs to know around TIA (airport) and the Garrison Channel Cruise Terminals (Channelside).  Click here for an area map, then click on the links on the left side of the map or click the blue push pins to see what is at that location.   The cluster of pins at the lower right is the Port of Tampa Cruise Terminal area.  You can zoom in and out any area, also check out the satellite view. 

• Taxi Fares & Distances: This link to the airport ground transportation service web page will give you an idea of distances and taxi costs.  If you are traveling alone the airport shuttle may be a less expensive option but not by much, the convienience of the cab might be better for you.
• Hotels:  The choice of hotels is a personal thing.  You know what style, and budget you like.  I have included a few hotels on the map as landmarks.  If you are flying in, some hotels have airport shuttles, conversely if you are driving in, downtown hotels may have parking fees.  If you want to search Travelocity , the downtown area is zip code 33602 and the airport area is 33607. 
• Cruise Terminal: If you are arriving by car there is a bag drop off area at the terminal. Valet Parking is available (about $10) plus the parking charge.
• Parking: There is a multi story car park directly across the road from the terminal, $12 per day.  We have used the car park and it seems safe and is patrolled.
• Florida Aquarium: View the over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals or dive in the shark tank!  Next to Terminal 2.
• American Victory Mariners Memorial & Museum Ship:  Next to Terminal  2. Open daily except Monday.  You can tour this renovated Liberty Ship that was involved in WW II, Korea & the Vietnam war.
• Teco Line Street Car System: The street car system (trolley) runs from downtown Tampa past the cruise terminal, then up to Ybor City.
• Ybor City:  Once know as the "Cigar Capital of the World"  is now a shopping area by day and club scene by night. More on Ybor City can be found here.
• Spain Restaurant Toma Bar: Our favorite downtown restaurant, Spanish entrees and tapas. The Tapas offered here are a selection from the Galicia region in northwestern  Spain.  Great Spanish music Friday & Saturday night, and check their calendar, on some Saturday nights they have a Flamenco Show. Closed Sunday.
• Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: If you are in town over night, you might what to take in a show.
• St. Pete Times Forum: In addition to NHL Tampa Bay Lightning  hockey, the St. Pete Times Forum hosts more than 150 events annually, including concerts, family events, ice shows, the circus and indoor sports

I will be adding to, and updating this post as time permits