The largest and fastest growing city on Florida's Gulf Coast is home to one of the fastest growing cruise homeports in the nation — Port of Tampa. It is estimated that nearly a million passengers annually set sail to their favorite Caribbean or Mexican destinations from the Tampa location.

Aside from sailing from an ultra-modern state-of-the-art terminal, possibly the highlight of taking a cruise from Tampa is the ship's passage under the 183-foot tall span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It's an amazing experience!

There are a wide array of things to do and see before you embark on your cruise (or after you disembark). Adjacent to the port is Channelside which has it all — cinemas, IMAX theater, restaurants and unique shopping.

Anchoring the Port and Channelside is The Florida Aquarium, which stands out as an architectural marvel, but it is what is inside that will keep you entertained and cool before or after you set sail.

If you still have extra time on your hands, hop aboard one of Tampa's electric streetcars, which offer a step back in time for a charming bit of nostalgia and the short round trip to Ybor City. There you will find additional shopping and dining experiences. There is no shortage of Tampa Cruise Port parking, so you can leave your car and enjoy the town.

If you want to plan more than a day to stay and play, the Tampa Bay area offers plenty of other adventures as well, and a seemingly endless assortment of Tampa Cruise Port hotels. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Of course, just a few miles away are some of Florida's best Gulf beaches.

10.05.2017