Cruises from Tampa, Florida

Bern’s Steak House

1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa

For the ultimate culinary experience in Tampa Bay, Bern’s Steak House is the most sought-after choice. Its extraordinary wine menu, delectable steaks, and magnificent dessert room make it a top spot to celebrate a special occasion. Reservations are recommended.

Armature Works

1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa

Once the home of a phosphate machinery manufacturer, Armature Works is Tampa’s trendiest new dining destination located along the Hillsborough River. Choose from a number of innovative restaurants in this fully restored warehouse with a picturesque outdoor space.

Columbia

2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

Visit the state’s oldest restaurant and world’s largest Spanish restaurant at Columbia, a renowned Y-Bor City institution. Marvel at Spanish flamenco dancers while you dine on delicious tapas and fresh seafood dishes.

Tampa Bay’s Native American history can be traced as far back as 900 A.D. Multiple tribes inhabited the region until the arrival of Ponce de Leon in the 1500s when their populations began to decline. In the 1820s, the U.S. Army founded Fort Brooke to protect the city’s valuable harbor area.

Today, Tampa’s port is one of the largest in the nation due to its phosphate shipping and shrimp trading. Its culture is diverse and thriving, with influences from Latin and Caribbean communities. The annual Gasparilla festival, which celebrates the legend of pirate José Gaspar, attracts half a million people to the city every year.

To get from the Tampa cruise port to most attractions in the city, you’ll need to rent a car or use a ridesharing service. There are a handful of car rental agencies located close to the port. You can also take the TECO Line Streetcar around downtown Tampa and Y-Bor. There’s a stop nearby where cruises from Tampa depart. For a fun way to see the city, try a water taxi, which will take you to various stops along the water.

International Plaza is an upscale shopping destination with both brand-name and luxury stores, plus a number of world-class restaurants, located about 20 minutes away from the port. For upscale boutiques in a picturesque setting, head to Hyde Park Village, just 10 minutes from the port.

Tampa, along with the rest of the United States, uses the U.S. Dollar. You’ll find ATMs throughout the city’s most-visited destinations and neighborhoods. Credit cards are widely accepted, though it’s always wise to have some cash on hand. At restaurants and bars, a 15% to 20% tip is suggested.