My wife and I are taking our first cruise in a few weeks, sailing out of and returning to Tampa Bay. We have a free shuttle to the port from our hotel, but I'm wondering about getting a ride from the port to the airport. I don't want to book a shuttle, because I don't know exactly what time we'll be getting off the boat etc. Will there be any types of shuttles waiting at the port, for people without reservations? Or taxis waiting?

Supershuttle runs there

When are you arriving (date and time)? I might be able to pick you and and take you to your hotel and then back to the airport after your cruise.

The airport is only 15 - 20 minutes ride from the port.

Transport options

quote:

Originally posted by Rotndad:
When are you arriving (date and time)? I might be able to pick you and and take you to your hotel and then back to the airport after your cruise.

That's very nice of you to offer, but we're kind of playing it by ear. We have several hours to kill between when the boat returns and our flight leaves, so we might spend some time walking around the aquarium etc, which is why we don't want to book a specific time on a shuttle. We just kind of want to see what the day brings. Again, thanks for the offer - that's very generous of you.

mrw - Thanks for the links

Uber. Or Lyft.

A couple of years ago I went on a cruise, but had an event to attend in St. Pete the day after the ship arrived in port. I had a rental car arranged at the airport, so the challenge was getting from the port to the airport.

There was a shuttle bus for that purpose at the dock, and all I had to do was sign up for it.

Supershuttle does run from the port to the airport. Normally, they are very efficient but, when I used them a few years ago from the port, we had to wade through the masses waiting to be picked up at the same time. Without a last minute reservation, the wait time may be even longer. I would suggest Uber or Lyft for last minute options.

What are the arrangements for your baggage? I've been on cruises where the cruise line transported them directly to the airport and others where we had to pick them up when we got off the ship. It would really suck to have a few hours to kill and have to drag your baggage along with you.

I would call an Uber for a ride from the port to the airport. There are a ton operating in the downtown area and the airport is only 15 minutes away in non-rush hour traffic. Just make sure there isn't a Lightning game when you are planning on leaving - the Forum is right next door and the resulting traffic will slow things down (although Uber will be dropping many people off at the Forum, so they will be plentiful).