Tampa Cruise Guide

Tampa is the business hub of the Gulf Coast of Florida, with emphasise on banking, real estate, insurance and shipping interests. Its days as a lumber, cattle and phosphate-shipping port have diminished, but Tampa is richly flavored by the migration in the late 19th century of Hispanics to the 200 cigar-rolling factories. Sports fans know Tampa as home to a professional football team, an ice hockey team that plays just blocks from the cruise terminal and a major league baseball franchise to the west, in St. Petersburg.

Sightseeing

Next to the cruise terminal is the Florida Aquarium; here are otters, wading birds and more. For a fee you can don a wetsuit and swim with the sharks. The Ybor City entertainment district can be reached via electric tram or taxi from the ship; former cigar factories are artists' studios and shopping malls; a community museum offers walking tours. Canoe rentals are available along the Hillsborough River, which runs from forested park through the commercial downtown.

Highlights:
• Ybor City
• Tampa Theatre (grandiose 1926 movie palace)
• Busch Gardens (wild animals, thrill rides)
• Lowry Park Zoo
• Florida Aquarium
• Henry B. Plant Museum
• Golf

Tourist Information

Tampa Tourist Information 
At the cruise port: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, U.S.
Tel: (+1) 813 223 1111.
Website: www.visittampabay.com 

Shopping

There is little shopping near the terminal, but a 15-minute taxi ride away is International Mall, with trendy shops and upscale U.S. department stores, chain clothing and electronic stores.

Eating Out

Hispanic cuisine is popular, especially in traditional restaurants in Ybor City. Entrees would include paella, which combines rice, saffron, chicken, seafood and Spanish sausage, and pork dishes. But among Tampa's most-noted restaurants, the focus is on steaks - Bern's is considered the finest steakhouse in all of Florida - as well as Caribbean, seafood and Deep South, or soul food. The most popular saltwater fish are grouper, mackerel and mullet. Lunch anywhere can include the Cuban sandwich - a crusty, elongated roll holding sliced pork, Genoa salami, swiss cheese and pickles -served cold or pressed on a grill.

When To Go

May to September, temperature and humidity will seldom drop below 26̊C (85̊F), every day, with frequent thunderstorms. This area is said to be the lightning-strike capital of North America. Winters are mild; a ‘cold' February day might drop to 7̊C (45̊ F).

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Tampa.

Transfer Distance

8km (5 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes drive.

Key Facts

Region

Florida

Time Zone

GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November.

Currency

US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents.

Language

English, with significant Spanish-speaking.

Location

Southeastern edge of the U.S., Tampa is about 15 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, in west central Florida.

Population

337,000.

Government

USA is a federal republic of 50 states.

Religion

Roman Catholic, Methodist and fundamentalists in the majority.

Social Conventions

Americans are renowned for their friendliness. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A relaxed atmosphere is normal. In this climate, dress is casual, even in many businesses. High-end restaurants may require more formal attire. Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US, banned in most public places.

Tipping: Widely practised, as service charges are seldom included in the bill. Waiters generally expect 15-20% gratuity, taxi drivers, $2 and up depending on distance.
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