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7/14/2006
Subject:
Tampa Transfers
Hello
Fellow Interliners:
We just this year (April 2006) took a cruise out of TPA. We
have departed there before but always went at least one day
early and stayed with friends who also drove us to the Dock.
If you are planning a Cruise out of Tampa (TPA) this is a
great way to get to the boat on time and trouble free.
Now to get to the alternate way as our friends
had already returned to Chicago. First the cab ride to the
dock from TPA airport is about $25-30 and takes 15 to 20
minutes, about the same from any airport Hotel. So I searched
the web and ASU travel guide with no luck on really good
deals. The low end is about $59 to $300. Well knowing the
area a little I choose the
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
located in Tampa's popular Westshore business district, next
to the renowned International Plaza. It is very nice and has
free airport pickup. I was able to book direct to Hilton
reservations for $115 (no special airline rates, they seem to
have dried up?) for the Friday night before we left. I
planned to take a cab to the dock for $25-$30 the next day so
as to arrive a little early (12:30 PM) to see if we could get
on early as many times they will let you if they are
ready.
Now for the better part, on the ride from
the airport we meet a fellow who asked if we where taking a
cruise? It seem he was the person that sets up the hotels van
service to transport guests to the dock and at a nominal fee
of $5 each. He said they used to do it for free until the
lobby filled with non-guests and others that had heard of
this service. We where very happy to get a ride for less
money but more important he knew where to go and we got extra
good quick service from the porters at the dock. To the front
of the line and off loaded in record time with a comfortable
feeling our bags would get on board OK!
With all this taken care of we only had to find a place to
eat dinner. The same fellow and the van driver recommended a
couple of very nice restaurants outside of the International
Plaza (an upscale shopping center). They said it was a little
difficult to walk to (no sidewalk) but they would run us over
and pick up after dinner with just a call and at NO
charge.
For what it is worth this is one sailing that was off to a
very good start. We have been on many cruises that where
delayed for late incoming aircraft and also have left a good
number that did not make the departure time! We plan to
do more sailing out of Tampa in the future. Hope this will
make your cruise even more relaxing and pleasant. Paul and
Brenda, UAL Retired
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