We are also staying at the rocky point (Holiday Inn) the night before but havent been there before. I think it is about 10 miles according to internet maps, about 18 minute drive.

Hi Franny,

 That is correct that you cannot buy alcohol, until after 11AM ...  The Rocky point area is really nice, however there are no stores in a short distance to the hotels. Its about a 10 minute drive to a grocery store or Walgreens liquor store. I understand your concern about the hotel shuttle being busy, and not being able to stop for you. You may just have to cab it from the hotel, and go to a local store so you can be sure to get your wine. You could also go get a wine box and check it on the plane, we did that in January when we went to the wine country and it worked out great! 

When are you sailing on the Legend?  

The sailport is a nice place, and there prices are good. I used to do corporate housing and for people who had really short term needs, I would always refer them there. There rocky point area is nice, you will enjoy it.

Terri & Andrew:

Hi Franny,

 That is correct that you cannot buy alcohol, until after 11AM ...  The Rocky point area is really nice, however there are no stores in a short distance to the hotels. Its about a 10 minute drive to a grocery store or Walgreens liquor store. I understand your concern about the hotel shuttle being busy, and not being able to stop for you. You may just have to cab it from the hotel, and go to a local store so you can be sure to get your wine. You could also go get a wine box and check it on the plane, we did that in January when we went to the wine country and it worked out great! 

When are you sailing on the Legend?  

Thanks Terrie.  Where do I get a wine box?  Maybe I should investigate just getting one at home here and checking it on the plane?  We sail 7/27/08 :)

I was told by one of the hotels downton that I could park my car in the Public parking garage for 10 dollars the whole week and catch a shuttle to the peir.  Is this a good idea and is it safe.

so I''m guessing that the La Quinta (for saturday night) that we are at = on the north side of Tampa really was a bad choice - both coming from the airport - and going to the pier....   Not sure how my wife booked that !

Guess I'll have to look around and maybe get something else in the middle with easy shuttle from the airport + shuttle to the pier in the morning... Just a place to sleep & go...

I have lived in Tampa for 10 years, and know the area pretty darn well. I would try and avoid the 50th street area, even if the motel is new.   I hope the info helps!

Franny,

I would try the UPS store or simular type places to see if they carry them. Please let me know how your cruise goes, Im so excited to hear all about it. We are going Oct 5th, and I am so excited! 

Terri

Where at in North Tampa?   I would really suggest that you get a place in the Westshore area, Rocky point area or downtown...  If you need any help as to which one's are close, I will be more than happy to help.

 Terri

Hi Terri, so happy you're online.  I have a question for you please.  I was planning on taking a cab from the airport to the Carnival port and was hoping to make a quick stop to pick up wine, soda and water....do you know if there's a grocery store on the way or just 7 elevens? Thanks so much for you help!

Hi there,

When you leave the airport, just have your cab driver take kennedy to the port and there will be lots of places to stop. All of the Walgreens and CVS stores all carry wine however there is a ABC liqour store on Kennedy that has a HUGE selection of wine as well as the other items you need.  Just remember if you are traveling on Sunday, they cannot sell alcohol until after 11:00 am if its any other day of the week you can be sure that the stores will be open and selling booze by 9 AM  lol   I hope that helps

Terri

Terri & Andrew:

Franny,

 

I would try the UPS store or simular type places to see if they carry them. Please let me know how your cruise goes, Im so excited to hear all about it. We are going Oct 5th, and I am so excited! 

 

Terri

Thanks Terrie, there's a UPS place nearby here.  I'll check w/the liquor store and post office too.  I will definitely report back on the cruise.  I am really getting excited now, waking up nights thinking about it!  Having two teens who are always on the go, and one in college who is only home the summer and working, it will be a delight to spend some quality family time together.  Right now we plan on staying on board for Grand Cayman (been there a few times), Chankanaab in Cozumel (our kids love it there), cave tubing in Belize, Fins and Flippers in Roatan. 

Hi Terri--

I booked for the Best Western Airport Suites I think its called. Looked pretty nice online and got a good deal booking it online. They offer a shuttle for $10. Hope you haven't heard anything bad about that place! If you do know it...are there any resturants around there? Its on Waters Avenue.

THANKS!

Terri--

Also...where can I find a pharmacy or something to buy some pop to take onboard? THANKS SO MUCH!!

Hi there,

 That is actually a new hotel that they just built on Waters and Dale Mabry. Its not the prettiest area ( and I say that meaning its not on the water, just a main road) , but its not a bad area at all!!!! !  You are staying for one night, and the hotel is brand spanking new!!! When the shuttle takes you to the port, they will take Dale Mabry which is one of the major roads in  Tampa. Infact you will pass the NFL Buccuneers stadium, so there will be so many stores and resturants that you will have a ton to choose from. Depening on your buget there are many nice places to eat at and near the International Mall. It will be a short cab ride, but you will love the variety!  That is such a great mall, its got a great nightlife to it . Let me know if you have any more questions.

 Terri