How to get to the Tampa Cruise Terminal during the RNC

Photo by @5wa aka Robert Neff

While researching cruise impacts from Tropical Storm Isaac, I came across some very important information for cruisers departing out of Tampa between  8/25 – 8/30. 

Not only will cruisers out of Tampa be dodging what is likely to become Hurricane Isaac, they’ll also need to avoid downtown Tampa due to road closures for the Republican National Convention.

The RNC will impact cruisers departing on the Carnival Paradise 8/25/12, Carnival Legend 8/26/12, Carnival Paradise 8/30/12:

Tampa authorities have advised that road closures and parking restrictions are expected.  There will traffic delays and temporary closures on interstate roads and throughout the downtown area beginning Saturday, August, 25, through Thursday, August 30.  Got to www.tampagov.net/rnc for a map of all the road closures.
 
Carnival and City Officials suggest Tampa cruisers avoid routes that take you through downtown Tampa.

How to get to Tampa Cruise Terminal During the RNC:

– Take I-4 Exit 1
– Go south on 21st Street and turn west onto Adamo Drive
– Turn south onto Channelside Drive
– Passengers may utilize the Port of Tampa parking garage

Checkout our FREE Cruiser’s Guide to US Port Cities for some restaurant suggestions that are enroute to the cruise terminal
 
Given traffic restrictions planned for this week, check-in for the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend is now scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and will depart soon after 3:00 PM.  
 
Pro Tip: For speedy embarkation please complete your online check-in [FUN PASS] prior to arriving.
 
To stay up to date on any changes due to the RNC or Hurricane Isaac that may affect your cruise departure, sign up for text alerts:

Carnival Paradise 8/25/12 – text CCL1 to CRUISE (278473)

Carnival Legend 8/26/12 – text CCL2 to CRUISE (278473)

Carnival Paradise 8/30/12 – text CCL3 to CRUISE (278473)

I did not know that Carnival had this new texting capabilities or that they owned the CRUISE short code.  Kudos, Carnival!  You may have already signed up for text alerts during your online checkin process.  If you have any concerns, please contact your travel agent.

Click Here for latest updates on Tropical Storm Isaac.