Carnival Cruise Line updates for driving to Port of Tampa during Republican National Convention

Carnival Cruise Line has issued an advisory for guests who are cruising next week from Tampa. Information is available on the best way to get to the port and avoid impending traffic snarls and road closures as a result of the convention. Of course, this is contingent upon any disruptions from potential Hurrican Isaac that might affect both the convention and sailings from Tampa. I’ve added a link to the Tampa Port parking information guide at the end of this update.

If you are cruising with Carnival next week, be sure to add their text alerts to your phone. How-to info is included at the end of this update.

Important Update for all guests sailing on the Carnival Paradise 8/25/12, Carnival Legend 8/26/12, Carnival Paradise 8/30/12:

The 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Tampa the week of your sailing. Local authorities have advised us road closures and parking restrictions are expected. There will also be intermittent traffic delays and temporary closures on interstate roads and throughout the downtown area beginning Saturday, August, 25, through Thursday, August 30. We suggest you avoid routes that take you through downtown Tampa. Cruise ship passengers are asked to use the following detour:

– 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

Given traffic restrictions planned for this week, check-in for your cruise is now scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and we will sail shortly thereafter. It is essential you allow ample time to arrive at the terminal early enough to ensure you are not left behind.

We’d like to apologize in advance for any congestion you may experience at the terminal as a result of the new check-in times. To expedite the boarding process, please ensure you have completed your online check-in prior to arriving.

To stay up to date on any changes that may affect our departure, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting the following number for your specific sailing:

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)

If you have already signed up for text during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates.

Here’s the link to parking at the port of Tampa click here.

Source: Carnival Cruise Line
Photo credit:  Port of Tampa