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Florida RV Rentals

With an RV from one of our rental offices - located in 10 major Florida cities - you can travel throughout the state to enjoy the weather and make a splash on the Florida coast.

There are numerous places to enjoy the sand and surf throughout North and  South Florida . With Florida RV rentals , you'll maximize your vacation time and enjoy total travel flexibility.

Southwest Florida - Naples

The temperate waters of the Gulf are ideal for parasailing, jet ski, and wave runner expeditions. You can also try your hand at manning a powerboat through the easy-flowing Naples canals to get a peaceful look at the scenic waterways. A distinctly beautiful town, Naples is considered the crown jewel of Southwest Florida.

Northwest Florida - Beaches of South Walton

The perfect destination to get the most out of our Florida RV Rentals is at the Beaches of South Walton, a charming area nestled between Panama City and Fort Walton. One of the best places in Northwest Florida for fishing and water sports, the Beaches of South Walton feature many shops for equipment rental, from boogie boards to wave runners.

Southwest Florida - Venice Venice, Florida draws thousands of visitors to its superb waterfront communities and attractions each year. Much of this can be attributed to its convenient location south of Tampa and to the perfect year-round climate. With swimming, surfing, fishing and boating all at your fingertips, you can always find the perfect way to spend your day in the water.

With so many destinations for fun in the sun, you may want to travel from city to city to experience everything Florida has to offer - and what better way to travel than with RV rentals? Florida hotels, rental cars and other accommodations can get pricey, but with a Cruise America RV, you'll save money on lodging, food and more.

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Cruise from Tampa, Florida

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Unlock a treasure trove of adventures on Florida’s west coast, plus cruises to the Western Caribbean.

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Brilliance of the Seas® is the ultimate way to visit off-the-beaten-path wonders. Go from sun-soaked beaches and colorful colonial towns ashore, to unforgettable experiences onboard — like world-class shows and entertainment and foodie-approved flavors from around the world. Explore Brilliance of the Seas

SAIL ON SERENADE OF THE SEAS

If you’re looking for laid-back vacation vibes, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect home base for adventure. While you’re onboard, kick back poolside at the adults-only Solarium, go vertical for views on the guest-favorite rock climbing wall, and treat yourself to dining that’s as epic as the destinations you visit. Explore Serenade of the Seas

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A BOLDER WAY TO GETAWAY WEEKEND CRUISES

Break up with your weekly routine and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships — no days off required. Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures.

Tampa Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in tampa.

CULTURE FIX

tampa florida downtown skyline

Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and see where it leads you. You might explore interactive exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Center, or go stand-up paddleboarding from the Sail Pavilion. Tampa Museum of Art’s collections range from ancient to modern— and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is home to splash fountains, a playground and skyline views.

HIT THE SAND

Girl Running to the Beach, Tampa, Florida

A short 30-minute drive west of downtown lands you along the Gulf of Mexico coast, which is fringed by a string of sugary beaches. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach both offer an upbeat seaside atmosphere, while Caladesi Island State Park and Fort DeSoto Park provide serene shoreline settings.

Enter the Florida Aquarium to encounter over 20,000 species of aquatic plants and animals. Cruise to Tampa and see river otters on the Florida Wetlands Trail and ring-tailed lemurs on the Journey to Madagascar. Then say hello to goliath grouper, stingrays, reef fishes, sea turtles and sharks in the Bays & Beaches habitat.

LOCAL CUISINE

Tampa’s food scene stems from a fusion of Cuban, Spanish, Italian and Floribbean influences. Local raw bars serve up fresh shrimp, oysters, scallops and grouper from the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban sandwich— piled with Genoa salami— is a city signature. For a taste of authentic Florida Cracker cuisine, try sofkee porridge, pilau (rice cakes) or fried alligator tail during your next Tampa cruise.

Pick up tropical apparel and Florida-inspired souvenirs at the outdoor Channelside Bay Plaza, right at the port. Head to Hyde Park Village for upscale boutique stores, and stop in local sportswear outfitter Salt Pines. Nothing beats Ybor City when it comes to quirky vintage stores and hand-rolled cigars.

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Tampa, nicknamed "The Big Guava", is so much more than merely home to Busch Gardens (one of the most popular theme parks in Florida). The Ybor City district is alive with history, shopping and fine dining. The Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Industry are also must-sees. Looking for a cruise from Tampa? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises .

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Cruises from Tampa, Florida

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Tampa Bay, Florida Port Guide

Located off the beautiful Gulf Coast of Central Florida, Tampa Bay is a lively city ripe for exploration. Spend an afternoon strolling through the historic district of Ybor City or walk along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat at the trendy Armature Works. Sports fans can catch a game at the Raymond James Stadium, while thrill-seekers can head to Busch Gardens, home to exhilarating roller coasters that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Tampa Bay is a convenient embarkation point for those looking for a sunny vacation to the Caribbean. Cruises from Tampa sail to all corners of this tropical region, from the exotic islands of the Western Caribbean, the popular ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) further down south, and the heavenly beaches of the Eastern Caribbean. 

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Featured destinations, eastern caribbean.

Pristine beaches and fascinating history await in the Eastern Caribbean, where you’ll stop in popular destinations like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, along with more under-the-radar islands such as St. Kitts and Nevis. Explore ancient forts in San Juan, lounge on the powdery white sand beaches of St. Maarten, and spot colorful schools of fish while snorkeling in St. Thomas—there’s no shortage of fun to enjoy.

Southern Caribbean

The Southern Caribbean promises palm trees, white-sand beaches, and crystal clear waters—all the ingredients you’ll need for an unforgettable vacation. Experience the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Lounge on the flawless beaches of Grand Cayman and Labadee, and enjoy quality time with your family in the ABC Islands.

Sail down the Panama Canal, an engineering masterpiece that allows ships to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watch as its complex system of locks unfolds, then stop in the historic center of Panama Viejo, where you’ll learn all about the town’s pirate history. During Panama Canal itineraries, you’ll also stop in idyllic destinations in Central and South America, including the jungles of Costa Rica, the romantic city of Cartagena in Colombia, and the beautiful island of Cozumel in Mexico.

Western Caribbean

The islands of the Western Caribbean offer the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation in a lush, tropical environment. Dive into some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs in Cozumel and explore the famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off the coast of Belize. You’ll find it hard to choose a favorite from the area’s picturesque beaches.

Our Ship Sailing Out of Tampa

Celebrity constellation, why sail from tampa with celebrity cruises.

Embark on a trip of a lifetime aboard Celebrity Constellation, a magnificent ship where you’ll be surrounded by effortless luxury, impeccable service, and world-class entertainment. Book an indulgent stay at The Retreat, our luxury vacation experience, which features a private restaurant, lounge, and exclusive amenities. Savor delectable dishes at any of our onboard restaurants with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. Watch exciting performances in the theater and enjoy family fun at the pool deck. 

Set sail from the convenient port of Tampa Bay in Florida and travel to some of the most coveted destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. Discover the magic of Mexico with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya. Wherever you choose to go, paradise awaits at every turn.

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Tampa port facilities & location.

Passengers departing on cruises from Tampa Bay will leave from Port Tampa Bay, home to three cruise terminals. Just outside of the cruise terminals is the Channelside district, where you’ll find a handful of shops and restaurants. Tourist information centers, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms are available at the port.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises from Tampa

Once dubbed the “Cigar Capital of the World,” the Ybor City district is rich in history and Latin culture. Stop in one of the area’s many cigar shops and buy a few hand-rolled cigars to take home. Spend the day mingling with locals at one of the craft breweries, or simply stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the façades of this charming neighborhood before boarding one of our Tampa cruises.

Dalí Museum

If you’re a fan of celebrated Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, then a visit to the awe-inspiring Dalí Museum in St. Pete is a must. The museum is home to the largest collection of his art outside of Europe. The gift shop is a great place to grab a quirky gift to take home.

The Florida Aquarium

Rated one of the best aquariums in the country, the Florida Aquarium is located just steps away from Tampa’s port area. Here, you can pet stingrays, get up close with African penguins, and even spot dolphins in the wild on a catamaran cruise. The aquarium is so close to the port that passengers leaving on cruises from Tampa can bring their luggage, which the venue will safely store while you explore.

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Top things to do in tampa, visit a gulf coast beach.

Some of the nation’s leading beaches are found on the Gulf Coast, and passengers on Tampa cruises will have plenty of award-winning options to explore. Clearwater Beach frequently tops best-of lists. At Fort de Soto, you can canoe or kayak, hunt for seashells, and explore the historic fort. At the upscale St. Pete Beach, try an exciting watersport like parasailing or kiteboarding, or simply lounge on its sugary sands.

Explore Downtown St. Petersburg

Located southwest of the city of Tampa, St. Pete is an artsy city that boasts upscale boutiques and restaurants, museums and art galleries, and fun activities for the whole family. If you’re here on a Saturday, stop in the Saturday Morning Market for live music, international cuisine, and artisan goods.

Catch a Game

No matter what type of sport you’re into, you’re bound to find it here in Tampa. Sit near the ice and dodge pucks at a Lightning game, cheer on the Bucs to the sounds of a pirate ship’s cannonballs blasting at Raymond James Stadium, or snack on cracker jacks while watching the Yankees during spring training or the Rays during the regular season.

Where can I eat near the Tampa Cruise Port?

Bern’s Steak House

1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa

For the ultimate culinary experience in Tampa Bay, Bern’s Steak House is the most sought-after choice. Its extraordinary wine menu, delectable steaks, and magnificent dessert room make it a top spot to celebrate a special occasion. Reservations are recommended.

Armature Works

1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa

Once the home of a phosphate machinery manufacturer, Armature Works is Tampa’s trendiest new dining destination located along the Hillsborough River. Choose from a number of innovative restaurants in this fully restored warehouse with a picturesque outdoor space.

2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

Visit the state’s oldest restaurant and world’s largest Spanish restaurant at Columbia, a renowned Y-Bor City institution. Marvel at Spanish flamenco dancers while you dine on delicious tapas and fresh seafood dishes.

What’s the culture and history of Tampa?

Tampa Bay’s Native American history can be traced as far back as 900 A.D. Multiple tribes inhabited the region until the arrival of Ponce de Leon in the 1500s when their populations began to decline. In the 1820s, the U.S. Army founded Fort Brooke to protect the city’s valuable harbor area.

Today, Tampa’s port is one of the largest in the nation due to its phosphate shipping and shrimp trading. Its culture is diverse and thriving, with influences from Latin and Caribbean communities. The annual Gasparilla festival, which celebrates the legend of pirate José Gaspar, attracts half a million people to the city every year.

How can I get around Tampa?

To get from the Tampa cruise port to most attractions in the city, you’ll need to rent a car or use a ridesharing service. There are a handful of car rental agencies located close to the port. You can also take the TECO Line Streetcar around downtown Tampa and Y-Bor. There’s a stop nearby where cruises from Tampa depart. For a fun way to see the city, try a water taxi, which will take you to various stops along the water.

Where can I go shopping near the Tampa cruise port?

International Plaza is an upscale shopping destination with both brand-name and luxury stores, plus a number of world-class restaurants, located about 20 minutes away from the port. For upscale boutiques in a picturesque setting, head to Hyde Park Village, just 10 minutes from the port.

What are local currency and tipping customs?

Tampa, along with the rest of the United States, uses the U.S. Dollar. You’ll find ATMs throughout the city’s most-visited destinations and neighborhoods. Credit cards are widely accepted, though it’s always wise to have some cash on hand. At restaurants and bars, a 15% to 20% tip is suggested.

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Tampa (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-27 23:25

Port Tampa cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Tampa, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Tampa Bay Cruise Port is on Florida's western coast. The city of Tampa is approx 85 mi (140 km) from Orlando City /Port Canaveral to the west, via Highway I-4E (~1,5 hours drive distance). Regency Cruises and HAL-Holland America Line were the first companies to start homeporting/roundtrip voyages from Tampa (in the 1980s). CCL-Carnival Cruise Line started homeporting operations in 1994 with MS Tropicale (1982-built/2021- scrapped ).

Two bridges spanning Old Tampa Bay - Gandy Bridge (1924-opened, carrying highway 92) and Howard Frankland Bridge (1960-opened, carrying highway I-275) directly connect Tampa to St Petersburg .

Tampa is a port city in Florida USA (Hillsborough County) with population around 390,000. The Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater Metro by population (around 3,2 million) is Florida's second-largest - after Miami - Fort Lauderdale - West Palm Beach Metro (around 6,14 million). Tampa is on the Mexican Gulf and is one of the Tampa Bay Area's main cities - together with St Petersburg and Clearwater.

Cross-Bay ferries serve the Tampa-St Petersburg route seasonally (October-November thru May) since 2016.

• In Tampa, the boats depart from Tampa Convention Center's dock, while in St Petersburg, they leave from North Straub Park's dock (near Vinoy Marina).
• Departures from St Petersburg are on Wednesdays and Thursdays (at 4:45 pm), on Fridays and Saturdays (at 10 am), and on Sundays (at 11 am).
• Departures from Tampa are on Wednesdays and Thursdays (at 10:45 pm), on Fridays and Saturdays (at 11 pm) and on Sundays (at 7:30 pm).
• As of 2023, Cross-Bay Ferry adult ticket prices were US$12 pp per one-way crossing. Youths, college students, seniors, people with disabilities and active/retired military personnel receive discounted tickets.
• In 2022, on the Tampa-Petersburg route was deployed the twin-hull catamaran Provincetown III (2004-built, IMO 9329394) which has max passenger capacity 149 and average speed 30 mph/50 kph.

The Cross-Bay ferry service is a public-private partnership between the counties Pinellas and Hillsborough and HMS Ferries Inc (part of HMS Global Maritime (1994-founded as Hornblower Marine Services, based in New Albany, Indiana).

Tampa cruise port

The Port is approx 24 km (15 mi) from Tampa Airport (~20 min drive distance) and very close yo downtown. The Port's 3 cruise terminals (all located on Harbour Island) are near large-capacity parking garages. The nearest highway is Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (running along the port's northern border).

Popular tourist attractions in close proximity to the cruise port include Channelside Bay Plaza (shops, bars, restaurants, hotels), Florida Aquarium (1995-opened, floor area 250,000 ft2/23000 m2), Ybor City (1880s-founded historic neighborhood/aka Cigar City), Busch Gardens Tampa (1959-opened, African-themed amusement park owned by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc).

According to local business studies, a 3000-passenger cruiser generates ~USD 334,000 in onshore spending (crew and tourists) per visit in the homeport city. Recent leisure project developments resulted in new dining, shopping, accommodation and entertainment options.

Tampa is one of the USA's most popular homeports for liners deployed in the Western Caribbean. The largest companies homeporting in Tampa are CCL-Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean , HAL-Holland America , NCL-Norwegian .

Port's cruising season runs from November thru April. In 2014 were handled a total of 888,343 cruise passengers via 198 ship calls.

In 2017, Port Tampa for the first time handled ~1 million cruisers. The number was impressive, considering Sunshine Skyway Bridge's height limitations (180 ft / 55 m) and the strong competition from larger and better positioned around Florida ports.

Besides the Skyway Bridge's height limitation, the cruise port also has a navigation issue as it is prone to fog. Larger ships also experience difficulties in maneuvering due to the Port's shallow waters and narrow channels.

Carnival ships here have passenger capacity between 1000 and 2600, and generally operate on Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Port's strategy is not homeporting mega-ships, but rather attracting smaller and recently refurbished vessels with itineraries to easy-to-reach destinations.

In 2017-Q1 (winter season) the port handled 239,301 passengers (3% increase over 2016-Q1). The number of homeported cruise liners increased to 7 (from 5 in 2016). One of the new boats based here for turnarounds/roundtrips was RCI's Empress of the Seas - which itineraries also visited Havana Cuba (starting April 2017). In 2017, the cruise port handled a total of 961,000 passengers. Also in 2017 was signed with RCI a 5-year agreement (optional 2 more years). It guaranteed min passenger numbers, while RCI spent ~USD 2 million in Terminal 6 upgrades.

In 2017, Holland America's MS Oosterdam replaced in Tampa the smaller MS Ryndam (now Celestyal Journey) . Another newly refurbished and upgraded boat returning for homeporting was Carnival Pride (starting January 2017), after nearly 3 years (in 2016 was homeported in Baltimore ).

In 2017, Carnival announced adding cruises from Tampa to Cuba to its 2017-2018 Caribbean program scheduled for Carnival Paradise (starting June 2017).

In 2018, Carnival Miracle started from Tampa year-round 7-day roundtrips. On September 22-23, 2018, Port Tampa Bay celebrated its 1 millionth cruise passenger. Another record was the Easter weekend (Mar 31 - Apr 1) when the cruise port handled 29,167 passengers on multiple ship calls.

Port Tampa cruise ship schedule includes roundtrips the whole year-round. The most common are the 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Key West Florida , Roatan Island Honduras , Cozumel Mexico , Costa Maya Mexico , Grand Cayman Island .

In February 2023 was officially opened the new cruise ship crew-exclusive facility Hookers Point Tampa Seafarer's Center. The facility is at Cruise Terminal 3 and provides Wi-Fi Internet and phones. The Seafarer's Center has a convenience store (selling snacks, travel essentials, toiletries, etc) and is generally used for handling (sending/receiving) packages and mail.

In 2023, ACL-American Cruise Lines included Key West as a call port of its 7-night/8-day "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys" itinerary. The roundtrip from Tampa was specifically designed for ACL's newbuild catamarans (Coastal Cats) and was first operated by American Glory in 2023.

On this ACL ex-Florida voyage, on days 3 and 4 the ship stays in Key West overnight. This allows tourists to explore Key West City on Day 3 (with a complimentary guided tour to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum) and the Dry Tortugas National Park on Day 4 (visiting Fort Jefferson/Civil War prison)

Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay is ranked Florida state's largest port. The seaport is located close to downtown Tampa (Channel District) and is accessed directly from Tampa Bay. The port is approx 46 km (30 mi) from Gulf of Mexico. Port Tampa Bay has capacity to serve world's largest container carriers , tankers and cruise liners .

In 2013, the port Tampa was ranked USA's 16th largest (by domestic trade tonnage), 32nd largest (by foreign cargo tonnage) and 22nd (total shipping tonnage). Port's impact on Florida's economy is over USD 15 billion, with supported over 80,000 local jobs. Most handled vessels are bulk carriers and tankers, also Ro-Ro ships (car carries) and boxships (container carriers). The port also has drydocks for ship repairs. Most of the traffic is with Asian ports.

Ports America Holdings Inc (US Terminal Operator and Stevedore) operates a container terminal with two berths. The terminal is served by 3x gantry cranes and 1x Mobile Harbor Crane (100-ton). In 2014, the port purchased two new China-made gantry cranes (from ZPMC / Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries) for USD 21,5 million.

For FY2017 (fiscal year), Port Tampa Bay reported a record operating revenue of USD 55,4 million. Port's previous records were USD 51,3 million (2015) and USD 49,2 million (2016). The increase was mainly due to additional cruise activities, new and expanded facilities leases, as well as increase of commodities import (petroleum, cement, steel).

Since January 2019, world's 6th largest containership company COSCO Shipping (China) added Port Tampa Bay to company's GME Transpacific service (Gulf of Mexico Express). COSCO is also member of Ocean Alliance (together with CMA-CGM, OOCL, Evergreen Marine). The new GME service connects cargo ports Shanghai - Ningbo - Xiamen -Yantian- Houston - Mobile -Tampa, with Shanghai-Tampa transit times 31 days (import) and 27 days (export).

Since June 2019, Port Tampa Bay is part of PEX3 (Pacific Express 3) service of CMA-CGM. The new (roundtrip Singapore ) container service links ports Singapore-Vietnam (Vung Tau)-China (Hong Kong-Shekou-Ningbo-Shanghai)-Korea (Busan)-Panama Canal-USA (Houston TX- Mobile AL-NOLA New Orleans-Tampa-Miami)-Singapore. On June 13, 2019, the port handled its ever-largest boxship - the 2010-built "CMA CGM Dalila" (IMO 9450624). The vessel (max TEU capacity 9500 containers) docked at The Ports America Terminal arriving from Vietnam.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Port Tampa's homeporting cruise shipping operations were paused for 18+ months (March 14, 2020, thru October 16, 2021).

Tampa cruise terminal

Port Tampa has 3 cruise terminals. Cruise port's address is "1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602". Port Tampa's parking facilities (Channelside Parking Garage, multi-storey) are located across the street from cruise terminals 2 and 3. Self-serve parking costs USD 15 per car per day (for oversize vehicles USD 30 per day). Valet parking costs USD 20 more (35 and 50, respectively). In most cases, passenger check-in process starts at 10 am.

In May 2019 starts an USD 10 million project with planned renovations of all the 3 cruise ship terminals. Works (by Gilbane Building Company) include interior improvements and adding of escalators in Cruise Terminals 2 and 6. Cruise Terminal 2 will also be refurbished and upgraded to be able to handle transit itineraries, and not only roundtrips without passengers embarking from non-US ports.

Project's Phase 1 (May-October 2019) and Phase 2 (May-October 2020) are both during off-season. Phase 2 involves works at Cruise Terminal 3, including adding a second escalator and renovations to terminal's processing area in order to meet the requirements of the US Customs and Border Protection agency.

Tampa cruise port directions

From Orlando FL take highway Interstate-4 West to Exit 1, continue south on 21st Street, on Adamo Drive turn right, then left onto Channelside Drive.

From Clearwater FL take Highway 60 East (across Tampa Bay), follow the signs to Interstate-275 North that merges with Interstate-4 East. Follow Interstate-4 East to Exit 1.

From Tampa International Airport take FL-60 E (3 miles) northeast on George J Bean Inbound Parkway, continue for 2,3 miles, take the right ramp to FL-60 E (0,5 miles), at the fork keep right and follow the signs for Tampa to merge onto FL-60 E. Take Interstate-275 North to McKay Ave (7 miles), turn right onto McKay Ave. United Cab and Yellow Cab taxi service is available outside airport's Baggage Claim Level. To the cruise terminal, taxis charge flat rate fee USD 28.

Cruise Terminal 2

In the late-1990s, Cruise Terminal 2 creation was incorporated in the Garrison Seaport Center scheme. The terminal offers facilities like customs, cab rank, restrooms, a snack shop and a luggage carts. It has only one wharf.

Terminal 2 serves exclusively Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships.

Cruise Terminal 3

Tampa Cruise Port Terminal 3 was built in 2002. The terminal offers facilities like fast security and luggage carts. The embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is streamlined. It has only one wharf.

Terminal 3 serves ships of NCL Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line.

Cruise Terminal 6

Tampa Cruise Port Terminal 6 is located half a mile away from Terminal 3, direction North. In 2011 it was renovated. It has only one wharf.

There is a parking area at the site. Terminal 6 serves Holland America Line. Parking: is USD 14 daily (Port Authority subject to change).

• Get a taste of Florida wildlife on this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour from Tampa. You'll visit Croc Encounters and learn about this sanctuary's conservation efforts and make a stop in Clearwater Beach to see the aquarium where the famous dolphins, Hope and Winter live. For groups of 6 or more please contact The Entourage Tours if you wish to be picked up from your location? The Entourage Tours Wildlife PM Tours - Tampa | Book Now
• Florida Aquarium: discover the great variety of sea life. You will see Wetlands, Ocean Commotion, Bays and Beaches, Dragons Down Under and Explore A Shore exhibitions. It is next to Tampa Cruise Port Terminal 3.
• SS American Victory: this cargo ship served during the World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. Currently it is a museum docked near the Florida Aquarium. Discover galley, cargo equipment, food hall, lifeboats and the bridge.
• Channelside Bay Plaza: center with many eateries, bars, retail outlets and entertainment places.
• Tampa’s Riverwalk: across the Garrison channel you will be able to see SS American Victory, Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa Cruise Port Terminal 2, Teco Line Streetcar, Tampa Bay History Center, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, MacDill Park, Tampa Museum of Art and Kiley Gardens.
• Ybor City: styled in Cuban way with narrow alleys, brick buildings and iron railings. It has a unique charm with its flamenco dancers and cigars made by hand.
• Henry B Plant Museum: discover the interesting life of the famous railroad tycoon.
• Busch Gardens Theme Park: located 8 miles away from Tampa Cruise Port, direction North.

Tampa tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Tampa - user reviews and comments

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• Carnival Legend
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* Coming Soon

Set sail from Florida’s Gulf Coast and you’ll discover just how convenient — and action-packed — cruises out of Tampa can be. Welcome to one of Florida’s busiest ports — where the historically Cuban district of Ybor City, the aquarium, city shopping and local art museums are all in easy reach. Wide beaches and urban adventures are also at your fingertips when you book a Carnival cruise from Tampa. And come nightfall, 7th Avenue in Ybor City heats up, Latin-style.

• Step into a surreal universe at St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum.
• Collect shells by sunset on the beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater.
• Canoe or kayak down the meandering Hillsborough River.

See it all from Tampa.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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What to do before or after your cruise from port tampa bay.

By Janet K. Keeler

Planning things to do before or after cruising from Port Tampa Bay is as fun to think about as the much-anticipated tropical cruise itself. The Tampa cruise port is conveniently located in a bustling area of Tampa, full of shops, attractions and restaurants, so the choices are plentiful.

The Tampa cruise port is one of the anchors of the Channelside District which puts cruisers within walking distance of a variety of things to do. And by variety, we mean good eats, too. The district is loaded with food options including Michelin-honored restaurants including Predalina and The Pearl . 

Just a few blocks away from where you will embark at the Tampa cruise port is Sparkman Wharf , a tangle of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and live music. Yeah, we know the cruise ships offer an endless buffet, but you’ll get some local flavors—charred octopus Greek salad at Swigamajig —at Sparkman plus the chance to blow off some calories on the Splitsville bowling lanes.

Amalie Arena , the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, is within walking distance, too, and you might be able to sync your cruise with a game or even a concert. Madonna, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Billy Joel and Megan Thee Stallion are just some of the acts that have played the venue recently.

For those who want to explore farther afield there are the beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches on the other side of Tampa Bay. Wide beaches with white sand are the hallmark from Clearwater south to Fort De Soto Park.

There’s plenty more beyond eating, drinking and sunning to discover before or after your cruise out of Port Tampa.

Explore the Underwater World

In the shadow of the big cruise ships at the Tampa cruise port is the Florida Aquarium which offers as much intergenerational fun as can be found aboard any cruise ship. The aquarium is one of those educational places that masquerades as a good time. Who wouldn’t want to peer through the glass wall at what baby alligators do underwater? They hardly look like the giant prehistoric reptiles that they will become. The exhibits cover Florida’s wetlands, beaches and coral reef exhibits. Just the right place to get cruisers in the mood for their tropical sea adventure.

Experience Latin Culture

A few miles from the Port Tampa Bay cruise port is the lively Tampa neighborhood, Ybor City and a street car from the cruise port area will get you there. In the early 1900s, Ybor was the country’s center of cigar production and the city’s Cuban immigrant heart. The cigar factories have dwindled to just one— J.C. Newman Cigar Co .— and visitors can watch the action and take a one-hour guided tour of the facility. There are a few storefronts along Ybor’s Seventh Avenue where you can watch cigar rollers. A self-guided GPS-based tour can tell you more and there are even guided night ghost walks. Stop in Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia , for Cuban coffee and a 1905 salad, named after the year the doors opened.

Ride a Roller Coaster

Tampa’s popular theme park, Busch Gardens , is less than 10 miles from the cruise port and is a great place to take the kids if you’ve got an extra day. There are 10(!) roller coasters for thrillseekers ranging from Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and highest hybrid coaster, to Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest coaster.  Five of them turn riders upside down. There are other rides too, like the Serengeti Flyer which soars over one of the animal encampments. The Serengeti Express train ride covers similar ground but keeps you on the ground. Besides rides and attractions, there are animals, animals, animals. More than 200 species of animals including penguins, hippos, rhinos, giraffes and more. Lots of opportunities for interaction and education. Busch means beer and there’s a taproom too.

Ride the Pirate Water Taxi

Tampa is steeped in pirate culture thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team and the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest in the weeks leading up to Easter. Think New Orleans Mardi Gras on the water with a pirate ship invasion and plenty of costumed rogues of the sea throwing beads in multiple parades. The Pirate Water Taxi takes its lead from the theme and plies the Hillsborough River and nearby channels much like a hop-on, hop-off tour bus. It makes 16 stops and No. 1 is at the Florida Aquarium, a quick walk from the Tampa Bay cruise port and parking. At stop #9, you can hop off and get a close up view of the docked Jose Gasparilla II pirate ship that leads the pirate fest invasion. Get off at  #12 and amble along the Tampa RiverWalk until you get to the Armature Works food hall to get locally brewed coffee or a bite to eat from one of the many vendors. Armature is stop No. 16 where you can board the water taxi again for the ride back to the cruise port.

Get Artsy across the Bay

Across Tampa Bay from Tampa, downtown St. Petersburg boasts five museums and a number of galleries, including one that houses the work of famed glass artist Dale Chiluly . It’s just across the street from the Morean Art Center which has rotating exhibits and a fine gift shop. The museums include the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg and its collection spanning 4,000 years; the Dali Museum which has an impressive collection of the Spanish surrealist’s master works; the James Museum of Western Art and its rotating and permanent collection of art that celebrates the American West; the Florida Holocaust Museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting tolerance, and the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and its impressive collection of furniture and decorative arts. There are parking facilities downtown, and an Uber or Lyft ride is one way to cross the bay. The Cross Bay Ferry to downtown St. Petersburg is another alternative and the pick up spot in Tampa is about a mile from the cruise port.

Places to Remember

Bradenton Beach

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Holland America Cruises from Tampa

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line with a heritage of more than 140 years. Its ships sail to ports on all seven continents, and used to include Caribbean cruises out of Tampa.

Holland America Line's mid-size ships ooze traditional design. Book a cruise to enjoy sophisticated dining, gracious service, extensive enrichment programs, and enjoyable activities.

The ship that sailed out of Tampa was the Veendam .

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Nadal cruises to straight-set win over American teenager in first round of Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Rafael Nadal of Spain competes against Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Darwin Blanch of United States returns the ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Darwin Blanch of United States competes against Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures after his match against Darwin Blanch of United States during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Iga Swiatek, of Poland, competes against Xiyu Wang, of China, during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Iga Swiatek, of Poland, serves a ball to Xiyu Wang, of China, during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Coco Gauff of the United States waves to the crowd after winning Arantxa Rus of Netherlands during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Coco Gauff of the United States returns the ball to Arantxa Rus of Netherlands during the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal couldn’t learn much from his comfortable straight-set win over American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open.

Nadal cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over the mistake-prone 16-year-old Blanch on Thursday.

“I didn’t test much my body today,” the 37-year-old Nadal said. “I played a decent match doing the things that I had to do to be through, but at the same time I played against a player ... making more mistakes.”

Blanch, playing only in his second ATP tour match, made 27 unforced errors. Nadal never faced a break point and was in control from the start against the wild-card entry, closing the match in just over one hour at the Caja Magica center court in the Spanish capital.

“I think today I played against an opponent with a great future,” Nadal said. “But today, still making mistakes. I just tried to be there, be solid all the time without taking a lot of risks. It worked well. I’m happy to be through and I wish him all the very best for the future.”

The encounter marked the largest age gap (21 years, 117 days) between two opponents at an ATP 1000 tournament.

Nadal looked in good form and showed no physical limitations in just his third competitive match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing in the second round to Alex De Minaur , who will also be his second-round opponent in Madrid on Saturday.

“I hope I can give my best and be competitive against De Minaur,” Nadal said. “Every time I have the chance to be on court in this amazing stadium with an unconditional supportive crowd, it means a lot to me. Just trying to enjoy every moment. Tomorrow, one more day of practice here and then after tomorrow, on court again. That makes me feel great.”

Nadal had arrived in Madrid saying he was not 100% fit , and that he was only going to play because the clay-court tournament was at home.

On Wednesday, the record five-time champion in Madrid said that in his current condition he would not play if this was the French Open, a tournament he has won a record 14 times.

The Spaniard is trying to get back in shape for the tournament in Paris for what will likely be his last Roland Garros appearance. The French Open begins next month.

A 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal had hip surgery last summer and said 2024 would probably be his last year on tour. He had skipped Monte Carlo, and his last tournament had been in Brisbane in January, when he played three matches.

“The thing is before, most of the time, I was able to give my 100% of the 100%,” Nadal said. “Today I’m able to give my 100% of sometimes 40%, sometimes 60%, sometimes 70%, and if I am able to raise this percentage day after day or week after week, why not in the future what can happen? If not, it’s impossible.”

OTHER RESULTS

Felix Auger-Aliassime rallied to defeat Yoshihito Nishioka 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, while Lorenzo Sonego beat Richard Gasquet 6-2, 7-5 to set up a meeting against fellow Italian Jannik Sinner, the top seed in Madrid. Gasquet was playing in his 1,000th tour-level match.

Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro will face Stefanos Tsitsipas after defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 6-3, while fellow Brazilian João Fonseca rallied to beat American Alex Michelsen 4-6, 6-0, 6-2.

SWIATEK AND GAUFF ADVANCE

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek began her quest to win the Madrid Open for the first time with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 win over Wang Xiyu to set up a third-round meeting against 27th-seeded Sorana Cirstea.

Madrid remains the only top European clay title that Swiatek is yet to win.

“I love this place. I got to know the city a little better last year,” Swiatek said. “So this time I feel more comfortable around.”

American Coco Gauff eased to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Arantxa Rus in less than an hour for her first tour-level, main-draw win without losing a game.

“Oh-and-oh, I’ve never done that before, I’ll probably never do it again,” Gauff said.

Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka lost 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 to 15th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova.

Osaka, who returned from maternity leave in January, had earned her first win on clay in two years on Wednesday.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis