Carnival Cruise Line has issued a traffic warning for guests sailing out of Tampa, Florida from August 25-30, 2012. Guests leaving on the Carnival Paradise (Aug 25), Carnival Legend (Aug 26), and the Carnival Paradise (Aug 30) should plan ahead to avoid delays from traffic.
The 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Tampa causing road closures and parking restrictions. Local authorities have advised Carnival about alternate routes for cruise passengers to take.
All routes through downtown Tampa should be avoided and cruise passengers are asked to use the following detour:
- I-4 Exit 1
- South on 21st St and turn west onto Adamo Drive
- Turn south onto Channelside Drive
- Passengers may use the Port of Tampa parking garage
Carnival has changed embarkation times for the 3 cruises as well. Check-in will now begin at 10:00 AM and close at 3:00PM. The ships will leave port shortly after 3. Carnival is stressing the importance of allowing enough time to reach the port so passengers are not left behind.
Carnival issued the following statement on their website: “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.”
Passengers on these 3 sailings are encouraged to sign up for text alerts for any changes that may affect their departure. To sign up for text alerts if you have not done so when completely your online check-in, text:
- Carnival Paradise August 25, 2012 – text CCL1 to 278473 (CRUISE)
- Carnival Legend August 26, 2012 – text CCL2 to 278473 (CRUISE)
- Carnival Paradise August 30, 2012 – text CCL3 to 278473 (CRUISE)
The Paradise will be sailing cruises to Cozumel, Mexico and to Grand Cayman Island. The Legend will be embarking on a 7 night cruise to Cozumel, Belize City, Roatan, and to Grand Cayman Island.
