port of tampa information

Please note, as of July 1, 2025, terminal doors will now close promptly at 4:00pm so you can embrace the “It’s Always 5 O’Clock” mentality sooner.

Please note: Check-In, Arrival and Embarkation/Debarkation processes are specific to departure Ports and third-party terminal operations staff and can change over time. Even if you have sailed with Margaritaville at Sea or from Port Tampa Bay previously, please take a moment to carefully read through all policies and procedures below to make your journey as easy-breezy as possible.

***Terminal Information
Margaritaville at Sea sails out of Terminal 6 at Port Tampa Bay.

The address for Terminal 6 is:
1331 McKay Street, Tampa, FL, 33602

Terminal 6 boarding will not occur until after 12:00pm on embarkation day. Terminal doors close promptly at 4:00pm. You will not be permitted to enter the Terminal or embark your sailing after 4:00pm.

Passengers that arrive after 4:00pm will be denied boarding and will constitute a “no show,” subject to the penalties and fees outlined in our Cancellation Policy.

Terminal 6 is conveniently located in Tampa’s Channel District, near downtown.

***Arrival and Parking
Guests departing from Port Tampa Bay have three parking options:
• Pre-Pay Self-Parking
• Pre-Pay Valet Parking
• Self-Parking and Pay Upon Arrival

Self-parking spaces closer to Terminal 6 are limited, and Port Tampa Bay encourages guests to pre-pay for self-parking to ensure you can reserve the closer spaces available.

For directions, parking rates, and more information on parking options, please visit Port Tampa Bay’s Terminal 6 Departure Guide Terminal 6 Departure Guide.

***Check-In and Embarkation
To ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and to comfortably manage the flow of guests throughout the check-in process, Margaritaville at Sea guests departing from Port Tampa Bay are assigned a specific arrival window based on your stateroom location.

Guests with pre-booked Express Passes, pre-purchased Signature Packages containing Priority Boarding and guests staying in Suites are assigned priority boarding and should enter through the VIP Check-In Lane.

There will be a member of our terminal operations agency to confirm your arrival window and check your boarding pass as you arrive.

Guests without a boarding pass or who arrive before 12:00pm will be required to enter through the Standby Check-In Lane and will experience delays in check-in and embarkation.

To board the Margaritaville at Sea Islander from Port Tampa Bay, please have the following available for all members of your sailing party.

1. Current, valid and approved travel documents for each person in your sailing party (please see our Travel Requirements page for detailed information on what documentation is required to sail aboard Margaritaville at Sea vessels).
2. Boarding Pass (one per stateroom)
3. A valid credit card for onboard charges

***Your Stateroom Key
Upon check-in, each member of your sailing party (including minors) will be provided a personalized stateroom key with their name, stateroom number and other key sailing information.

Your stateroom key will be used to debark and embark the ship at all ports and to make cashless transactions around the ship.