Feb 2017. Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas is leaving Port of Tampa, Florida. The ships embarks at 4 PM and takes approximately 2.5 hours to transverse Tampa Bay's 43 miles to reach the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Since this is winter, dusk has already started. Before the time springs forward, you will reach the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at night. This is a magnificent view! I included a photograph at the end of the story.

I am on the northern end of Davis Island looking at Harbor Island and, on the other side, Brilliance of the Seas.

The Brilliance of the Seas just embarked and is heading very slowly down Sparkman Channel for the southern end of Harbor Island.

On ship, you have great views of the Port of Tampa on one side and luxury homes along Harbor Island.

Like I said, the cruise ships go very slowly. Heard its about 2 knots?

Brilliance of the Seas is almost reached the end of Sparkman Channel.

On the starboard side are the rowers from the University of Tampa.

Brilliance of the Seas is turning into Seddan Channel which will take you along the southern end of Davis Island.

You will pass large freighters in the Port of Tampa.

On the starboard side is Davis Island's Channel Drive. Older homes line the Channel Drive and there is a sidewalk along the channel. Be sure to wave at the people. They are used to it and always wave back at you.

Shortly, you will pass a landing strip for small aircraft at the Peter O. Knight Airport on the starboard side.

Once you reach the southern end of Davis Island Yacht Club, be sure to enjoy the great views of the sailboats docked at the marina.