A Veterans Day outing in Tampa will offer guests a chance to explore the city’s military past from the water. The Tampa Bay History Center and CRAFT are hosting the Crafted History Lunch Cruise on Wednesday, Nov. 11, featuring a narrated trip along the Hillsborough River and a brunch prepared by CRAFT’s culinary team.
Florida historian Rodney Kite-Powell will lead the historical presentation, highlighting people, places and events that shaped Tampa. The discussion will begin with Fort Brooke and the area’s early settlement before moving through the region’s Civil War history and later military development.
Guests will hear about the Battle of Fort Brooke and the Battle of Ballast Point, the growth of MacDill Field into MacDill Air Force Base, and the SS American Victory. The historic ship served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The boat tour will travel beneath several of Tampa’s low-clearance bridges, providing a different perspective on the city and its waterfront. The vessel also has an onboard galley equipped with gas cooking equipment, where the meal will be prepared.
Brunch and Ticket Information
Admission is $89.95 per person. Each ticket includes a brunch entrée, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverages such as soda, coffee, and tea. Guests may order additional appetizers and craft cocktails for an extra charge. Gratuity is not included.
The cruise is scheduled to run for two hours, with boarding beginning before departure.
Event Details
Event: Crafted History Lunch Cruise
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
Boarding: 11:15 a.m.
Cruise: Noon to 2 p.m.
Departure location: CRAFT, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Price: $89.95 per person
Historical narration: Rodney Kite-Powell
Reservations: All reservations are final; tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
Additional purchases: Appetizers and craft cocktails; gratuity is not included
For reservations or more information, visit the Tampa Bay History Center’s event listing or call 813-223-7999.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will guests learn about during the cruise?
The narration will cover Tampa’s early history, Fort Brooke, Civil War battles in the area, the development of MacDill Air Force Base and the military service of the SS American Victory.
Who will provide the historical presentation?
Rodney Kite-Powell, a historian associated with the Tampa Bay History Center, will share information about the city and its military history.
Does the ticket include food?
Yes. The $89.95 admission includes a brunch entrée, dessert, soda, coffee and tea. Appetizers and craft cocktails are available separately.
Where does the cruise leave from?
The boat departs from CRAFT, located at 603 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Boarding starts at 11:15 a.m.
Can tickets be refunded or transferred?
No. The event’s reservation policy states that purchases are final, with no refunds or transfers.
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