Embassy Suites Orlando Airport
The modern Embassy Suites Orlando Airport is well located for cruisers flying into Orlando Airport. Overnight accommodation and shuttle transfer to the cruise is included. Drivers can also park their car free for the duration of their cruise from Port Canaveral.The hotel has a car park just 10 minutes from Port Canaveral cruise terminal where you can drop your vehicle and take the shuttle to the port.
- Distance from port: 45.8 miles
- Address: 5835 T.G.Lee Blvd, Orlando
- Phone number: 888-9339
- Shuttle? Yes
Once youve booked your Orlando or Port Canaveral hotel with cruise shuttle, check out more things to do in Port Canaveral during your pre-cruise stay! If youre staying in Cocoa Beach before or after your cruise, youll find more attractions nearby in this fact-packed ebook ofDays Out Around Cocoa Beach.
Holiday Inn Orlando Airport
Enjoy the comforts of the newly renovated 3-star Holiday Inn Orlando as part of their all-inclusive cruise package. Drive yourself to the parking lot near Port Canaveral where your car will be securely parked for the duration of the cruise. Price includes a shuttle between the parking lot and the cruise port.
- Distance from port: 45.3 miles
- Address: 5750 T.G.Lee Blvd, Orlando
- Phone number: 851-6400
- Shuttle? Yes
Who Sails From Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is a homeport for only four cruise lines but they are the four that really count for families and budget-conscious travelers: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line.
From Port Canaveral, you can sail three- to 15-day itineraries to places in the Bahamas as well as Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. In 2020, Carnivals Mardi Gras, Breeze, Elation, Liberty and Radiance sail from this port. Royal Caribbeans sailings are on the Harmony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Norwegian homeports two ships here: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Sun. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail from here.
Here are the ships sailing from terminals A and B.
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Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center
The 2 star Quality Inn KSC puts you close to the beach, the Kennedy Space Center and St Johns Wildlife Refuge. Air-conditioned rooms have the latest technology including Wi-Fi, LCD TV, refrigerator and microwave. The Stay and Cruise Package also includes free cruise parking and shuttle transfer to Port Canaveral cruise terminal.
- Distance from port: 23.4 miles
- Address: 3655 Cheney Hwy, Titusville
- Phone number: 269 7110
- Shuttle? Yes
Home2 Suites By Hilton Cape Canaveral Cruise Port
We’re located off Hwy A1A and Astronaut Boulevard, just five minutes from Port Canaverals cruise ships. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, NASA, and Kennedy Space Center are nearby and Cocoa Beach is less than five miles from our front door. Come see a rocket launch and check out our free hot breakfast and poolside Mission Control Bar. WiFi is on us.
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Customs At Port Canaveral
Once you exit the ship, youll head downstairs towards customs. If youve tagged your bags to be picked up outside your room and delivered to your room, youll need to find them before going through customs. There are lots of bags, but the sections are well labeled so they are easy to find. I usually check bags for longer cruises and carry my own for shorter ones.
After you see the customs officials, youll walk out of the terminal to find the various transportation options. If you are taking the Disney transportation to the airport or the theme parks, they are very easy to find and run continuously.
Port Canaveral Cruise Parking For Disabled Passengers
Disabled cruise passengers will find the official Port Canaveral cruise parking is extremely convenient and wheelchair-friendly. Special disabled parking spaces are available close to the ship walkway.
The daily fee is waived for those who meet certain criteria, such as:
- Passengers with vehicles that are equipped with ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls specifically for disabled users
- Passengers in vehicles that display a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit as per Florida statute 316.1964
- Passengers of vehicles displaying a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate
N.B. If you choose to park off-site with Lots of Honor or Park nCruise, you can also rent a mobility scooter for onboard use for the duration of your cruise for $20 per day.
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Independent Van And Car Services
From MCO, there are several shuttle services, including Busy Traveler Transportation, Cocoa Beach Shuttle,Melbourne Airport Express and Mears. To get an idea of price, we asked for a quote on a one-way trip from MCO to Disney Cruise Line at Port Canaveral. A luxury sedan for a family of four cost $160. Upgrade to an SUV for $188.
There are also plenty of car services to hire. Look locally or go with Groundlink. The estimated cost from MCO to Port Canaveral is about $114 one-way for a standard vehicle that accommodates three people. Add $20 if you need a car seat for a child. A van accommodating up to 10 people priced out at $161.
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Four Points By Sheraton
Six miles from the port and right in the heart of the action on Cocoa Beach, this upscale Four Points by Sheraton is within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. It has a fitness center, pool, spa, and Shark Pit Bar and Grill with an amazing 5,600-gallon exotic fish aquarium. Cruise packages include parking and a shuttle to the cruise port.
- Distance from port: 5.8 miles
- Address: 4001 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
- Phone number: 783-8717
- Shuttle? Yes
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Disney Cruise Line Transfers
The morning of our cruise, we ordered room service so that we could eat in the hotel room while we got organized.
At check-in we had signed up to allow the Hyatt to pick up our luggage and transport it to the Disney Cruise Line shuttles. It was so nice to not have to worry about dragging it down to the shuttle ourselves.
This whole process was so easy and seamless!
Directions To Port Canaveral The Cove And Jetty Park
From Orlando, simply drive east on SR 528, affectionately called the Beachline. Watch carefully for road signs to Port Canaveral, as Florida notoriously lacks in good road signage.
When you finally and excitedly see cruise ships across the water in front of you on your left, stay to the right. Youll soon want to exit from 528 onto A1A South. Merge briefly onto A1A south and stay to your right for the exit. At the stop light, go left under the overpass. Follow George King Blvd and look for overhead signs to The Cove. You can enter the Cove area on either Flounder St. or Glen Cheek Road.
Heading to Jetty Park? Continue on George King Blvd and keep going to the end. Follow the signs for the campground.
Theres plenty of free parking at the Cove. With a 3:30 arrival, parking is easy.
Enjoy and have fun as you watch the ships sail away from Port Canaveral and out to sea!
Im the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath stop for a meal and a glass of wine along the way.
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Royal Caribbean Allure Of The Seas
Allure of the Seas will be reunited with her sister ship, Harmony of the Seas in Port Canaveral this coming May. She is considered one of Royal Caribbeans largest ships, accommodating up to 6,780 passengers. Popular among couples and families, Allure of the Seas is considered the most awarded ship to ever exist. Best Individual Ship, Best Large Cruise Ship, and Best for Entertainment are just a few of the titles shes earned over the years.
Some activities you can expect on Allure of the Seas are ziplining, rock climbing, simulated surfing, ice skating, and plenty of drinking since Allure of the Seas is said to have more bars than any other cruise ship. Feel free to also sing your favorite karaoke hits at On Air Club and dont forget to catch a show at the AquaTheaters outdoor pool stage.
With so much to do onboard, leaving the ship may not be your priority. However, youll definitely want to get off at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, which is Royal Caribbeans private island that underwent a $250 million makeover in 2019. Here youll have an opportunity to experience the tallest waterslide in North America, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, and even a 459-foot high helium balloon ride.
For more information about Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruises out of Port Canaveral, as well as what hotel packages, transportation, and parking fellow cruisers are booking, click here.
Best Plan To Cruise Out Of Port Canaveral By Far
By far the best way to go if sailing from Port Canaveral. We have sailed out of Port Canaveral several times and got it figured out. Fly into Orlando the night before the cruise, stay at one of the many Orlando airport hotels, use a shuttle service that actually picks up at hotels also if you are flying back home the day the cruise comes back, book a flight around 12 noon, but not before 11:30am for sure.
The schedule on our cruise papers was wrong though. It said the ship comes back in at 8am. The ships come back in the middle of the night around 4 or 5am and starts unloading at 7am and cleared by 10am. That is information from a crew member that says that is the schedule for all ships that sail out of Port Canaveral and has been the case every time we have cruised out of there. We were also surprised on how smooth the process was. It took us just shy of 35 mins to get off the ship and be at the shuttle pick up area.
We are addicted to cruising now and favor caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral. As for getting there and back, use Tropicana Transportation for sure, they were great!
Renting a car is too much of a hassle and can turn out expensive in the end. The buses at the airport are a joke and cost MORE than shuttle service.
We found our plan to be the best and we hope this helps many.
Although Chris mentions one transportation company, there are several alternatives available to cruisers.
Edited: 8 years ago
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Hotel Closest To The Port
If the distance to the port is your No. 1 concern, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, Florida, is your best bet. Its about three miles, or a six-minute drive, from Norwegians cruise terminal.
Rooms have a microwave and a fridge. Book a cruise parking and shuttle package so you can leave your vehicle at the hotel during your voyage. Double rooms feature two queen beds a bonus over hotels that only offer double beds, a less-than-family-friendly arrangement.
The hotel also offers a free hot breakfast , Wi-Fi, cookies, coffee and tea.
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Port Canaveral Hotels With Orlando Airport And Cruise Port Shuttles
The following hotels offer shuttles between the Orlando airport and the hotel, along with a shuttle to and from the terminal. Youll want to check the price of the regular room versus the cost with the shuttle package. Sometimes its cheaper to book a room and transportation separate.
Radisson Resort at the PortAs with many hotels in the area, the Radisson caters to cruisers. But not every hotel can offer the resort style feel and attractions of the Radisson, such as the large pool with waterfall.
The hotel offers parking packages and a shuttle to the port . As well, the Radisson offers a Fly, stay, and cruise package that can get you from the Orlando airport to the hotel, a nights stay, and transportation to the port for two people. Additional guests are $45 each. It also includes your ride back to the airport after your cruise.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Cocoa Beach SuitesThis hotel is a short 2-minute walk to the beach, and you dont even have to have a car to get to your room. If you fly into Orlando International, then the airport offers transportation options. Specifically, they offer a Snooze and Cruise deal thats about $90 more than the base rate. With this package you get transportation for two from the airport , transportation to the ship, and then back to the airport.
- Price: $-$$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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Homewood Suites Orlando Airport Gateway Village
Enjoy a luxury stay at the Homewood Suites Orlando Airport before or after your cruise from Port Canaveral. Its just two miles from the airport and within easy driving distance of SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. Cruise parking with shuttle transport is just 10 minutes from the port, included in the package price along with breakfast.
- Distance from port: 45.9 miles
- Address: 5425 Gateway Village Circle, Orlando
- Phone number: 857-5791
- Shuttle? Yes
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Cocoa Beach
Located on N. Atlantic Ave, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Cocoa Beach has comfortable rooms, cable TV, outdoor pool and hot tub. It also serves an amazing complimentary breakfast buffet. Cruise package includes room, parking and shuttle to Port Canaveral cruise terminal.
- Distance from port: 4.8 miles
- Address: 5575 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
- Phone number: 868-2525
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Flying To Port Canaveral For A Cruise
Port Canaverals not far from the Bahamas. So, this cruise port is popular for short 3 and 4-day cruises. These cruises often visit cruise line private islands such as Royal Caribbeans Perfect Day at CocoCay,.
Several popular cruises also visit Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay, or Disneys Castaway Cay.
While many Florida locals do drive to the port, many cruisers still fly here for cruise vacations. The closest airport to Port Canaveral is MCO. Orlando International Airport hosts plenty of airlines from destinations across the country.
So, you shouldnt have a problem finding a flight.
This airport is located approximately 45 minutes from Port Canaveral. Thus, you should plan your flights appropriately if you plan to fly in the day of your cruise.
Though, we never recommend doing so. We always recommend cruisers fly the day before to avoid any potential travel delays.
Once you arrive at the airport, you will have several transportation methods. Some of these options will depend on whether you fly in the day before or the day of your cruise.
Port Canaveral Visitors Center
The Florida Space Coast tourism office is a great place for even more, in-depth, information about all the attractions and events along this stretch of the Florida coast.
LOCATION: 4300 Brevard Avenue, Suite 150, Cocoa, FL 32922
PHONE: 1-321-433-4470 or toll-free in the USA 1-877-57-BEACH
HOURS OF OPERATION: Please call to confirm the office is open.
For the Official Space Coast Visitors Guide click here to sign up to receive one by mail or instant download.
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Cape Crossing Resort And Marina
For those who want the ultimate Snooze, Park and Cruise package, book into the 5* Cape Crossing Resort and Marina. Accommodation is in a private luxury townhouse with waterfront views. Ideal for families or groups of cruisers, the package includes parking for up to two vehicles at a private parking lot. Shuttle transport to Port Canaveral is included from the car lot to the port and takes about 10 minutes.
- Distance from port: 6.6 miles
- Address: 201 Ivory Coral Ln, Merritt Island
- Phone number: 1-800-727-6845
- Shuttle? Yes
Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport
Snooze, Park and Cruise packages at Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport have excellent reviews by past cruisers. Package price includes one nights accommodation, breakfast and cruise parking with shuttle just 10 minutes from Port Canaveral cruise terminal.
- Distance from port: 45.7 miles
- Address: 7100 Augusta National Dr, Orlando
- Phone number: 888-2666
- Shuttle? Yes
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Top Things To Do Near Port Canaveral
Serving as an embarkation port as well as a port of call on some Bahamas cruises, you might be wondering what activities there are to enjoy while visiting Port Canaveral. Whether you are visiting Floridas Space Coast for the day or plan to spend a few pre-cruise or post-cruise days in the area, you will have several options.
Given the proximity to Orlando, one of the obvious choices is to visit your favorite theme park. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are both located about an hour away. Walt Disney World is home to the popular Magic Kingdom theme park and Epcot which hosts various festivals throughout the year like the Food and Wine Festival. Additionally, Hollywood Studios is home to the new Star Wars Galaxys Edge, and Animal Kingdom has Pandora- The World of Avatar.
Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. Not mention, there are plenty of thrill rides and the Volcano Bay waterpark.
Further, Kennedy Space Center is one of the most popular attractions near Port Canaveral. Admission to this active spaceflight facility includes a variety of exhibits and attractions. To enjoy everything Kennedy Space Center has to offer, plan on spending at least one full day here.
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Of course, there are several other activities in the area as well. If you are looking for more options, see below.