Situated on Florida’s east coast, Port Canaveral is the closest cruise port to Orlando and its world-class theme parks and leisure choices.
Along with its premium location, this Central Florida port is straightforward to entry and navigate. Through the years, the port has been identified to host lots of the latest ships, most notably from Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.
Port Canaveral, one of many world’s hottest cruise ports, sees tens of millions of friends yearly. In 2023, over 6.8 million multi-day cruisers sailed from the port.
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Addresses
- Royal Caribbean (Terminal 1):
9050 Discovery Rd., Port Canaveral, FL 32920 - Carnival Cruise Line (Terminal 3):
32 George King Blvd., Port Canaveral, FL 32920 - Carnival Cruise Line (Terminals 5 and 6):
9245 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920 - Disney Cruise Line (Terminal 8):
9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920 - Norwegian Cruise Line (Terminal 10):
9005 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
The place is Port Canaveral Situated?
Cruising from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is a major departure level for cruises, positioned roughly midway down the Florida peninsula on the east coast. Its strategic location permits ships to shortly attain in style ports of name within the Jap and Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
As a result of its proximity to the Bahamas, many itineraries departing from Port Canaveral usually cease at one of many cruise traces’ unique personal islands.
Fashionable personal island locations regularly featured on itineraries from Port Canaveral embody:
| Castaway Cay | Disney Cruise Line |
| Nice Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
| Half Moon Cay | Carnival Company |
| Lighthouse Pointe | Disney Cruise Line |
| Ocean Cay Marine Reserve | MSC Cruises |
| Excellent Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Princess Cays | Carnival Company |
Which cruise traces sail from Port Canaveral?
Just about each large identify within the enterprise has a few of their most enjoyable and modern ships crusing from terminals positioned at this port on a year-round or seasonal foundation, together with:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Movie star Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Norwegian Cruise Line (seasonal)
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises (late 2024)
Floor Transportation at Port Canaveral
Provided that Port Canaveral shouldn’t be a significant metropolis, your transportation choices to and from the world is perhaps restricted. But, the area is a significant tourism vacation spot, and transit choices abound.
The Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO) is lower than an hour away, and the Seashore Line Expressway (SR-528) connects the airport to the cruise port.
Cruise Line Shuttle
Every of the foremost cruise traces gives a shuttle service, which may be costly in comparison with different modes of transportation. Nevertheless, it does guarantee well timed arrival and departure and is straightforward to make use of since cruise line employees will deal with your baggage. Pricing could differ, but it surely tends to value between $35 and $45 every manner, relying in your cruise line.
Rental Automobiles and Driving
A automotive rental is your finest guess in case you favor to drive your self or have deliberate actions earlier than or after your cruise. With loads of points of interest within the space, it is a very fashionable selection for cruisers who sail out of Port Canaveral.
Keep in mind that renting a automotive for your total journey means paying for parking on the port or in a distant lot.
Some automotive rental firms provide one-way automotive leases to and from the airport for an extra drop-off surcharge. Nevertheless, the flexibility to lease the automotive solely in your trip time on land and never whilst you’re at sea might make the surcharge value it. It’s probably cheaper than paying to lease and park a automotive you’re not utilizing.
Impartial Shuttle Companies
Impartial shuttle companies provide one-way transportation between the Orlando airport and the cruise port.
It’s best to e-book these prematurely, particularly if a number of ships are in port. Don’t assume yow will discover a shuttle to the airport once you stroll off the boat. Although attainable, it might result in a tense begin to your journey house. I’ve seen these shuttles obtainable debarkation morning to the airport for as little as $25 per couple.
Ridesharing Companies
Another choice is ridesharing companies, corresponding to Uber or Lyft. Should you’re flying into Orlando, the trip to Port Canaveral will value roughly $60-$100+ a technique (relying on visitors).
Nevertheless, the per-person charge may be affordable in case you cut up the fare with others in your celebration. Evaluate the worth to that of a shuttle; it generally works out cheaper, plus it’ll solely be your group within the car.
Drop-off is true on the terminal. Pickup is at designated areas on Degree 2, at every finish of the curb; search for indicators marked “TNC Choose-Up.”
How Far Is Port Canaveral From the Orlando Airport?
Port Canaveral is a few 45-minute drive from Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO).
Take into account flights to close by airports as nicely. Tampa (TPA) and Jacksonville (JAX) airports are a few two—to three-hour drive from Orlando however usually provide cheaper flights.
Melbourne Orlando Worldwide Airport (MLB) is another choice to think about. It’s positioned about 40 minutes south of Port Canaveral and may provide extra inexpensive airfare, particularly for these in search of a more in-depth different to MCO.
Sanford Worldwide Airport (SFB) can be round an hour from Port Canaveral and is understood for providing low-cost flights with Allegiant Air.
| Tip: When reserving with funds airways like Allegiant, Spirit, or Frontier, contemplate further baggage charges. Though the ticket costs may be as little as $19, there are sometimes additional costs for seats, carry-on, and checked baggage. |
Port Canaveral Parking Choices
On-Website Parking:
- Value: Parking at cruise terminals prices $17 per day, plus tax. This contains the day of arrival and departure, making it a handy however dearer possibility for individuals who favor proximity to their ship.
Off-Website Parking Choices:
A number of off-site parking amenities close to Port Canaveral provide extra inexpensive charges and embody complimentary shuttle companies to the cruise terminals:
- Park N Cruise is about 3 miles from the port and costs $12.99 every day. They provide reductions to veterans, public service employees, AAA members, and AARP members.
- GoPort gives a novel bundle by which parking is free, however you pay for the shuttle to the port. Charges begin at $60 for a week-long cruise, about $7.50 every day.
- Cruise-time Parking is 8.5 miles from the port. It prices $10 per day and features a complimentary shuttle service.
- Park Port Canaveral: This facility is about 3 miles from the port and costs $12.85 every day in case you reserve prematurely. They supply a free shuttle to and from the cruise terminals.
When Ought to I Arrive on the Cruise Port?
It’s best to arrive on the port about 60 minutes earlier than your assigned boarding time. This additional time lets you:
- Discover Parking: Should you’re driving, this provides you time to find a parking spot on the terminal or close by off-site parking.
- Test Baggage: Drop off any checked baggage with porters earlier than heading to the terminal.
- Full Safety and Well being Screenings: Proceed by means of vital safety checks and any well being screenings your cruise line requires.
Be aware: If parking at an off-site lot, add further time for the shuttle trip from the car parking zone to the cruise terminal.
Boarding Deadline: All passengers have to be on board no later than 90 minutes earlier than the ship’s scheduled departure time. This ensures sufficient time for all pre-departure procedures, corresponding to obligatory security drills.
That is very true if you’re crusing one of many big mega-ships in Port Canaveral, corresponding to Utopia of the Seas or Carnival Jubilee.
Accommodations Close to Port Canaveral
A number of main lodge manufacturers have handy areas near Port Canaveral, providing a variety of lodging to go well with completely different budgets and preferences:
- Mid-Vary Accommodations (1-2 Miles from Terminals):
- Fashionable choices corresponding to Hilton, Marriott, Hampton Inn, Vacation Inn, and Radisson are inside a mile or two of the cruise terminals. These inns usually provide nightly charges starting from $150 to $350, relying on the season and room availability.
- Many inns present facilities like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle companies to the cruise terminals, making them handy for vacationers.
- Beachfront Accommodations (2 Miles or Extra from Terminals):
- Should you favor to remain at a beachfront location, you’ll discover inns and trip leases beginning about two miles from Port Canaveral. Choices embody main lodge chains and personal leases, with costs beginning at round $175 per evening.
| Tip: Often examine web sites like Accommodations.com, Reserving.com, and the HotelTonight app for potential reductions and last-minute offers within the space. |
Keep and Cruise Packages: Should you’re driving to the port, inquire whether or not your lodge gives a “keep and cruise” bundle. This bundle usually features a one-night keep, parking at some point of your cruise, and shuttle service to and from the cruise terminal, offering a handy and cost-effective possibility for cruise passengers.
Issues to Do at Port Canaveral
Discover the Kennedy House Heart Customer Advanced
Only a quick drive from Port Canaveral, the Kennedy House Heart Customer Advanced stays a prime attraction. The complicated gives a variety of thrilling reveals, together with the Rocket Backyard, the precise House Shuttle Atlantis, and the Astronaut Corridor of Fame.
A spotlight for a lot of guests is the bus tour that takes you into NASA’s operational areas, giving a behind-the-scenes have a look at area exploration. Plan to spend a full day right here, as there are additionally IMAX movies, interactive reveals, and alternatives to satisfy astronauts.
Native Eats and Leisure
You probably have time earlier than your boarding appointment or shuttle, get pleasure from a meal at one of many many waterfront eating places close to the terminals:
- Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill: Identified for its scrumptious meals at affordable costs, Fishlips gives scenic views of the cruise ships from its second-floor deck.
- Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar: A energetic spot for contemporary seafood, dwell music, and chilly drinks, Grills is ideal for having fun with the sail away expertise with an amazing port view.
Go to Exploration Tower
Head to the Exploration Tower for panoramic views of Port Canaveral and the Atlantic Ocean. Situated on the west aspect of the port property, this tower options interactive reveals, a present store, and a top-floor statement deck providing spectacular views.
Nature and Parks
Manatee Sanctuary Park is a peaceable 10-acre park simply minutes from the port. The park usually hosts its namesake manatees, turtles, seabirds, and sandhill cranes. It’s an amazing spot to chill out, take a stroll alongside the waterfront, or let children play on the playground.
Cocoa Seashore and Purchasing
Should you’re spending extra time within the space, don’t miss Cocoa Seashore, a preferred spot for absorbing the Florida solar, browsing, or just stress-free by the ocean. For a novel memento, go to the unique location of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Store in Cocoa Seashore.
Close by Points of interest
Port Canaveral’s proximity to Orlando makes it a handy place to begin for visiting close by points of interest. In about an hour’s drive, you possibly can attain:
- Walt Disney World: Discover Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.
- Common Orlando Resort: Expertise Common Studios, Islands of Journey, and the nightlife of CityWalk.
- LEGOLAND Florida: Excellent for households, LEGOLAND gives quite a lot of rides, reveals, and interactive reveals for youthful guests.
Whether or not you wish to discover area, get pleasure from native delicacies, or chill out on the seaside, there’s lots to do in and round Port Canaveral.
Greatest Sail Away Spot at Port Canaveral
Many people like to observe the cruise ships sail away, whether or not they have buddies or household on board. It’s really an impressive expertise as these big ships glide by means of the water out to sea.
Port Canaveral has thought of this by establishing the Jetty Park and Pier simply east of the port space alongside the seafront. The park’s admission payment is $16 per automotive, and it contains boardwalk entry, sandy seashores, and showers.
You’ll additionally discover parking areas, a bar and grill, and an extended pier jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, which is the right spot to observe cruise ships sail away.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking in your first voyage, figuring out what to anticipate at Port Canaveral could make all of the distinction. Take pleasure in your cruise!
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