Port Canaveral is nowadays one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It is a very convenient port, close to Orlando International Airport and Orlando’s attractions.
Owning a vacation rental in Cocoa Beach, we have many guests who spend either before or after their cruise a couple of days with us to relax and explore the Space Coast.
We have covered many practical tips to enhance your cruise from Port Canaveral as well as how to make the most of your time before or after the cruise. This is our guide to cruising from Port Canaveral.
Transportation to and from Port Canaveral
Most guests arrive at Orlando International Airport. There are several options to get to Port Canaveral.
Different shuttle services offer transportation to Port Canaveral from the airport and other points around Orlando. The advantage of such shuttles is that you will not have to pay for parking at the port. You can find several options online.
Here are three options:
Another good option is a hotel shuttle if you plan to stay the night before your cruise in a hotel. Staying a night before can take a lot of stress away – for example, if your flight is delayed. Most major hotel chains will have specific offers for cruise guests. The best is to check their options online. Some offer the transfer from the airport and the transfer to the port while some offer only the transfer to the port.
Of course, Uber/Lyft are also good options.
The Space Coast and Orlando has many attractions. If you plan to spend more time exploring the area before or after your cruise, then a car rental is a good option. You have to consider the cost of parking if you plan to rent it during your cruise. If you want to rent one-way, you can pick up a car in Orlando and drop it off near the port.
Parking at Port Canaveral
If you are driving into Port Canaveral with your own rental car, there are several parking options.
The most convenient is to park in one of the official port parking garages (each terminal has a parking garage). You only have a short walk to and from the cruise terminal.
For a cheaper option, several companies located close to the port offer secured parking lots and roundtrip transportation to terminals. We have used this option the last time and found it very convenient.
Check-in for your cruise at Port Canaveral
Before you can board, you will have to go to security and complete the check-in. We found the whole process smooth and well-organized.
When you reach the port, you will drop any checked bags with a porter before you enter the terminal building. These bags will be loaded on the ship, and arrive later at your cabin. You should only keep carry-on bags with your valuables.
Security was a rather quick check going through the usual detectors. To speed up the check-in process, most cruise lines recommend to complete the online check-in in advance. In that case, only your documents will need to be checked.
Where to stay before or after your cruise
As mentioned above, many of the major hotels offer packages for cruise passengers including transfers.
The Space Coast has many attractions. If you would like to extend your stay or relax before the cruise you have several options in Port Canaveral or Cocoa Beach.
If you would like to stay 2 nights or more, please also check out our vacation rental which offers direct river views and is within close walking distance to the beach.
Where to eat near Port Canaveral
Close to the port, you can find several restaurants with views of the port and its ships, for example Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar and Fishlips Waterfront Bar.
Within 10-15 minutes further south you can find these options:
- Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill: Southern-style food and drinks in a fun atmosphere.
- Coasters Taphouse offers a wide selection of high-quality bar food and beer
- Sandbar is a favorite with tourists and locals. Try the famous tacos.
- For breakfast head to Simply Delicious. The name says it all.
Read the following post for more restaurants with water views.
Things to do near Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is located in eastern central Florida, approximately 45-60 minutes from Orlando. Do you plan to arrive early and relax some days before your cruise or do you want to extend your vacation after your cruise? Cocoa Beach is the closest Beach to Orlando and only a 10-minute drive from the port. You can enjoy the beach or explore tourist activities, shops, and restaurants.
Below please find a few recommendations:
- Spend time at the beach and try surfing (or take a surf lesson).
- Explore the Cocoa Beach Pier and have a drink at the Rikki Tiki Tavern.
- Play some mini-golf.
- Go kayaking and explore the mangroves. Read this post if you are interested in kayaking.
- Spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center – one of the top attractions in Florida – and learn everything about space and space exploration. Read this post on how to spend a fantastic day at the KSC.
- Visit the Brevard Zoo – voted one of the best in the country. Read this post for more information on the zoo.
- Shop souvenirs and clothing at the largest Ron Jon Surf Shop.
If you have only one day in Cocoa Beach, read this post for the perfect day in Cocoa Beach.
Additional Advice
Follow these links for additional tips on Port Canaveral:
- Complete Guide to Cruising from Port Cananveral (Cruzely)
- 9 Expert Tips for Cruising from Port Canaveral (cruiseradio)
- Cruising from Port Canaveral (GoPort)
Do you have any recommendations?
We would love to hear about your experience with Port Canaveral. What are your recommendations?
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