Port Canaveral 2024 Cruise Port Guide - Hotels, Food, Transport, Tips, Tricks!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Do you like cruising out of Port Canaveral? What are your favorite hotels? Shuttles, taxis, or ride share around the port? Any tips or money saving tricks for other cruisers? Please share in the comments!

[@BernieBrown-v6g]

Radisson was awesome. 4 min from ships. Cocoa beach shuttle is best. To hotel and to ship next am, then from ship back to airport following week. On time and friendly. Reasonable too

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you for the information! I have heard other good things about the Cocoa Beach Shuttle.

[@peacelife]

Great info! Just if anyone decide to flight into Melbourne to go to Port Canaveral. It is 40 min. Best to book hotel close to the port or further north. Limited taxi or uber going that way from Melbourne. 😊

[@CruisingWithDee]

thank you! That is great information on Melbourne; I always fly into Orlando so not as familiar with Melbourne.

[@cathygladin4377]

Great job going over this information. We’ve done different options depending on the trip, like when we arrive, and how fast we want to board or get back on the road when the cruise is over. There really is an option for every budget.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you! There really are options for every budget. I remember my first time cruising out of Port Canaveral-so many choices! Hoping this will help cruisers trying to get a handle on it.

[@arelistutorial9593]

Oh Dee, you were a God sent!!! I will let you know how my first trip went. Its in a few month ( Attending a wedding). Thank you!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you! And I can’t wait to hear about it! Never been to a wedding on a cruise ship before!

[@davidhoffman8122]

We drive from Wheeling WV and it costs us about much, MUCH less than flying, even with 2 motels on the round trip. It is about a 15 hour drive. We were lucky enough to book a motel with parking included. They even have a FREE shuttle. Great information and VOLG!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you so much! It’s so crazy to me that flying has become so expensive that driving plus overnight hotels is much cheaper! It’s ridiculous. It’s great when you can get the parking included-a viewer just told me that the Country Inn and Suites at Port Canaveral is no longer is going to include parking, which is an option that many cruisers liked at that hotel.

[@MrLadderone1]

what hotel has parking included ty

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@MrLadderone1 I know the Country Inn and Suites and the Homewood Suites have parking, but I think lately there is a dally fee ($10 or so). Some other hotels may include it in your stay, but you’ll have to look around since this changes from time to time.

[@jeanettecas5803]

What hotel had the free parking and shuttle?

[@davidhoffman8122]

I wish I still had that information. All I can tell you is that the motel and parking were a package deal with GO Port. We had to make a short drive to Go Port and get on the shuttle. It was very quick and easy. When we returned we only had to wait about 5 minutes for the shuttle to show up. By the way we drive from Wheeling WV and since we have a small car it is ALWAYS much cheaper.

[@Pepito-1776]

Wow was surprised that Port Canaveral overtook Miami port for the number 1 spot!! Going to Port Canaveral for the first time this July for a cruise so thanks for the info!!

[@CruisingWithDee]

You are very welcome! Enjoy your cruise!

[@ericericson3535]

Splendid video! It was very instructive! We however, moved to the Treasure Coast and now we are two hours away at the most from all the ports, (except for JAX). The main reason for the move was the fact that we could cruise as much as we want at a moment's notice.

[@CruisingWithDee]

I am jealous! I wish I could live in Florida at least 1/2 a year, both to get out of the winter weather and also to be closer to the ports.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Wow! Great guide! (Watching now.) Your channel is off to such a fast start! Good job!!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you so much! I so enjoy your channel. I’ve been surprised at how my channel is growing-I’ve really had to learn on my feet!

[@barbaradutra8775]

Love GOPORT. We only use them when traveling to port canaveral. There are early to cruise packages as well. We are picked up around 9:30. Have only stayed at Hampton Inn Gateway. Total cost is around $300 for everything.

[@CruisingWithDee]

That is an excellent price! I’m going to be in Port Canaveral again next month, and it’s for a Saturday for a Royal Caribbean cruise, so one of my favorites, TownPlace Suites, was about $100 less than last time I sailed from PC!

[@mp69276]

I think this is seasonal or group pricing because I priced out this exact package and the estimate was $535 for a single person with GoPort for a single night hotel stay and travel from airport to hotel then to the port the next day. It ends up being $185 if I schedule an Uber from the airport to my hotel and then Uber it again the next morning to the port from my hotel.

[@barbaradutra8775]

@@mp69276 I booked early. I do not wait to book my vacations. As soon as bookings open a year out I book them. The total actually was $336 plus taxes and fees came to $378. Same with flights. As soon as they open I book them. The best prices are early, even with cruises.

[@ritabaker9502]

This video is extremely helpful. Thank you for doing this. I am now a subscriber.

[@CruisingWithDee]

I am glad my video was helpful, and thank you for subscribing!

[@SilverHonda0767]

We are lucky since we live in Tampa area. Port Canaveral, Tampa port and Miami port all within 3 hour drive or less.

[@CruisingWithDee]

I’m so jealous! My closest ports are about 6 hours drive away, and they have very limited cruise options!

[@SilverHonda0767]

@@CruisingWithDee move to Florida.

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@SilverHonda0767 I wish I could! Wouldn’t mind a small condo down there for part of the year!

[@SilverHonda0767]

@@CruisingWithDee 237 days and counting until Adventure of the Seas leaving out of Port Canaveral

[@nancynurse7826]

Dee, We take the Carnival Shuttle to and from to the Mardi Gras. We stay inside the airport hotel a day ahead.

[@CruisingWithDee]

That is a great option; you don’t have to worry about finding a ride share or a taxi, especially on disembarkation! And the airport hotels do save money over staying at the port. How much does the Carnival Shuttle cost?

[@brianowens9945]

My wife and I always would drive from Houston Tx and would make stops on the way there and back. Now for our last cruise we flew and had a great time.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Glad you enjoyed flying to the port; we had a great time when we flew in with some time to spend in the area last month. Did you stay at a hotel at the port before your cruise? And how many hours was the drive from Houston?

[@dstreeter1095]

Great information! Thanks!

[@CruisingWithDee]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@EmbarkationNation]

This is great information. We have been talking about Port Canaveral since they seem to have a lot of great ships, but have not been to this port yet.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thanks! There truly are some great ships here, especially for families! I’ve subscribed to your channel-we want to take the grandkids on a cruise so I need to learn more about family cruising…my grandkids are very into pools and waterparks, for instance!

[@pattifrey8323]

We are driving from Chicago in May for our Mardi Grad cruise. Will probably just park at port.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Where will you overnight?

[@pattifrey8323]

@@CruisingWithDee In Titusville. Not sure which hotel yet.

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@pattifrey8323 Good choice; if you get a chance let me know where you end up and if you liked it! It’s a long way from Chicago to Titusville. Do you do it in one day? We can do our drive in one day, but it’s only 10.5 hours (not including stops).

[@pattifrey8323]

@@CruisingWithDee We are actually leaving Thursday and arrive in Titusville on Saturday. We will take our time. I will absolutely let you know where we stay and how it is.

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@pattifrey8323 Thanks! And two days for driving is excellent from Chicago-with 2 drivers you could barely do it in one long day but it would be exhausting!

[@gc4697]

When thinking about driving or flying, you also have to factor in the cost of your TIME. For a lot of people, flying instead of driving saves you a vacation day and you can earn a days wages at work! For me at least, that has to be factored in.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you! I definitely should have included that. TIME is so important, especially for people who work 9 to 5. My husband is retired and I run my own businesses, so am flexible, so I didn’t think about that aspect enough.

[@stevebaker9346]

Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites are about a mile from the cruise terminals.

[@SallieColler]

Are there any transportation options from the Amtrak train station in Orlando???

[@GaryW48]

What about coming into town via the Amtrak Auto Train to Port Canaveral?

[@nancynurse7826]

See, We take the Carnival Shuttle to & From and you’re guaranteed to make it. We stay inside the airport at their hotel. ❤

[@CruisingWithDee]

That is a good way to do it! Low stress and all arrangements made.

[@colletterevels-kp6yd]

This is what we’re doing in May. Is the shuttle reliable?

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@colletterevels-kp6yd Generally, yes-I know many people that have used the Carnival Shuttle and have not had problems.

[@latonyaanderson1428]

I’m cruising off season in January and we are renting an Airbnb five minutes from the port ….. it’s 10 of us and we wanted to do a party bus the day before when we come in to sightsee and whatever else we can think of. My question to u is do u think it’s cost effective to do the party bus or would we have plenty enough to do down at Cocoabeach to just shuttle or Uber?

[@CruisingWithDee]

I always think a big group like that, a limo or a party bus can indeed be cost effective! For instance, in March with a group of 10 we are doing a limo from Houston to Galveston for Jubilee. For me, CocoaBeach is great if you want to have a beach day; otherwise, there is so much to do and see in the area-the port, Cape Canaveral, etc.

[@lauribalderrama8102]

Hi Dee. I commented before about needing to get a ride from terminal 1 (wonder) to Disney world and you mentioned there is a Holiday Inn Vacation Club across the street. When I checked on google maps, it says its a little over a mile and about a 23 minute walk which would be tough with 2 suitcases. Maybe I got the name wrong. Where did you say you picked up an uber across the street from? And is it fairly easy to do? Many thanks. Love your videos.

[@CruisingWithDee]

I might not have made it clear enough in the video-the Holiday Inn Vacation Club is across from Terminal 3, NOT Terminal 1! Port Canaveral is so big! I’ve had no trouble picking up Ubers after my cruises, but I don’t get off with the first crush of people self disembarking which I think makes it easier (I leisurely disembark, and pick up my luggage in the terminal). Hope that helps, and thank you so much for letting me know you enjoy my videos! I appreciate it.

[@lauribalderrama8102]

@CruisingWithDee Got it. I appreciate your reply and we will give Uber a go. Thanks again!

[@pmbtravels]

Port Canaveral is not my favorite port. I had to go there for Carnival Mardi Gras it was a mad house. I have to go back there later this year for another cruise. This is great information.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thanks! Madhouse is a good description; don’t know why it feels so much that way to me, since I’ve sailed out of other huge ports like Miami. Which cruise are you taking from there this year?

[@pmbtravels]

@@CruisingWithDee Carnival Liberty in November. It was the embarkation for Mardi Gras that was crazy. The lines, the waiting...

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@pmbtravels Yes! It was my recent Mardi Gras cruise that made me want to do this video! Looking forward to hearing about your Liberty cruise; I haven’t been on her yet!

[@barbaradutra8775]

@@pmbtravels you cannot compare the two. I agree the lines but it kept moving and we walked off the GOPORT shuttle and only waited in the check in line for about a half hour and we walked right on. Security line was short.

[@DThaSavage]

I live here and can add Zarrellas as a food place for good Italian food. I am a server there and have been there since 2017 on and off. Good atmosphere and even better food. 8801 Astronaut Blvd! Come on in. Maybe I’ll see you 😀

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in Port Canaveral!

[@debraschaefer1959]

Port canaveral quick shuttle will take you to your hotel or the port. It was $10 more than taking you to the port, but a good service. Prices on the website.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you-I will check that out!

[@lisawaldron14]

What was most cost effective for us is to rent a car at the airport and return to port canaveral then after cruise rent a car from port canaveral to mco since our flight doesn't leave until 5 (there are 7 of us so it was quite expensive for a shuttle)

[@CruisingWithDee]

For a large group of 7 that makes lots of sense! Or you’d need 2 Ubers.

[@CruisingWithDee]

…so car rentals for such a big group can definitely save money. Was this pre or post pandemic, and about how much did it cost?

[@lisawaldron14]

actually it's for our upcoming trip in April 2024 the car rental for the day was about 150 (and that was for a big suburban type thru Budget) or so goport would have cost us over $200. We are coming in a few days earlier and doing Kennedy and Universal on Wed and Thursday

[@scottjohnson9908]

can you do a trafer at the airpot with the cruise thats what i do

[@CruisingWithDee]

Yes, that is always available when you come in the day of a cruise.

[@GaryW48]

Why don't you to make it easy, supply links to current charts or spreadsheet charts showing prices that can be downloaded, instead of just verbally talking at a rapid pace? It would make it a lot easier. Just a suggestion!

[@janebrown8808]

Cheapest way to get from universal endless summer hotel to port?

[@CruisingWithDee]

Probably an Uber unless they are in a surge pricing situation (which has happened less and less at Port Canaveral//Orlando as we’ve got further from the pandemic). You can compare that price to a taxi/car service where you can get a price on the phone. Uber running GENERALLY with no surge pricing $53 for a comfort Uber to $63 for an Uber XL; prices can also be higher if you arrange the night before.

[@owenjosiahmusic]

Hotel or AirBNB night before cruise?

[@CruisingWithDee]

I’m a hotel person. I’ve tried AirBnBs, and have had a few bad experiences. However, if you are with a very large group sometimes getting an AirBnB with multiple bedrooms can be much cheaper than multiple hotel rooms.

[@tiffanysanchez9184]

What terminal in Port Canaveral does Wonder Of The Seas sail from? I am sailing on her this coming April (2024).

[@CruisingWithDee]

Cruise Terminal 1!

[@CruisingWithDee]

I’ll be sailing on Wonder in October!

[@barbarataylor5317]

What if your taking amtrack

[@CruisingWithDee]

A very good question! I should have mentioned Amtrak. I am personally not a fan of Amtrak for pre-cruise transportation, because if Amtrak is late (and it often runs late) you don’t really have another option to get to your cruise on time; it’s not like another train can be arranged, like you can arrange another flight if your plane is late. And just FYI the nearest stations are about an hour away from the port. That said, the new Brightline service between Miami and Orlando is wonderful. I’ll include Amtrak and Brightline when I update the guide.

[@martiskateramperti6827]

Hello! Great video! What about Rental cars? I think there is an Avis inside the port? We are doing Disney first, and then Msc Seashore si we were thinking about driving as we are a four people party. Also I asked for a private shuttle It is a round 120 usd. Thank you!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Thank you! I think the three rental car companies that are inside the port are Enterprise, National and Alamo, but with the size of the port, you’ll need a shuttle from those anyway, so those like Avis that are close by operate the same. Avis does have a shuttle to the port and back. Especially if you are going to do some sightseeing the day before a cruise, renting can be a good option. With 4 people just needing direct transportation to/from the airport, I think an Uber XL can be as cheap if not cheaper than renting, but if you rent a car it’s true you don’t have the stress of getting a ride after the cruise.

[@band3513]

Port Canaveral sucks. They are slow, not updated and best of all They rob every single person who parks by charging them an extra day of parking. 4 day cruise, 5 days of parking, 7 day cruise, 8 days of parking. Someone should class action them for fraud. Yes you heard right, park for 93 hours, get charged for 5 days.

[@CruisingWithDee]

Is it like car rentals where if you bring it back even 1/2 hour later on the return day than on the pick up day, they charge you for the extra day, or do they always do that? If so, that is indeed misleading!

[@band3513]

@@CruisingWithDee no. They charge an extra day no matter what. I arrived at Thursday 11, left at 8 Monday and got charged 5 days.

[@CruisingWithDee]

@@band3513 Wow, that’s taking advantage of the number of days they charge for sure!