How to choose the right shuttle?
- Booking Your Shuttle:
Cruise Line Shuttles: Many cruise lines offer shuttle services as part of their cruise packages. Check with your cruise line to see if they provide shuttle options.
Third-Party Shuttles: Numerous private shuttle companies operate in the Port Canaveral area. Research and book a reputable service in advance to ensure availability.
- Selecting the Right Shuttle:
Considerations: Compare prices, reviews, and services offered by different shuttle providers. Look for shuttle companies with positive customer feedback and a reliable track record.
- Booking in Advance:
Early Reservations: It’s advisable to book your shuttle well in advance, especially during peak cruise seasons. This ensures you have a confirmed spot and can often save you money.
- Shuttle Options:
Shared Shuttles: These are cost-effective options where you share the ride with other passengers. It’s a good choice if you’re traveling alone or with a small group.
Private Shuttles: If you prefer a more personalized experience or have a larger group, consider booking a private shuttle for exclusive use.
- Airport Shuttles:
Orlando International Airport (MCO): If you’re flying into Orlando, many shuttle services operate between MCO and Port Canaveral. Ensure the shuttle service can accommodate your cruise schedule.
- Shuttle Pickup Locations:
Airports: Shuttles often have designated pickup areas at airports. Confirm the meeting point with your shuttle provider.
Hotels: If you’re staying at a hotel in the Port Canaveral or Orlando area, the shuttle may have a pickup service from specific hotels.
- Shuttle Schedule:
Timing: Be aware of the shuttle schedule and plan your arrival accordingly. Shuttles typically depart at specific times, and being late may result in missing your ride.
8. Return Shuttles:
Post-Cruise Shuttles: Arrange for a return shuttle when booking your initial transportation. Shuttles can be booked for both one-way and round-trip journeys.
9. Local Transportation:
Explore Options: If you have time before or after your cruise, explore local transportation options for sightseeing or exploring nearby attractions.
10. Tipping:
Gratuity: While it’s not always mandatory, it’s customary to tip the shuttle driver if you receive good service.
Fast Facts everyone should know before booking shuttle in Port Canaveral
- Distance from Orlando Airport: 45 miles
- Number of Terminals: 5 (plus 1 under construction and one casino ship terminal)
- Passengers Carried Each Year: 4.5 million
- Cruise Ship Dockings Each Year: 580+
Southeast central Florida is home to Port Canaveral, which is about an hour away from Orlando. Minutes from the Kennedy Space Centre, the port and its environs provide plenty of things to see and do. The communities of Cocoa, as well as Titusville and Cocoa Beach.
The port is a sizable facility in the shape of a “L,” with several cruise terminals situated on its far western side. Moreover, there are cruise terminals along the port’s southern end (with more on the way).
Here are the times and distances to get to Port Canaveral from a number of popular spots in the region. If you are flying into the Orlando area, chances are good you will be spending some time there at the various attractions and theme parks. Once you enter the port area, you will see signage directing you to each individual cruise ship in port that day.
- Orlando Airport: 45 minutes by car
- Downtown Orlando: 55 miles | 55 minutes
- Disney World: 67 miles | 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Universal Studios: 60 miles | 1 hour
- Cocoa Beach: 5 miles | 10 minutes;
- Kennedy Space Centre: 18 miles | 30 minutes
Ultimate Guide to Port Canaveral Transportation in Orlando
Independent Shuttles
Not a driver? As we previously mentioned, an entire industry has sprung up catering to cruisers. Case in point: Several companies offer shuttles between Orlando and Port Canaveral. The airport is the most convenient place to catch one of these shuttles, but many will pick you up from other locations, such as Disney. Expect to pay $30–40 per person roundtrip for the shuttles, which isn’t bad considering the distance.
Hotel Shuttles
With so many hotels in the Port Canaveral area, a number of them offer a plum service, which entails having a shuttle pick you up from the airport, transport you to your hotel, and then giving you a ride to the cruise port.They will give you the same in reverse when you return.It’s a good benefit for people who are flying in and intend to spend the night before their cruise at a hotel.
SHOPPING in the area
The Avenue Viera is a posh outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that is roughly thirty minutes from the harbour. It has a movie theatre and stores including Kohl’s, Belk, Talbots, and Old Navy.
Merritt Square Mall: This mall near Cocoa Beach, about fifteen minutes from the harbour, has numerous specialty shops in addition to big retailers like JC Penney.
Orlando International Premium Outlets is the largest outlet shopping complex in Florida, featuring over 180 outlet designer and name-brand retailers, and is approximately an hour’s drive from the port.
Hotels in the Area
Considering that Port Canaveral is roughly 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport and an hour from the city itself, it makes sense to arrive in the area the day before your cruise and spend the night.In this manner, you can unwind before your cruise begins and there won’t be any rush on embarkation day.
The following is a list of hotels in the vicinity of the port:
- The Radisson Resort at the Port
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Things to Do Near the Port
The abundance of activities in the vicinity of the port complex and the surrounding area is one of the positive aspects of Port Canaveral.
Tower of Exploration
When you first arrive at the harbour, the tallest building in the vicinity that resembles a ship’s sail is impossible to miss.It’s the Exploration Tower, an observation deck featuring port-related exhibitions on each floor.It provides a fantastic perspective of the surroundings and a special vantage point from which to see every ship in port.
Restaurants: There are a number of restaurants in the port area that are situated directly on the water. Not only can you enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat, but you can also observe the ships in port and, if you’re not sailing, the cruise ships that pass in front of you as they head out to sea. Dining options include Fishlips and Grills.
Kennedy Space Centre: Of course, being on Cape Canaveral puts you in close proximity to the Kennedy Space Centre.
Cocoa Beach If you’re heading to the beach on your cruise, why not start it early? Cocoa Beach is just a short distance from the port. There, you can hit the beach or explore the area where there are a tonne of tourist activities, shops, and restaurants. Check out the area near the Cocoa Beach pier for one of the most well-liked hangouts. Here, you can see rockets launch (if they match your schedule) or visit the centre to get up close and personal with NASA’s history with tonnes of exhibits.
