Port Canaveral Cruise Guide: What You Need To Know

Located on Florida’s east coast, Port Canaveral is the closest cruise port to Orlando and its world-class theme parks and entertainment options.

In addition to its premium location, this Central Florida port is easy to access and simple to navigate. Over the years, the port has been known to host many of the newest ships, most notably from Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

One of the world’s most popular cruise ports, Port Canaveral sees millions of guests each year. In 2019, over 4.8 million multi-day cruisers sailed from the port.

Port Canaveral Address

• Royal Caribbean (Terminal 1): 9050 Discovery Rd., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
• Carnival (Terminal 3): 32 George King Blvd., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
• Carnival (Terminal 5, 6): 9245 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
• Disney (Terminal 8): 9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920
• Norwegian (Terminal 10): 9005 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Location

Roughly halfway down the Florida peninsula, Port Canaveral is a great cruising spot. Ships sailing from the homeport can easily access ports of call in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Additionally, because of its proximity to the Bahamas, most itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral include a stop at one of the cruise lines’ private islands, including Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line), Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean Group), Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays (Carnival Corporation), Ocean Cay (MSC Cruises), and Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings).

Cruise Terminals

Cruise terminals at Port Canaveral are divided into two complexes: “A” on the north side and “B” on the south side.

Terminals in the A complex include 5, 6, 8, and 10 and serve Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney.

B complex terminals 1, 2, and 3 are the home of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises.

Terminal 3 is the newest addition to the port and hosts Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming ship, Mardi Gras. 

Cruise Lines That Homeport at Port Canaveral

Which cruise lines sail from Port Canaveral? Pretty much every big name in the business has some of their most exciting and innovative ships sailing from terminals located at this port on a year-round or seasonal basis, including:

•     Carnival Cruise Line
•     Royal Caribbean
•     Norwegian Cruise Line
•     MSC Cruises
•     Disney Cruise Line

Each operator has multiple ships sailing varied itineraries from Port Canaveral, so check each of them out and see which appeals to your taste, budget, and schedule. 

Ground Transportation at Port Canaveral

Given that Port Canaveral is not in a major city, you might think your options for transportation to and from the area would be difficult. Yet the region is a major tourism destination, and transit options abound.

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is less than an hour away, and the Beach Line Expressway (SR-528) connects the airport to the cruise port. 

Cruise Line Shuttle

Each of the major cruise lines offers a shuttle service, which can be expensive when compared to other modes of transportation. However it does ensure timely arrival and departure, and is easy to use since cruise line staff will handle your luggage.  

Rental Cars and Driving

If you prefer to drive yourself or have planned activities before or after your cruise, a car rental is your best bet. With plenty of attractions in the area, this is a very popular choice for cruisers who sail out of Port Canaveral.

Keep in mind that renting a car for the duration of your entire trip means you’ll have to pay for parking at the port or in a remote lot. 

Some car rental companies offer one-way car rentals to and from the airport for an additional drop-off surcharge. However, the ability to rent the car only for your vacation time on land and not while you’re at sea could make the surcharge worth it. It’s likely cheaper than paying to rent and park a car you’re not using.

Independent Shuttle Services

Independent shuttle services offer one-way transportation between the Orlando airport and the cruise port.

It is best to book these in advance, especially if there are multiple ships in port. Don’t assume you can find a shuttle to the airport when you walk off the ship. Though it is possible, it can lead to a stressful start to your journey home.

Ridesharing Services

Another option is a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft. If you’re flying into Orlando, the ride to Port Canaveral will cost approximately $60-$80 one way (depending on traffic).

However, if you split the fare with others in your party, the per-person rate can be reasonable. Compare the price to that of a shuttle; it sometimes works out cheaper, plus it’ll only be your group in the vehicle.

Drop-off is right at the terminal. Pickup is at designated areas on Level 2, at each end of the curb; look for signs marked “TNC Pick-Up.”

How Far Is Port Canaveral From the Orlando Airport?

Port Canaveral is approximately a 45-minute car ride from Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Keep an eye on airfare to Tampa (TPA) and Jacksonville (JAX); sometimes, flights to these airports can be significantly cheaper than ones to Orlando (MCO), and the airports are only about an hour’s drive farther.

Additionally, at an hour away from Port Canaveral, the Sanford International Airport (SFB) often has excellent prices with discount carrier Allegiant Air. 

Tip: If you’re flying a low-cost carrier such as Allegiant, Spirit, or Frontier, be sure to account for the baggage fees. The airfare can be as little as $19, but you’ll pay extra for both carry-on and checked luggage.

Port Canaveral Parking Options

For the most convenient parking option, the lots at the terminals are definitely the easiest to access but come with a hefty price tag of $17 per day.

The cruise pier lots aren’t your only option. There are several companies, all within one to 10 miles from the port, which offer secured lots and roundtrip transportation to the piers.

These include Cruisetime Parking, Go Port, Park N Cruise,  and Canaveral Cruise Parking. Each of these park-and-ride lots ranges in price from $6.95 to $10.95 per day and sometimes has specials and discounts available.

Closer to the port at only two miles away is Park Port Canaveral, which advertises a standard rate of $10.95 per day.

When Should I Arrive at the Cruise Port? 

When you have paid your final deposit for your cruise, you will either be assigned or choose a boarding time during the online check-in process. It is best to arrive at the port around 30 minutes prior to your boarding time.

This will give you ample time to find a parking spot (if driving), check any luggage, and then go through the security and health screenings.

If you’re parking off-site, be sure to allow time for the shuttle ride from the lot to the port.

Keep in mind you’ll have to be on board the ship no later than one hour prior to the posted departure time.

Hotels Close to Port Canaveral

Many of the main hotel brands have locations close to Port Canaveral. A mile or two from the terminals are several mid-range options, including Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson hotel brands, which usually have prices ranging from around $100 to $300 per night. (Note that hotel prices vary based on travel dates and room availability.)

If you want a beachfront hotel, those begin about 2 miles away from Port Canaveral. Both hotel chains and Airbnb start at around $150 per night.

If you’re not looking to stay at the port area, you may try Cocoa and Titusville, which are only a 20 to 30-minute drive away. These towns have hotels and motels that are routinely under $100 per night. Brands in this area include Choice Hotels (Quality Inn, Econo Lodge, etc.), Best Western, and others.

Tip: Constantly check the website Hotels.com and the HotelTonight app for price drops in the area.

If you’re driving to the port, check with your hotel to see if they offer a stay and cruise option, giving you a one-night hotel stay, parking, and a shuttle to and from the port for a packaged price.

Things to Do at Port Canaveral

If you arrive before your scheduled boarding appointment or have some time to kill before your shuttle, you have options. 

Several waterfront restaurants cluster in the space near the terminals, with a handful serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Local Eats

Fishlips offers good food at a good price, with scenic views of the ships from its second-floor deck. Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar is another spot for live music, food, and cold drinks. Both restaurants offer spectacular sail away sights.

Local Views

For great views of the port and the Atlantic Ocean, visit the Exploration Tower located on the west side of the port property. It has interactive exhibits and a viewing platform.

Nature

Manatee Sanctuary Park, just a few minutes from the port, is a 10-acre park that often hosts the park’s namesake animal, along with other critters like turtles, seabirds, and sandhill cranes. It even has a fun playground for kids.

If you’re staying in the area for a longer period before or after your cruise, it’s easy to spend a few days exploring the Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral areas.

Visit Kennedy Space Center

At the top of most visitors’ must-see list is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

It’s easy to spend a full day here. The highlight is the bus tour, which takes you deep into the NASA operational areas.

There’s also an IMAX film and opportunities to learn about the space shuttle program, see the actual Shuttle Atlantis, and meet the people behind the space program in the Heroes and Legends Center and Astronaut Hall of Fame.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons To Visit Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Visit Various Beaches and Souvenir Shops

If you want to soak up the Florida sun, a day at the easily accessible Cocoa Beach will not disappoint. For a fun souvenir, check out the original location of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.

And, of course, you’re only an hour’s drive from all the Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs), Legoland Florida, and Universal Orlando (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk).

Best Sail Away Spot at Port Canaveral

Many folks like to watch the cruise ships sail away, whether they have friends or family on board or not. It’s truly a majestic experience as these huge ships glide through the water out to sea.

Port Canaveral has taken this into consideration by constructing the Jetty Park and Pier, located just east of the port area along the seafront. 

The admission fee to enter the park is $16 per car, which includes access to the boardwalk, sandy beaches, and showers.

You’ll also find parking areas, a bar and grill, and a long pier jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, which is the perfect spot to watch cruise ships sail away.

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