Port Canaveral is the third busiest port in the world for multi-day cruises, with 4 million passengers sailing from its multiple cruise terminals annually.
Even with this distinction, Canaveral Port Authority recently announced its plan for expansion, adding a $25.6 million 6th cruise terminal, to accommodate a higher volume of cruise ships, and larger mega-cruise ships. This will be in tandem with the revitalization of Canaveral Cove, their welcome center, entertainment, and shopping facility. All scheduled to open next summer.
Although Canaveral is a very large cruise port, driving, parking, and checking-in is surprisingly a breeze.
I have taken two cruises from this port with my third scheduled for next year. Everything from the easy drive in with electric signs and no city traffic, to the luggage porters, to the terminal itself, is extremely organized, clean and efficient.
Parking:
- There is parking available at the pier, $15.00 per night. It is gated and offers 24-hour surveillance.
- They accept cash, Master Card, Visa, and Traveler’s Checks upon arrival.
Detailed Parking Information for Port Canaveral
Driving Directions to Port Canaveral
Flying:
- You will need to plan ahead and allow yourself travel time if flying to the port, as most are at least 30-45 minutes from the terminal.
- There are a number of nearby airports to fly into when cruising from Canaveral.
- The most frequented airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), approximately 46 miles (45-60 minutes) west of the cruise terminal. The cruise lines do offer their own transfers from MCO and will cost on average $70pp for a round-trip shuttle.
- An alternative is Melbourne International Airport (MLB) which is only 26 miles south of the pier. The cruise lines do not offer a sponsored transfer from MLB but there are a number of shuttle companies to choose from, such as: Central Florida Shuttle, A Busy Traveler, and for more information contact the Orlando Limousine Association.
- Other nearby airports are Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX), and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB).
Hotels:
- Two hotels near Port Canaveral offer a cruise package, that includes free parking and a free shuttle to the cruise pier, if you stay one night before or after your cruise. This is offered by Days Inn Cocoa Cruiseport West and La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach. The free parking could potentially pay for your room with the amount of money you save on parking, and you arrive the morning of your cruise refreshed and ready to start vacation! Visit Park Sleep Fly for additional package options.
Port Canaveral is a great place to take your cruise from, with more regional recreational opportunities than any other deep-water port.
Try and leave time to explore before or after your cruise, you won’t want to miss out on an experience at Disney World, Universal Studios, NASA and Cape Canaveral, or enjoy the many beaches, fishing and parks right around the port.
Your vacation begins when you enter the gates of the port, and Port Canaveral strives to make a great impression and start your cruise vacation of a lifetime with smooth sailing through the check-in process and on to your awaiting ship!
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