To know what it feels like to board a cruise from the world’s busiest cruise port, you must board one from Port Canaveral port in Florida. Located at 1492 Charles M. Rowland Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, the port has a yearly passenger traffic of above 4 million. The port is around 46.5 miles away from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The port’s proximity to Orlando’s theme parks is a big factor in its traffic, as many opt for a cruise with a visit to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. So, it’s no wonder the Port Canaveral cruise terminals usually experience a heavy rush. Traveling from this port can thrill you, but it could become a hassle if you’re unaware of the cruise terminals in Port Canaveral.
There’s never a reason to be worried when you have our guide that seamlessly takes you through the Port Canaveral cruise terminals, parking lots, and other facilities!
The Port Canaveral cruise terminals comprise seven terminals at the port’s North and South sides. The “A” Terminals is on the North Side. The South Side consists of the “B” Terminals. Cruise Terminal #5, Cruise Terminal #6, Cruise Terminal #8, and Cruise Terminal #10 belong to the A Terminals. The B Terminals comprise Cruise Terminal #1, Cruise Terminal #2, and Cruise Terminal #3.
The onsite parking lots are near each of the terminals. Parking at Port Canaveral costs you a daily maximum of $17. You can park at the lot designated for the terminal from where you’re boarding the cruise. If you’re looking for cheaper parking rates, it is best to park your car at nearby offsite lots.
| Port Canaveral Parking Lot | Duration | Parking Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Official lots | Daily | $17 |
| Cruiseparking.com | Daily | $11.75 |
The cruises belonging to Royal Caribbean International (RCI), Marella Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line use this terminal. The terminal is also home to RCI’s Mariner of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas.
The terminal is home to most of Carnival’s ships, including the Carnival Magic and Carnival Freedom. Soon, other ships from the cruise line will be using the terminal.
The Disney Cruise line uses this terminal. Cruise ships like Fantasy and The Dream dock at Terminal 8.
Primarily used by the Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises also uses this terminal.
The terminal was constructed to handle some of the biggest cruises of Royal Caribbean International. Terminal #1 is home to cruise ships like Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas.
Victory Casino Cruises uses this terminal.
This newly-built terminal is exclusively for Carnival Cruise’s largest ship – Mardi Gras. The Carnival Liberty also leaves from here.
These are some hotels that you can find near the port.
| Hotel | Distance from Canaveral (in miles) | Shuttle rate |
|---|---|---|
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach | 1 | $8 |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | 1 | $7 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach | 1 | $8 |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral Cruise Port | 1 | $10 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port | 0.9 | $10 |
| Radisson Resort at the Port | 1.3 | Fee applicable |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach | 1.4 | $10 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Port Canaveral | 3.4 | $10 |
| Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites | 3.3 | $9 |
| Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral | 4.6 | $10 |
These are some restaurants located near Port Canaveral
| Restaurant | Distance from Canaveral (in miles) |
|---|---|
| Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, | 0.1 |
| Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar | 0.3 |
| Rising Tide Tap & Table | 0.3 |
| Zarrella’s Italian & Wood Fired Pizza | 1.1 |
| Southern Charm Cafe | 1.5 |
| Zachary’s Restaurant | 1.6 |
| La Cantina | 1.7 |
| Sage Bistro | 2.7 |
| Pompano Grill | 6.7 |
| The Fat Snook | 9.3 |
Before you board the cruise, there are two things that you must be careful about – security screening and check-in. But the processes aren’t a hassle. On arriving, hand over your checked bags to a porter before entering your respective Port Canaveral cruise terminal. But it isn’t mandatory to hand over. If you hand it over, they will put the baggage on the ship and deliver it to your cabin later in the evening.
An official will check your boarding documents as you enter the terminal building. Then, you must pass through a metal detector, where an X-ray machine will scan your baggage. Then, you can check in. Some cruise lines offer online check-in these days.
If you’re boarding a cruise from Port Canaveral, it means that you have arrived via the Orlando International Airport (MCO). The airport is around 46.5 miles away from the port. These are the ways by which you can reach the port.
Most people take State Road 528 to the port. The road has tolls that vary based on the payment method and where you enter and exit the route. Tolls range between $3-$6 while driving from MCO to Port Canaveral. If arriving from Orlando International Airport, use the North Exit and stay to the right to State Road 528 East. You must drive around 45 miles directly to Port Canaveral.
If you’re going to the port via a taxi, expect to pay a charge of around $115-$140. Hiring a taxi means numerous passengers can ride for the cost of one. So, a taxi will be a good option for families rather than individuals. If you wish to get a taxi, they are always available at the airport when you arrive.
Ideally, hiring an Uber/Lyft from MCO Airport to Port Canaveral can cost between $55 and $85. However, the rate can vary based on the type of rideshare service, the type of car, and the time you travel.
The options are limited. The nearest Amtrak train stations are in Sanford and Orlando, while the nearest Greyhound terminal is in Titusville, a 25-minute drive from the port. So, you must take a taxi from there to the port.
Many hotels near Orlando Airport offer shuttle service to the port. The shuttle rates differ by the hotel you choose for your stay. The shuttle service can pick you up when you reach the airport, take you to the hotel, and drop you off at the port the next day.
Many independent shuttle service companies offer shuttles from MCO to the port. The rates are usually lower than the rate of rideshare services. But it is best that you check with the shuttle companies before booking.
If you have a day to explore some places near the port, try visiting some of these.
For more information on Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
Cruiseparking.com offers the best prices, making sure that you get the most value for your money.
