Tips

Your Travel Guide to Cruising from Port Canaveral

February 14, 2023

Updated October 2024

Cruising from Port Canaveral? With continuous terminal upgrades and close proximity to many of Florida’s most sought-after attractions, it’s no surprise this port has become a hot spot for hosting the industry’s newest and most innovative cruise ships.

Although you may be tempted to hold off on your pre and post cruise arrangements until closer to your sail date, remember that preparation is key for a seamless vacation. Florida is a popular destination during peak travel seasons, so hotels can sell out quickly. This can leave you with limited options and paying premium pricing.

However, making arrangements doesn’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, or costly — especially when you know what to expect. So spare the time researching and allow us to break down the ins and outs of sailing from Port Canaveral for you.

In this guide to cruising from Port Canaveral, we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding your cruise travel arrangements. Use this index to jump between answers at your convenience:

TIPS FOR FLYING IN FOR A CRUISE FROM PORT CANAVERAL

Which airport do you fly into for Port Canaveral?
Where should you stay when flying in for your Port Canaveral cruise?
What hotel should you book when flying in for your Port Canaveral cruise?
What’s the easiest way to get to Port Canaveral when flying in the morning of your cruise?

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN FOR A CRUISE FROM PORT CANAVERAL

Where should you stay when driving in for your Port Canaveral cruise?
What hotel should you book when driving in for your Port Canaveral cruise?
Where do you park when cruising from Port Canaveral?

TIPS FOR FLYING IN WHEN CRUISING FROM PORT CANAVERAL

Which airport do you fly into for Port Canaveral?

The most popular airport to fly into for Port Canaveral cruises is the Orlando Airport (MCO). It is located about 45 minutes from the cruise terminals and offers the most flight options compared to the Sanford Airport (SFB) and Melbourne Airport (MLB).

Orlando Airport (MCO)

Travel Time to Port Canaveral: 45 minutes
Distance to Port Canaveral: 45.6 miles

Many Port Canaveral cruisers choose to fly into Orlando International Airport because of its direct highway access to the cruise terminals and vicinity to Orlando’s popular attractions. This airport also offers a better local hotel selection and more economical transportation options.

Sanford Airport (SFB)

Travel Time to Port Canaveral: 65 minutes
Distance to Port Canaveral: 66.2 miles

Though certainly not the closest airport to Port Canaveral, the Orlando Sanford International Airport offers some of the cheapest airfare. To get the best value, just make sure your flight savings outweigh the costs of any other necessary travel arrangements.

Melbourne Airport (MLB)

Travel Time to Port Canaveral: 50 minutes
Distance to Port Canaveral: 27.4 miles

The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is actually the closest to the cruise terminals; however, travel time is often longer than traveling from the Orlando Airport due to local traffic. If you’re absolutely set on staying near the coast, this is the airport for you.

Where should you stay when flying in for your Port Canaveral cruise?

Now that you have an idea of which airport you should fly into for your Port Canaveral cruise, it’s time to figure out where you want to stay. Flying in at least one day before your cruise and staying at a hotel near the airport is the best way to ensure that you make it to your cruise on time. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to worry about flight delays causing you to miss your embarkation or departure time. (Feel free to skip this section if you do plan on flying in the morning of your cruise.)

Staying at a hotel in Orlando is the most convenient option when cruising from Port Canaveral – especially for late flight arrivals. Not only will you be able to relax in your room shortly after landing, but you won’t have to worry about making the 45-mile ride to the port until the day your ship embarks. If you choose to arrive a couple days prior to your cruise, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the famous theme parks, shopping outlets, and restaurants in the Orlando area.

Alternatively, if beaches, wildlife, aquatic activities, and the Kennedy Space Center are more up your alley, opt to stay near the coast in the Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, or Titusville area. There are plenty of things to do near Port Canaveral, but keep in mind this is only recommended for early morning flight arrivals or travelers with additional days to explore before their cruise.

What hotel should you book when flying in for your Port Canaveral cruise?

With an area in mind of where you want to stay before (or even after) your cruise, the next step is reserving accommodations. To save time and money, consider booking a bundle that includes a hotel stay and all the necessary transportation needed in between. A Fly Snooze Cruise Port Canaveral package includes everything from hotel accommodations to airport transportation and cruise transfers for every member of your party. It’s truly the easiest way to take care of your travel needs ashore all in one simple step. With so many hotels to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down for you.

Here are the top 10 Fly Snooze Cruise packages booked by Port Canaveral cruisers:

View a full list of hotel options for any kind of budget.

What’s the easiest way to get to Port Canaveral when flying in the morning of your cruise?

When it comes to reliability, affordability, and most importantly convenience, shared shuttles to Port Canaveral are the best way to travel between the airport and cruise ship ship terminals. However, cruise lines tend to overcharge for this type of transportation.

With a company like Go Port, you can book the same quality cruise transfers at a highly-discounted rate. They also have greeters available at the airport and port to guide you as well as complimentary luggage assistance – so all you have to worry about is enjoying the ride.

Other options to consider: Ride-share services can leave you victim to surge pricing, while only catering to a limited amount of luggage and passengers. Rental cars can get pricey, especially when you consider the addition of gas and tolls. It’s also a hassle to pick-up and return your vehicle at each location.

Remember it’s essential to pick a flight that lands before 11:30 AM to avoid missing your ship departure – the earlier the better!

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN WHEN CRUISING FROM PORT CANAVERAL

Where should you stay when driving in for your Port Canaveral cruise?

Driving in a day or two before your Port Canaveral cruise gives you extra time to enjoy the amenities the Sunshine State has to offer. (Feel free to skip this section if you plan to drive in the morning of your cruise.)

Driving down I-95 to your cruise? You’ll want to stay in the Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, or Titusville area featuring easy access to the Kennedy Space Center and beaches on the coast.

If you’re driving up I-95, staying in Melbourne is on your way to the port, by the beach, and offers plenty of shopping and dining nearby.

After a long road-trip down I-75, making a stop in Orlando on your way to Port Canaveral is a great option. There’s endless entertainment options, shopping, and restaurants open late to keep cruisers busy.

What hotel should you book when driving in for your Port Canaveral cruise?

For cruisers on the Carnival Mardi Gras or Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the key to making your cruise vacation seamless when driving in is booking a hotel and parking bundle. A Snooze Park Cruise Port Canaveral package includes everything you need — from hotel accommodations to parking for the duration of your cruise and complimentary shuttle transfers for your entire party. It’s the most efficient way to take care of all your travel needs ashore in one easy-to-book step when cruising from Port Canaveral.

Here are the top 5 Snooze Park Cruise packages booked by Port Canaveral cruisers:

View a full list of hotel options for any kind of budget.

Where do you park when cruising from Port Canaveral?

Go Port Plaza offers the most affordable Port Canaveral parking options at just $7.50 per day. Located only minutes from the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, Go Port’s Carnival Mardi Gras cruise parking package and Wonder of the Seas cruise parking package include:

secure parking for the duration of your cruise in a lot that is well-lit and monitored 24/7 by video surveillance
convenient round-trip shuttle service to and from your cruise terminal

While parking directly at the port might seem convenient, it comes at a higher cost, and spaces can fill up quickly. Off-site lots that charge per day can also become expensive. Go Port’s cruise transfer package with parking includes up to 4 passengers, offering the best value and service for both Carnival Mardi Gras and Wonder of the Seas cruisers.

Set Sail Stress-Free When Cruising from Port Canaveral

Planning ahead for your cruise from Port Canaveral is the key to sailing stress-free. Many cruisers wait until last minute to figure out how they’re actually going to get to their cruise ship. Whether you’re flying in or driving in for your cruise, let Go Port handle all of your land transportation needs to and from the cruise terminal. Book early and enjoy peace of mind for next vacation!