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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Information

Last updated on June 12th, 2023 at 03:07 pm

Modern, efficient, and bustling, Port Canaveral offers seamless embarkation. Enjoy stunning views, streamlined check-in, and attentive staff. With its prime location and top-notch facilities, the terminal sets the stage for an unforgettable cruise adventure.

Port Canaveral is located at 1492 Charles M. Rowland Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 .

The Orlando International Airport is located approximately 45 miles to the west of the port and is serviced by most domestic and many international airlines. Port Canaveral is located near the center of the east coast of Florida. With seven cruise terminals, it is well equipped to handle the millions of passengers that pass through its gates every year. Each terminal has it’s own parking lot for easy access to the ship and signs will direct which ships are docked at which terminal.

Port Canaveral – Cruise Terminal Locations 

The following terminals are on the A side – North Side of the port.  When coming in A1A from Orlando, take exit 54A:

  • Cruise Terminal #5 – 9245 Charles Rowland Drive
  • Cruise Terminal #6 – 9241 Charles Rowland Drive
  • Cruise Terminal #8 – 9155 Charles Rowland Drive ( Disney Cruises Terminal )
  • Cruise Terminal #10 – 9005 Charles Rowland Drive

The following terminals are on the B side – South side of the port. When coming in A1A from Orlando, take exit 54 B.

  • Cruise Terminal #1 – 9050 Discovery Road
  • Cruise Terminal #3 – 220 Christopher Columbus Drive ( Carnival Cruises Terminal )

Disney Cruises Terminal Port Canaveral

Terminal 8 is Disney Cruises Terminal in Port Canaveral. During the cruise hiatus in 2020, some updates were made to the terminal to enhance customer convenience. 

Take a look at this video to see a tour of the terminal:

Carnival Cruise Terminal Port Canaveral

Terminal 3 was built specifically for the 2021 arrival of Carnival’s newest and largest ship, the Mardi Gras. 

Check out this video tour of T3!

Click below for more information: – Port Canaveral Transportation – Cruise Parking in Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral Embarkation Tips :

– boarding can start as early as 11:00am, but lines can be long. It is recommended to arrive no earlier than a half hour before the departure time given you by your cruise line. – have your cruise tickets and ID out to show at the port gate

Cruises From Port Canaveral

The following cruise lines  call Port Canaveral their homeport:

Carnival Cruise  

Disney Cruise  

Royal Caribbean

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Weather in Port Canaveral

In Florida, summer typically begins in early May and lasts until September. During these months, temperatures can reach as high as 32°C (90°F), and there is a good chance of thunderstorms occurring. The weather is much cooler during January to March, but the temperatures never get really chilly, compared to winters in the more northern states.

Click the helpful links below: – Port Canaveral Webcam – check out what’s coming in and out of port – Port Canaveral Hotels Near the Port – See Excursions in Port Canaveral area

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

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port canaveral cruise port terminal

Navigating The Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminals

  • May 7, 2024

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Port Canaveral is the second-busiest cruise port in the world and serves as a popular homeport for world-class cruise ships. The port is also famous for its waterfront dining, rocket launches, and other attractions unique to Florida’s Space Coast. Whether you are embarking on a cruise or just paying the port a visit, here is everything you need to know about navigating the Port Canaveral cruise terminals.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to include the latest information.

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal A

Map of Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal A

Port Canaveral is divided into two sections by the shipping channel. Terminal A is located at the northern end of the channel and is home to Cruise Terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10. These terminals are easily accessed after turning off FL-528 E toward Port Canaveral/North Cargo Piers.

Cruise Terminal 5

Cruise Terminal #5 – 9245 Charles Rowland Drive

Cruise Terminal 5 is home to Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas .

Cruise Terminal 6

Cruise Terminal #6 – 9241 Charles Rowland Drive

The Carnival Freedom and Carnival Vista sail out of Cruise Terminal 6.

Cruise Terminal 8

Cruise Terminal #8 – 9155 Charles Rowland Drive

With the theme parks close by, it comes as no surprise that three Disney ships call Port Canaveral home. The Fantasy and Wish currently dock at Terminal 8, and will be joined by the new Disney Treasure in December 2024.

Cruise Terminal 10

Cruise Terminal #10 – 9005 Charles Rowland Drive

The Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Jade are currently sailing from Cruise Terminal 10.

Since November 2023, Terminal 10 has also been home to the MSC Seashore .

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal B

Map of Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal B

The majority of Port Canaveral’s dining and entertainment is located on the south side of the channel with Cruise Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These terminals are easily accessed by following FL-528 E and taking the George King Blvd exit.

Cruise Terminal 1

Cruise Terminal #1 – 9050 Discovery Road

Cruise Terminal 1 was made to handle some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest cruise ships. Allure of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas currently sail out of Terminal 1. One of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, Utopia of the Seas , will also sail from this terminal starting in July 2024.

Cruise Terminal 3

Cruise Terminal #3 – 220 Christopher Columbus Drive

One of the port’s most impressive additions, the newly-constructed Cruise Terminal 3, was built specifically for the Carnival Mardi Gras . The Carnival Liberty and Glory also sail out of this terminal.

Port Canaveral Dining & Entertainment

Dining & Entertainment Options in Port Canaveral

Cruise Terminal B is home to The Cove as well as Port Canaveral’s restaurant and retail area. Eateries such as Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar , Seafood Atlantic, and Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar offer classic seaside meals, drinks, and live music. The Cove offers both indoor and outdoor seating with waterfront views of the Port Canaveral cruise terminals.

Jetty Park located near Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminals

Jetty Park, located near Cruise Terminal 3, offers cruisers 4.5 acres of sandy beaches perfect for viewing rocket launches and sail-aways. This family-friendly park also features a concession stand for food, bait, and tackle. A fishing pier, pavilion rentals, and a playground area are also available on-site.

Port Canaveral Hotels, Transportation, and Parking

Are you planning a cruise from Port Canaveral? Finding transportation on embarkation and debarkation day can be stressful, with surge pricing, complex terminals, and high demand for rides. Combined with the cost of hotels, your pre- and post-cruise expenses can quickly add up. Go Port provides an ideal solution by bundling your transportation and hotel stay, simplifying your onshore arrangements into one seamless package.

If you are looking for hotel accommodations before or after your cruise, our popular Fly Snooze Cruise package includes airport pick-up, a hotel stay, and transportation directly to your Port Canaveral cruise terminal. 

MCO Cruise Transportation

Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) on the same day of your cruise? Go Port’s Cruise Transportation package provides direct service from MCO to your cruise ship’s terminal. 

Hotel Cruise Transportation

If you’re staying at an Orlando Airport hotel, you can also book same day transportation to your cruise terminal with pick up right at your hotel.

  • Cruise Parking

Cruising on the Carnival Mardi Gras? Go Port offers a parking and transportation package for $7.50 per day. Totaling $60 for the duration of your cruise, Go Port will provide secure parking and transport you directly to the Mardi Gras cruise terminal.

Avoid the stress of getting to and from your cruise ship on time and book with Go Port for all your transportation, hotel, and parking needs.

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  • Categories: Tips
  • Tags: Cruise Terminal , Port Canaveral , Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

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WELCOME TO PORT CANAVERAL

Known as the “Space Coast” because of nearby   Kennedy Space Center , the Port Canaveral area also offers many other attractions which make it a great place to extend your cruise vacation. The area has miles and miles of sandy beaches for surfing, swimming, building sandcastles with the kids, or simply relaxing. Those travelling with children, or simply those that are young at heart, can make the most of its proximity to the Orlando theme parks, especially if they are after an all-Disney experience from   Disney World   to their   Disney cruise . And those looking to learn a little more about space – and if timed right see a rocket launch – will easily be able to add a day trip to   Kennedy Space Center   to their vacation.

For those that wish to stay a little closer to the cruise terminals themselves, Port Canaveral has added many attractions to keep you busy such as the   Exploration Tower , the   Cove entertainment district , fishing charters, or the   Jetty Park   fishing pier, beach and picnic area.

Our port guide, and accompanying articles about   parking ,   transportation ,   park and cruise hotels ,   and   attractions   will provide you with all the information you need to plan your pre or post-cruise stay in the Port Canaveral area.

The links below will help you jump around the guide to the sections that interest you most, and at the bottom is a   map   of all the points of interest mentioned.

PORT CANAVERAL CRUISE TERMINAL   |   PASSENGER & LUGGAGE DROP OFF   |   PORTS OF CALL FOR SHIPS DEPARTING PORT CANAVERAL   |   CURRENCY   |  TIPPING   |  BANKS & ATMS   |   GETTING AROUND   |   WEATHER   |   VISITOR’S CENTER   |   FESTIVALS & EVENTS   |   DINING   |   SHOPPING   |   MAP

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our   full disclosure policy here .

PORT CANAVERAL CRUISE TERMINAL

With five main cruise terminals in Port Canaveral, it is very important to know which terminal your cruise ship will be using or you might try to drop your luggage off at the wrong one. As you near the terminals there are electronic signs on all the roads leading into the port to direct you to the proper location. The cruise lines and ships will be listed on the signs along with the appropriate highway exits to take.

If you are using a GPS or map program (we use   Here WeGo ) input the following addresses to find your terminal and its corresponding parking garage (if applicable):

CRUISE TERMINAL 1 : 9050 Discovery Road

CRUISE TERMINAL 5 : 9245 Charles M Rowland Drive

CRUISE TERMINAL 6 : 9241 Charles M Rowland Drive  |  Parking Garage: 9240 Charles M Rowland Drive

CRUISE TERMINAL 8 : 9155 Charles M Rowland Drive  |  Parking Garage: 9154 Charles M Rowland Drive

CRUISE TERMINAL 10 : 9005 Charles M Rowland Drive  |  Parking Garage: 9020 Charles M Rowland Drive

Note: All terminal addresses are Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

View a   map of the cruise terminals   for Port Canaveral.

PASSENGER & LUGGAGE DROP OFF

EMBARKATION:  The port requests that cars proceed directly to the cruise terminal to drop off passengers and bags. Porters will help you with your luggage and parking personnel will direct you to the appropriate parking facility if you are using the port parking lots.

DISEMBARKATION:   When returning you can either retrieve your vehicle and return to the terminal to pick up your companions and luggage in the loading area, or take your luggage and companions to your parking lot via shuttle or walking (depending on which parking lot you are using) to retrieve your vehicle.

The area next to the cruise terminal is for loading and unloading only so you should be prepared to unload/load quickly to allow others to do the same.

WHICH TERMINAL DO YOU GO TO?

Cruise Terminal 1 : Royal Caribbean International —   Oasis of the Seas   and   Majesty of the Seas

Cruise Terminal 5 : Carnival Cruise Line —   Carnival Liberty

Cruise Terminal 6:   Carnival Cruise Line —   Carnival Magic ,   Carnival Sunshine , and   Carnival Breeze

Cruise Terminal 8:   Disney Cruise Line —   Disney Dream ,   Disney Fantasy , and   Disney Wonder

Cruise Terminal 10:   Norwegian Cruise Line —   Norwegian Epic   and   Norwegian Sun

PORTS OF CALL FOR SHIPS DEPARTING PORT CANAVERAL

Amber Cove, Dominica Republic  |  Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis  |  Belize City, Belize  |  Bonaire  |  Bridgetown, Barbados  |  Castaway Cay, (Disney Private Island) |  Castries, Saint Lucia  |  Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas  |  Costa Maya, Mexico  |   Cozumel, Mexico   |  Falmouth, Jamaica  |  Freeport, Bahamas  |  Georgetown, Grand Cayman  |  Grand Turk  |  Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Private Island)  |  Half Moon Cay, Bahamas  |  Havana, Cuba  | Key West, FL  |  Labadee, Haiti (Royal Caribbean Private Area)  |  Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Honduras  |  Nassau, Bahamas  |  Ocho Rios, Jamaica  |  Oranjestad, Aruba  |  Philipsburg, St. Maarten  |  Princess Cays, Bahamas  |  San Juan, Puerto Rico   |  St. George’s, Grenada  |  St. John’s, US Virgin Islands  |  St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands  | Tortola, British Virgin Islands

*Please Note: These scheduled ports of call are not guaranteed as the cruise line may make changes to their itineraries due to weather or other reasons. 

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Port Canaveral? Check it out here!

MONEY MATTERS

The currency of the United States is the US Dollar (USD) which is divided into 100 cents. It is printed on paper bills in the following denominations: $1, $2 (uncommon), $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. It also includes the following coins: 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), and 25¢ (quarter). There are 50¢ pieces and dollar coins but they aren’t common.

Although it’s not mandatory, tipping is customary in the United States and some service industries will expect a tip for a job well done. Visitors from outside the country may also be surprised at how much is tipped as it can be quite a bit more than in, for example, European countries.

RESTAURANTS:   It is customary to offer your waiter or waitress a tip between 15-20% depending on the level of service they provided. Usually, you will find the service is very attentive (refilling your drinking, checking on your party etc.) but if the service isn’t great you can leave a smaller tip or even no tip. Typically service that doesn’t warrant a tip does warrant speaking with a manager to voice your dissatisfaction. If you are dining with a large group (usually 8 or more) the restaurant may add an 18% service charge to your bill automatically so check for this before you add your tip. This is usually indicated at the bottom of a menu if the restaurant does this, or it will be indicated on your bill.

BARS : A tip of 10-15% is appropriate at a bar. In some places, you’ll find a “tip jar” on the bar and others you can give the tip to your server directly.

TAXIS:   A tip of 10-15% of your fare is customary, especially if your driver helps you with your luggage.

Paying with a credit or debit card is very common and in most restaurants, bars, and even taxis,  you’ll be able to add a tip to the total on the machine when you settle the bill if you don’t have cash. This is so common that many credit card machines now even have buttons with 15% / 18% / 20% on them so it will calculate the tip for you if you choose that option. You are always given the option to select the amount you’d like to tip, or you can opt not to put the tip on your card and give a cash tip instead.

BANKS & ATMS

Finding an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) will not be too difficult in Port Canaveral.  We’ve pinned several ATMs that are near the terminals to the map below.

Generally, in the US, you will find ATMs at banks (some may have drive-thru ATMs), in grocery stores, gas stations, and in pharmacies (of which two common ones are   CVS   and   Walgreens ).

GETTING AROUND PORT CANAVERAL

Your options for getting around the cruise terminal area in Port Canaveral will depend on both which terminal you are departing from and what you’d like to do.

If you’re in terminal 1 or 3 then you’ll be able to walk to some activities like Jetty Park, the Cove, and Exploration Tower. To head out to Cocoa Beach you can also catch the local beach bus (for schedule and routes click   here ).

From the other terminals, you’ll need transport such as a rental car shuttle, or pre-arranged ride with a shuttle company like   Cocoa Beach Shuttle , or a taxi/Uber/Lyft to get around the near vicinity.

To get out to Orlando, it would be best to rent a car for the day. We have personally done this and found it an effective way to visit things further afield like Kennedy Space Center. The rental car agencies have shuttles that will get you back and forth from the cruise terminals to their office to pick up the cars pretty quickly.

PORT CANAVERAL WEATHER

In general, weather along this area of the coast typically stays pleasant year-round. During the summer afternoons,  sea breezes cool the barrier islands so outdoor/water activities are popular. In the winter, the humidity drops and temperatures remain nice, so much so that many Canadians and those living in northern US states spend their winters in this area.

The hottest part of the year is from the end of May to end of September with average daily high temperatures above 84°F (29°C).The cooler part of the year is from early December to the beginning of March with average daily high temperatures about 74°F (23°C).

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PORT CANAVERAL VISITOR’S CENTER

The   Florida Space Coast tourism office  is a great place for even more, in-depth, information about all the attractions and events along this stretch of the Florida coast.

LOCATION:   4300 Brevard Avenue, Suite 150, Cocoa, FL 32922

PHONE:   1-321-433-4470 or toll-free in the USA 1-877-57-BEACH (or 1-877-572-3224)

HOURS OF OPERATION:  Please call to confirm the office is open.

For the   Official ‘Space Coast’ Visitor’s Guide   click   here   to sign up to receive one by mail or instant download.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Looking to combine your interest in space with your cruise? Port Canaveral has you covered with Kennedy Space Center (of course!) but also some special events during the year like rocket launches and meeting astronauts!

They also have many on-going events to take part in like lighthouse tours, Florida beer tours and tastings, and half-day casino cruises that sail seven days a week.

If you are planning to stay before or after your cruise it is definitely worth checking out their events calendar to see if there are any events that catch your eye.

While you’ll have plenty to eat aboard your cruise, you shouldn’t give up the chance to try some of the great things Port Canaveral has to offer.

Being on the coast, restaurants pride themselves on their fresh seafood some of which may have just been caught that day on one of the daily fishing charters from Port Canaveral.  For those of you that aren’t seafood lovers, or you just want to try something else, Port Canaveral also offers everything from pizzerias, Mexican food, and even an Irish bar!

Directly in the cruise terminal area, you’ll find   Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar ,   Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill , and  Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Ba r – both of which get at least 4 stars on their Google review.

In the immediate area of the cruise terminals,   the Cove   is a waterfront area with an open-air, village-style marketplace that features locally made arts and crafts such as jewellery, paintings, pottery, sculptures, and Florida souvenirs. This area is within walking distance of the cruise terminals and also includes dining options.

If you have driven your own car (or   rented one ) you’ll be able to venture a little further to one of the following:

  • The Avenue Viera   – About 30 minutes from the port, this is an upscale open-air retail, dining, and entertainment centre that includes a movie theatre and shops such as Kohl’s, Belk, Talbots, and Old Navy.
  • Merritt Square Mall   – About 15 minutes from the port in Cocoa Beach, this mall includes department stores like JC Penney, along with many speciality stores.
  • Orlando International Premium Outlets   – About 1 hour from the port, this is Florida’s largest outlet shopping area with over 180 outlet designer and name-brand stores.

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Port Canaveral?

You may find these articles helpful..

How to Get to Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals Where to Stay in Port Canaveral with ‘Park & Cruise’ Deals Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Options Things to See and Do in Port Canaveral

The map below shows the points of interest mentioned above in relation to the cruise terminal.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

Current local time in Port Canaveral, United States

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PORT CANAVERAL GUIDE

A Guide to Port Canaveral Cruise Port Terminals

Port Canaveral seen from cruise ship

While the nearby Port Miami boasts global popularity, Port Canaveral is not without its charm.

It has some of the busiest terminals, seeing more than four million passengers passing through them every year.

You will find cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean International, Disney, and Carnival, offering services from there.

Port Canaveral’s strategic location is what makes it perfect for starting a cruise holiday. It sits an hour East of Orlando , with the towns of Titusville and Cocoa Beach not too far away. So, you can be sure of finding plenty to see and do.

If you are looking for an adventure-filled getaway, then cruising from Orlando is your best option. The region, fondly referred to as the Space Coast, offers a plethora of activities to include in your itinerary.

It has miles of exquisite shorelines, the Kennedy Space Center and theme parks. With such attractions, the destination is perfect for different types of vacations. You can visit the region solo, as a couple on a romantic trip, or with children for fun family time.

Cape Canaveral’s perfect climate means you can enjoy many activities all year. Whether it’s your first cruise or not, Port Canaveral gives you many reasons to begin your journey here.

Learn how to plan your Port Canaveral cruise with tips from this guide. Find information about everything, from how to get around to accommodation ideas in the area.

Read also : The Best Hotels near Cape Canaveral Port with Shuttle

Port Canaveral in Florida Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals Getting to Port Canaveral Cruise Port Parking Best Time to Visit & Cruise Where to stay near the port Sights to See

Cape Canaveral Cruise Terminals

Royal Caribbean uses terminals 1, 5 and 6 while Carnival Cruises leave from terminals 3 and 6. Disney operates from terminal 8 and MSC and Norwegian depart mostly from terminal 10.

Port Canaveral has several cruise terminals and they are:

A Terminals (North Side) – Exit 54A

  • Cruise Terminal #5 – 9245 Charles Rowland Dr.
  • Cruise Terminal #6 – 9241 Charles Rowland Dr.
  • Cruise Terminal #8 – 9155 Charles Rowland Dr.
  • Cruise Terminal #10 – 9005 Charles Rowland Dr.

B Terminals (South Side) – Exit 54B

  • Cruise Terminal #1 – 9050 Discovery Rd.
  • Cruise Terminal #2 – 180 Christopher Columbus Dr.
  • Cruise Terminal #3 – 220 Christopher Columbus Dr.

Road sign leading to Port Canaveral cruise terminals

Getting to Port Canaveral and The Nearest Airports

Knowing how to get to the destination makes planning less complicated. You also save time when you don’t have to look for transportation options at the last minute. This section highlights some alternatives available to get in and around the port.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the area’s main airport within easy reach of the cruise port and one of the busiest in the world. It is a top choice for cruisers. The time it takes from the airport to the port is approximately 45 minutes.

State Road 528 or the Beachline Expressway, is the road to take when going to the port from the airport. Note that the expressway is a toll road whose charges depend on your entry and exit point.

The closest airport is Melbourne International Airport , approx 28 miles from the port. Other options include Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) 61 miles from Port Canaveral and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), located around 73 miles from the cruise terminals.

Whether you arrive early or on the day of determines the best transportation modes. We highlight a few below from Orlando International Airport.

Cruise line transfers or shuttles

If you land at the airport on cruise day, the cruise line shuttle service might be your best solution.

Cruise lines have shuttle services that take passengers straight from the airport to the terminal. So, you can count on catching your ship. However, this transport method is expensive, which is why you should consider it only when necessary.

Independent Shuttles

You can opt to use one of the private shuttle services in the area to get around or to get to the port.

Several companies operate shuttles in the city. A good number of them do pick-ups at the airport, but you can find others that get passengers from other locations. Therefore, you can plan your day according to shuttle availability. Independent shuttles are cheaper and reliable.

Check fares for Private Transportation to Cruise Port from Orlando

Hotel Shuttles

You can use a hotel shuttle service if you are staying around the area before your cruise. This service is typically available when coming or leaving.

Hotels can arrange your transportation from the airport to the hotel and later to the terminal. The shuttle from your hotel to Port Canaveral won’t cost you much.

Other Options

If the above means of transport don’t meet your needs, you can consider a few others.

Ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber are examples. You get privacy and convenience, but it will cost you. A taxi serves the same purpose. Renting a car is another practical solution.

A generous number of parking lots serve Port Canaveral, given how busy it gets. Each terminal has a parking space to ease accessibility. After leaving your vehicle, you only have to walk a short distance to the ship.

Hence, if you are driving, the official cruise parking is the most convenient alternative. A flat fee applies to official parking. At the time of writing, the rate is $17 per day. However, if your vehicle is big, it might cost you a daily charge of $29.

Accessibility parking is present in every terminal. If you have special equipment in your vehicle, such as a wheelchair ramp, then you are exempt from parking fees.

Another parking solution is independent lots . You can choose to leave your car in one of the private spaces near the port. Since some of these locations are not too close to the terminals, they provide shuttle services.

Therefore, don’t concern yourself about how you will get to your ship. The appeal of independent parking is low cost. You can pay as little as $10 a day for parking.

Hotels in the cruise town are quick to offer parking spaces to guests . Some places can throw in free parking when you book a stay, while others can include an extra charge.

Best Time to Visit and Cruise from Port Canaveral?

Cocoa Beach pier at sunrise

Expect pleasant weather year-round at the Space Coast . It’s why the region attracts tourists throughout. Summer is the best time to go on a cruise. Before sailing away, you can enjoy time at the beach.

From May to the last week of September is the hottest period here. Temperatures drop from December to the start of March. Winters in Cape Canaveral come with little to no rainfall, so you don’t have to worry about rough weather. March to May is peak season. The calm and warm weather makes this time perfect to visit the cruise port.

Late summer to fall is the off-peak cruising season. It’s the best time to land generous deals from cruise lines and other services. You can slash a decent sum off your vacation budget by capitalizing on discounts.

Besides off-peak season, watch out for the last-minute rush when cruise lines are scrambling to fill seats. You can book a great cruise at low prices by waiting until this time. The wave season, which is between January and March, is another period with big sales.

Where to Stay Near the Port?

Being one of the busiest cruise ports, Port Canaveral caters to a wide category of accommodation demands. The region around the port, the airport and nearby towns have hotels for all budgets.

So, you need not worry about finding the right place to stay . Your specific requirements will determine where to stay. For example, if you arrive a couple of days before your cruise, then you might opt to stay near the port to see the sights and be close enough when it’s time to leave.

The following are some options to look into when planning your accommodation.

1. Cape Canaveral (Closest to Port)

The city that houses the cruise port sits on Florida’s coastal region. It’s a buzzing city with an array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots. So, you won’t run out of things to do if you will be around for a few days. Resting just south of the port, Cape Canaveral has the region’s biggest hotels. Shuttle services are some of the offerings available for cruise passengers at hotels in the city.

• Radisson Resort • Hampton Inn • Country Inn & Suites are examples

2. Cocoa Beach

The beach has more than enough accommodation choices to serve its influx of visitors throughout the year. With Banana River, the Atlantic Ocean, Crescent Beach, and Port Canaveral surrounding this destination, it’s the perfect location to spend a few days before or after a cruise. You can stay at a boutique hotel a few steps from the ocean or a luxurious suite with all amenities provided. Some options include

• Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront • Homewood Suites by Hilton • Lost Inn Paradise

3. Orlando International Airport

Some cruise passengers prefer staying near the airport, especially if they arrive late. Instead of getting accommodation in the port, you can book a room at one of the several hotels close to the Orlando International Airport. It saves you the stress of driving to Cape Canaveral if you arrive a few hours or a day before the cruise. Dining and drinking spots shouldn’t be a problem with the numerous establishments around and near the airport. Hotel recommendations for this location include

• Embassy Suites Orlando • Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport Hotel • Fairfield Inn by Marriott Orlando Airport

Sights to See and Things to Do

The Florida Space provides a wide selection of attractions and activities. All you have to do is stack your itinerary with the most suitable ones for your vacation.

Because it’s a popular embarkation destination for cruises, Port Canaveral works hard to ensure people of all ages have fun while here. Whether you wish to give the kids a good time at one of the various theme parks or learn a few things about space, you have an impressive list to work with.

Whether you intend to spend a few days around the port before or after your cruise, the destination doesn’t disappoint. Here are popular ideas to consider:

1. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center

Some of the most incredible activities to indulge in when in the area involve space.

After all, it’s where America’s space program lives, courtesy of the Kennedy Space Center.

Discover astronautical attractions, like shuttles from the Apollo program.

Visit exhibits that showcase how far humans have come in exploring space and the plans in store for future projects.

2. Rocket Launch Viewpoint

Rocket launch from Cape Canaveral

The Canaveral National Seashore on Playalinda Beach, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, and Titusville’s US Astronaut Hall of Fame are some of the places with rocket launch observation points.

Find the most convenient location where you can combine other activities and get the most out of your vacation.

3. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach in Florida

Located only 20 minutes from the cruise port, Cocoa Beach is a hive of activities.

From surfing to swimming to aerial adventures, you can spend an entire day here and never get enough.

Dine at popular restaurants, hit entertainment spots to unwind, and visit the gift shops along the coastline for souvenirs.

4. Exploration Tower

Exploration tower at night

Sitting right in the port, the seven-story structure houses various exhibits that tell the region’s story.

Whatever your age, it’s an awe-inspiring attraction to visit. Learn everything from the port’s origin to the complexities of cruise ship navigation.

Apart from the interactive displays, the Exploration Tower gives magnificent views of the region. You can also watch rockets launching from the observation deck.

5. Meritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge

The 140,000-acre Meritt sanctuary hosts various wildlife species that you can see on your nature walk.

It has manatees, alligators, snapping turtles, bald eagles, wood storks, river otters, and dozens of other animals and plants.

A guided kayak tour allows you to encounter most species at the Meritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

6. Manatee Sanctuary Park

Manatee in water

The park’s location next to a manatee’s protected habitat, the Banana River, means you can see the creatures.

However, the sanctuary offers more than manatee sightings.

It’s one of the best places to get some exercise before going on a cruise or after. It has excellent fitness facilities and hiking trails.

(Latest update November 15th 2023)

Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

1. www.portcanaveral.com 2. Galveston Tripadvisor 3. Hotels.com 4. viator.com

Related to Port Canaveral in Florida Cape Canaveral Cheap Hotel Deals Where to Stay Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach? Hotels with Cruise Shuttle

Author of allcruisehotels, Stefan DP

Written by Stefan DP Updated: 5 September 2024

Stefan, Editor-in-Chief of “I Love 2 Cruise” at www.allcruisehotels.com, discovered his passion for cruising in 1999 with his wife on a Carnival Cruise. Since then, he’s been hooked, reveling in the unique atmosphere, entertainment, and culinary delights of cruise travel. With voyages on 15 different cruise lines, including Azamara and Royal Caribbean, Stefan has sailed to all 7 continents, visited 67 countries, and spent 480 days at sea. He shares his extensive experience and love for cruising through tips, reviews, and port information to help others plan their perfect cruise vacation.

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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 3 (Mardi Gras Homeport): Complete Tour & Walkthrough

First completed in June 2020, Cruise Terminal 3 (also known as CT3) at Port Canaveral is the port’s newest addition, but it may be best known as the new home of Carnival’s newest — and largest — ship, Mardi Gras.

While many are anticipating sailing Mardi Gras in the years ahead, they won’t be able to board before making their way through the new terminal. And after being given a, exclusive tour of the new $155 million facility, we think that the new building is not only a great place to start your cruise, but also one of the more impressive cruise terminals we’ve ever visited.

If you have a cruise coming up that’s departing from CT3, here’s what to know and what you can expect.

In This Article...

CT3 Location at Port Canaveral

Map showing CT3 location at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is among the busiest cruise departure ports in the world, but thanks to its size and location, it can feel much smaller — and much easier — to navigate on cruise day. As for CT3, the terminal is located on the eastern end of the port, closest to the end of the channel. The closest cruise terminal is CT1, used by Royal Caribbean, which is still a considerable distance to the west.

Thanks to this location, it should be easier to get to without the traffic you might encounter on a busy day near other terminals clustered closer together.

Arriving at the Terminal on Cruise Day

Front of the terminal

Arriving at the terminal, you start to get a sense of the size of the facility. Given the size of Mardi Gras, a large terminal was needed to service the ship and the more than 10,000 passengers that could be embarking and debarking in a single day. To handle that traffic, the terminal is 185,000 square feet, making it the largest at Port Canaveral.

Adjoining the building is a nearly 1,800 parking spot garage, ensuring plenty of parking right next to the ship even if there are multiple ships sailing from the terminal at once. (For reference, Port Canaveral says the number of cars needing parking totals about 10% of a ship’s capacity. So a 5,000 passenger cruise would see roughly 500 cars parking at the port.)

When passengers arrive to cruise, they have two options to get to the terminal entrance, which is located on the second floor. First, those parking or people needing an elevator can enter through the parking garage. Here there is a walkway from the garage right to the front entrance of the terminal.

Cruise Terminal 3 garage

Passengers not entering through the garage can walk up the wide staircase that leads from the ground up to the main entrance. There is also a sloped ramp alongside for those with luggage or people with mobility issues who can’t take the stairs.

See transportation options to Port Canaveral here .

CT3 Check-In, Security, and Waiting Area

Enter the main doors, and you’ll now be in the debarkation hall. During our tour, the room was empty, giving extra emphasis to its size. As well, the high ceilings give even more space.

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Given the new terminal and health protocols, the layout looks to be a bit different than you might be used to. There will be kiosks near the entrance of the terminal for check-in for most passengers (in addition to completely online check-in already available from Carnival), then a pass through security. For those that need more help there will still be check-in stations staffed, but the emphasis on the traditional method of check-in seems diminished.

After checking in, passengers will then head through security, where we counted at least 10 x-ray machines for carry-on luggage. If fully staffed, any security lines should be short for boarding.

While the initial check-in area and security screening is fairly utilitarian, passing through security you get a better feel for the style of the new terminal.

Center atrium at Cruise Terminal 3

First, you’ll notice a large compass rose sitting on the floor in the center of the building, along with the image of the famous Carnival “whale tail” at its center. Above, you see the modern halo lights throughout the waiting area along with the large circular video board that scrolls through messages.

On either side of this you’ll find numerous alcoves, each with a large curved image of the ship. These spots are for getting that “welcome aboard” photo that is a classic cruise staple.

Past the compass and the photo sets is the general waiting area. If you come to the terminal and it’s not quite ready for passengers, CT 3 has room for 1,200 cruise passengers in this area, on either side of the main hallway.

Waiting area at the terminal

Seating options include a number of curved metal and wood benches, row after row of airport-style seats with armrests and seat backs, as well as some small tables surrounded by movable chairs. Your wait here likely won’t be long but if you are looking for comfort, check out the soft bench-style seating that wraps around the outside of the VIP waiting area.

Fortunate enough to be a guest with access to the VIP waiting area? You’re in luck. The terminal features seating for 500 in an area that is sectioned off from the general boarding waiting room.

Step inside and you’ll see what looks similar to the general waiting, but definitely more luxurious. Here there are no rows and rows of airport-style seats. Instead, you’ll find much more comfy chairs and padded seats, with a center bar area in the middle of the room for refreshments. (Fun fact, the tile in the center bar matches the tile you’ll find on Mardi Gras.)

VIP waiting area for boarding

Outside of the center seating area of the VIP section you’ll find more benches and a large window at the end of the terminal that looks back out over the rest of the port. Need a charge for your phone? Try to find a seat next to one of the lamps, which feature a spot to plug in your cord.

No matter whether you’re a VIP or just a regular Joe, you’ll definitely be comfortable while you wait. And when it’s time to board, you’ll head through the large double doors into the boarding hallway to the gangway.

Debarking at CT3

As with most terminals, the experience when you get off the ship is different than when you board. While the boarding side of the terminal is filled with modern style, the debarkation area is decidedly more utilitarian.

After getting off the ship, you’ll head down the stairs, elevator, or sloped walkway to the luggage pick-up area. One smart detail of the terminal is the introduction of large stainless steel tables, greatly increasing the amount of luggage that can fit in the terminal. During our tour we were told that CT3 can hold up to 10,000 pieces of baggage.

Whether you pick up your bags here or simply carry them off the ship, you’ll then proceed through customs/immigration and then exit the facility back near the parking garage for transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about sailing from CT3? Let us know in the comments below. We’ve also tried to answer some of the more common questions you might have below.

Video board at CT3

How Much is Parking at Cruise Terminal 3? Parking costs $17 per car at the port, and this includes both the day you arrive and the day you leave. (So a 7-day cruise actually pays for 8 days of parking.) All major credit cards are accepted.

One thing to note is that you pay as you enter the garage the day your cruise departs. This way the lines to exit at the end of the cruise are shorter since there is no payment processing, getting everyone home more quickly. 

See all your Port Canaveral parking options here .

Are There Elevators at the Terminal? Yes. Elevators located in the parking garage take you up to the entrance level of the terminal. There are also stairs up and sloped walkways if you choose to walk instead of taking the elevator.

What’s the Best Spot for a Photo? In front of the building is a great place to get a photo before heading into check-in. On either side of the terminal are groups of palm trees framing the signage on the front of the building. While it might be busy with other passengers and cars on cruise day, this area as a backdrop makes a memorable spot to grab a picture.

Are There Things to Do Nearby? Unlike some ports, Port Canaveral isn’t just a place to get on the ship. There are a number of nearby restaurants that sit on the port channel (giving a great view of ships in port). There is also nearby Jetty Park that provides beach access.

A little farther away from the port is the nearby Kennedy Space Center to the north as well as the town of Cocoa Beach to the south. Cocoa Beach is a classic beach town with a large pier and plenty of “beachy” activities like putt-putt and go-karts, along with a number of restaurants.

Related Articles:

  • Complete Guide to Cruising From Port Canaveral
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  • Port Canaveral Cruise Parking (Where to Park) Options, Prices, and Map

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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I have parked here before for a 7-day cruise and I know you pay it up-front – but what if I am going to do a back-to-back cruise where I am not getting off the ship – A 7 day and a 8 day – Will it allow me to pay for the 15 days?

If you can’t find someone to explain this to at the port, you could just get off the ship when it returns after the first cruise and then deal with the upcoming week then.

For the first time, I won’t be parking at port Canaveral for my carnival Mardi gras cruise, my husband will be dropping me off, where can that be done?

Just head to the terminal and you’ll see signs for passenger drop off.

We purchased FTTF, our check-in time is 8-9 am. Because Mardi Gras returns to port at 7 am the day we embark. Our concern is whether there will be parking available in the garage to be able to check-in this hour in the morning as from past experience debarkation usually begins at around 9 am. I am concerned whether or not there will be available parking as there will obviously be Mardi Gras passengers parked from her cruise the week before.

There will be spots available, but it might be a bit hectic. If Carnival says you can come at 8-9 a.m., then I’m sure the port knows and expects some people to arrive at that hour.

My Grandson will be droping us off at the terminal 3 with our luggage. where should he go when he comes to pick us up . do they have parking places in front of the terminal.WE are leaving on May 21 2023 and coming back to port May 27 2023.

As you arrive, you’ll following the signs for pick-up and drop off. Just take note and meet there when you return.

Who is allowed in VIP waiting area? What status do you need to be?

I believe it’s Diamond and Platinum members.

What is the full price for a seven days cruise my trip is December 10-17=2022

How do I find out where to enter the terminal to pick up returning

If you head over to the terminal, you will see signs for picking up arriving passengers.

If I have Platinum and my daughter is Gold but is with me, can she sit with me in Platinum since I need assistance or do I have to sit in the regular area?

I’m not sure, but I would think it would be no problem. It seems unlikely that the cruise line would risk upsetting a loyal passenger that way.

What is the physical street address to Carnival Mardi Gras Terminal 3?

220 Christopher Columbus Drive, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920

Signage for oversize vehicle doesn’t exist, have to ask multiple people to find out where it is.

Where is the Wheelchair assistance area located?

Not entirely sure what you mean, but there are designated parking spots right at the front of the terminal.

Who will be allowed in VIP waiting area?

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Is MSC a Good Cruise Line? What to Know From Someone That’s Sailed

12 cheap summer cruises for 2025, 18 orlando hotels with shuttles to disney world & universal, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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Port Canaveral cruise port

Bahamas - caribbean - bermuda.

Port Canaveral port photo

  • Coordinates 28.404, -80.607
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Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule

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Port Canaveral Cruises

Cruise Ship Terminal

Carnival uses cruise terminals 3 and 6. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity use cruise terminals 1, 5 and 6. Disney uses cruise terminal 8. Norwegian uses cruise terminals 5 and 10. MSC uses cruise terminal 10.

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 1 9050 Discovery Road Port Canaveral, FL 32920 Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 3 220 Christopher Columbus Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 5 9245 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 6 9241 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 8 9155 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 10 9005 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral is 45 miles from Orlando International Airport. Parking is $17.00 per day (rates are subject to change by the Port Authority).

From North/South - Take I-95 to Exit 205 East to Hwy 528 East. Drive 11.5 miles on Hwy 528 East and exit to the "A" cruise terminals onto SR 401 North. Drive 1 mile on SR 401 North and follow signs to correct cruise terminal and pier (according to cruise line).

From Orlando International Airport - Take the North Exit from the Airport, staying to the right, to S.R. 528 (Beachline Expressway) East. Take S.R. 528 directly to Port Canaveral.

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Port Canaveral cruises: A guide to cruising from the Orlando area

Megan duBois

Sailing out of Port Canaveral might not be as picturesque as cruising from PortMiami , but don't underestimate the experience. Lucky passengers might witness a rocket launch from the neighboring NASA complex or see dolphins playing in the wake as the ships sail past the shoreline of Jetty Park on the way out to sea.

And while you might be more familiar with the Miami and Fort Lauderdale departure ports, you are as likely to sail from the Orlando-area, Central Florida port as you are from one of the East Coast ports. In 2023, the bustling port brought in 6.8 million cruise passengers , served as the home port for 13 ships and scheduled 906 ship calls.

From Port Canaveral, you can sail to the Bahamas , the Caribbean , Bermuda and even across the Atlantic on cruises of two to 14 nights. Seven major cruise lines currently sail from Port Canaveral: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises.

The port is (or soon will be) home to some of the newest and most popular cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas and new Utopia of the Seas and Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish and new Disney Treasure .

Getting to the port is easy as it's accessible from Interstate 95 and close to three airports — though it's nearly an hour's drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO) . Whether you want to overnight by the airport or close to the port, you will find a range of hotels to suit every budget and loyalty program affiliation.

Port Canaveral cruise port overview

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Port Canaveral cruise terminal information

Each of the cruise terminals at Port Canaveral has a different address. Here is a list of the cruise lines sailing from Port Canaveral and their affiliated terminals.

A terminals' addresses

Cruise Terminal No. 5: 9245 Charles Rowland Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 ( Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ) Cruise Terminal No. 6: 9241 Charles Rowland Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 ( Carnival Cruise Line ) Cruise Terminal No. 8: 9155 Charles Rowland Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 ( Disney Cruise Line ) Cruise Terminal No. 10: 9005 Charles Rowland Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises )

B terminals' addresses

Cruise Terminal No. 1: 9050 Discovery Road, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (Royal Caribbean) Cruise Terminal No. 2: 180 Christopher Columbus Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920 (Overflow) Cruise Terminal No. 3: 220 Christopher Columbus Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (Carnival Cruise Line)

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Number of terminals: 7

Port Canaveral is accessible, but contact your cruise line if you need a transfer from the terminal entrance to the ship.

Even though Port Canaveral is a departure port for many cruise lines, it can also be a port of call for ships sailing from the Northeast. Currently, some Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises ships spend a day in Port Canaveral on select itineraries through September.

Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule

Airports near Port Canaveral cruise port

Three airports serve the Port Canaveral cruise port. The most popular is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about 50 minutes away. Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is also about 50 minutes away, and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about an hour from the port.

Most major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, fly into MCO.

If you're flying into MLB, current carriers include Allegiant Air, American and Delta.

At SFB, the main option is Allegiant.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Depending on which airport you're flying into and which airline you've booked, you might be able to cut costs with companion passes. Southwest offers this deal to travelers who earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Those traveling with Delta can also get a companion ticket with a few of the Delta and American Express cobranded credit cards .

Because no one likes waiting around in a chaotic airport terminal after a cruise, you might want to bring a credit card that provides you with lounge access. MCO offers seven different lounges, including a Priority Pass lounge called Club MCO. Priority Pass membership starts at $99, or you can get access as a travel perk from a credit card such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

American Airlines passengers can access The Admirals Club with a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ), which includes a complimentary Admirals Club lounge pass. The Delta Sky Club is open to travelers with paid lounge access via a subscription or one-time paid visit, or those who have select Delta-branded American Express cards.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

How to get to the Port Canaveral cruise port

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Whether you're headed straight from the airport or from a pre-cruise hotel, you have several options on how to get to the Port Canaveral cruise port. If you are headed straight to Port Canaveral from the airport, be sure to give yourself at least three hours. Your plane should land no later than 10 a.m. to ensure you can claim any luggage, get your ride and get to the port before the boarding time ends in the afternoon without feeling rushed and flustered.

Cruise line transfers

Many cruise lines that sail from Port Canaveral offer transfer services from the airport or a hotel directly to the terminal. Talk to your travel agent to be sure it's part of your overall travel package, and if it's not, ask if you can buy the transfers individually.

For example, Disney Cruise Line can offer ground transportation from local airports to the embarkation port and back to the airport when the cruise is over. The transfer is a per-person flat fee that must be added to your cruise reservation in advance through the Disney Cruise Line app. The round-trip cost is $90 per person. If you only need one-way service, you have to call Disney Cruise Line to reserve.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

Independent airport shuttles

Cruisers looking for a transfer to and from the airport, hotel or cruise terminal can do so with independent airport shuttles. Consider companies like Airport Canaveral , where shared shuttle rides in a minibus start at $20 per person and a private van starts at $125 a ride for up to five people. If you need more room for larger parties and still want a private ride, you can rent a private Sprinter shuttle starting at $220. Airport Canaveral currently serves MCO and MLB.

Prices for these services are one-way.

You'll want to consider a few criteria when deciding between a cruise transfer or an independent shuttle. The first is how big your party is. Cruise-branded transfers are often per-person costs, while individual transfers are one price for a set amount of customers.

For example, if four people are taking a Disney cruise, the total cost for a cruise-run transfer would be $360 for round-trip service from the airport to the terminal and back to the airport at the end of your trip. For the same group, Airport Canaveral can supply a private van for $300 round-trip (the price for up to five people).

It often makes more financial sense for solo travelers or small groups of two or three to take a cruise line transfer, but larger groups can save money with independent transfers.

Beyond party size and total cost, consider time and accessibility. On a cruise-run transfer, you might have to wait for an entire busload of guests to arrive and get loaded onto the bus before departing the airport. With a private transfer, you can leave when you're ready and not have to wait for anyone else.

Additionally, most of the cruise-run transfers are on large buses, which might not be the most accessible option for folks who have trouble with stairs. If you're traveling with someone with mobility challenges, a private transfer can offer more flexibility in the type of car or shuttle you book.

Independent car services

Travelers who want a private transfer can also book an independent car or van service. Prices for car services from MCO to Port Canaveral can start around $200 for a one-way trip in a luxury car that can accommodate three people. If you need a larger vehicle, a van or SUV can start around $225 and has seats for up to six people.

Orlando Luxury Transportation is a highly rated black car service that offers airport-cruise port connections. You can book a luxury SUV from MCO to Port Canaveral for five people for around $230 or a Sprinter van seating up to 14 people for around $300.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Getting a taxi to Port Canaveral is fairly easy. Taxi stands are on Level One of Terminals A and B at MCO. If you're flying into the new Terminal C, curbside arrivals are on Level Six.

Four cab companies serve MCO: Diamond Cab Company, Quick Cab, Town & Country Transport and Mears Taxi Yellow/City Cab. The cabs can carry up to nine passengers and charge the same fare no matter how many people are in the car. Fares are determined by a meter, but the average fare to Port Canaveral is about $115.

For a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft , head to Level Two at Terminals A and B or Level Six at Terminal C. The average route price is $69 for an Uber X and $94 for an Uber XL from MCO to Port Canaveral. Be aware that it can occasionally be challenging to get a driver to actually show up because some don't want to drive all the way to Port Canaveral from the airport if they think they won't be able to get a fare back to MCO.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Hotel shuttles

Many of the hotels near Port Canaveral offer shuttle service to the port. Free transfers or rental car parking can be a challenge to find, so contact the property to inquire about options before making a reservation. Hotel shuttle transfer costs can vary based on the location and type of hotel, but many cost around $10 per person.

Port Canaveral cruise port parking

port canaveral cruise port terminal

On-site parking

Port Canaveral has a mix of parking garages and surface lots where you can park at your assigned terminal. On embarkation day, the parking facilities are open starting at 10 a.m. Parking costs $17 per day, plus tax, for standard vehicles and recreational vehicles. All payments are made with credit cards, and cash is not accepted. If you are parking at the Terminal 3 parking garage, E-PASS and SunPass are also accepted as payment.

You can drop your luggage off with the porters at the terminal before parking. Security makes the rounds through garages and surface lots daily.

Park-and-cruise

If you're driving to the port, but want a cheaper alternative to parking on-site, consider a park-and-cruise option. These lots offer secure parking with a cruise shuttle for a set fee.

Park N Cruise Port Canaveral offers a parking lot 2 miles from the port for $10.95 per day. The parking fee includes a free shuttle for up to four people, and additional passengers cost $5 per person. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes for the terminal.

If you plan on spending the night at a nearby hotel, look for ones that offer a park-and-cruise package that includes a hotel stay and parking for the duration of your cruise. The Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral offers a "Park, Stay, & Go" deal where you can book a room for one night and get included parking for up to seven nights, plus shuttle service to Port Canaveral.

No matter where you park, give yourself plenty of time to get to the terminal. For convenience, park at one of the on-site lots or garages. To save some money, check in to a nearby hotel or park in an off-site lot.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Hotels near Port Canaveral cruise port

port canaveral cruise port terminal

You won't find a lack of hotel choices around Port Canaveral, especially in Cocoa Beach, which is the nearest city to the port. It's about 15 minutes away and a straight shot down state Road A1A from the cruise terminals. Since Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach are on the same barrier island, you'll find everything from beachfront hotels to basic accommodations near the cruise terminals, though you'll have more options the deeper into Cocoa Beach you're willing to travel.

For those who want to or need to stay in Orlando because of a late arriving flight or better points options, there are some good options near the airport in the cool Lake Nona neighborhood.

Hilton hotels near Port Canaveral

Two hotels that offer clean stays and quick overnights are the Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach and the Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront (50,000 and 46,000 points per night, respectively).

Both are in convenient locations about 10 minutes from the cruise terminal and are walkable to nearby restaurants. The Homewood Suites by Hilton offers free breakfast , while the Hilton Garden Inn has breakfast for a fee. Either way, don't fill up on hotel pancakes when there's an incredible lunch waiting for you on the ship.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near Port Canaveral

If you're traveling with a large or extended family, consider staying at the Springhill Suites Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach (32,000 points per night, so you could use a Marriott 35k free night certificate on some dates of the year).

The all-suite hotel has a port shuttle that costs $10.80 per person one-way, and you must call the hotel to reserve a transfer. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary breakfast to get your day going.

Another all-suite option is the TownePlace Suites Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach (31,000 points per night). The new hotel offers free breakfast and has two bars, including one out by the pool so adults can enjoy a cocktail while kids swim.

If you're planning to spend a few days in Orlando before your cruise, consider staying at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (42,000 points per night). The 500-acre property is just a short drive to the theme parks for families but far enough away that it feels like an adult retreat if you don't have kids. The resort just completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, including upgrading all of the rooms and suites and adding a new water park and poolside burger bar.

Hyatt hotels near Port Canaveral

If your flight into MCO is late, consider the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport for a pre-cruise stay (9,500 points per night).

The hotel offers free breakfast, a pool and digital check-in, the latter of which is great for late incoming flights. After a good night's rest, hop on the hotel's free airport shuttle to get a ride to Port Canaveral from MCO, which will be easier to book than a ride from the hotel itself.

Non-points hotels

The Cocoa Beach area is rife with boutique hotels and accommodations that don't participate in the three major loyalty programs.

One of our favorites is The Inn at Cocoa Beach, which is right on the water. The inn has 50 rooms and is adults-only. The hotel offers a full breakfast, complimentary wine and cheese hour, beach chairs, a pool and free on-site parking.

If you're looking for a high-end hotel in Orlando to spend the night, consider the Lake Nona Wave Hotel in the heart of the booming Lake Nona neighborhood. The hotel is only 6 miles from the airport and offers luxurious suites that start at 875 square feet, with separate living room and bedroom sleeping quarters, plus a whole bath and half bath. The hotel also has one Michelin-recommended restaurant, Bacan, where the whole truffle roasted chicken is not to be missed.

Restaurants near Port Canaveral cruise port

If you need to grab breakfast or dinner during your pre-cruise stay, you'll find plenty of dining options in Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral, including beachfront seafood and great burgers. State Road A1A and state Road 520 are the main routes through the city, and that's where you'll find most of the restaurants.

For a great drink right off state Road A1A, try Ellie Mae's Tiki Bar, where you can score half-off cocktails every Wednesday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.

If you want to wave at departing cruise ships before or after you set sail yourself, head to one of the port-facing restaurants on Glen Cheek Drive. Most of the restaurants have spacious outdoor patios where you can dine and bid bon voyage to the ships as you eagerly await the start of your own vacation at sea. A local favorite is Seafood Atlantic, which has been working with local fishermen to bring in the freshest seafood in the area since 1984.

Related: Best credit cards for dining

Things to do in Port Canaveral before or after your cruise

port canaveral cruise port terminal

Since Port Canaveral is right in the middle of the state of Florida, the cruise port can be a central hub for an extended stay. If you only have a few days to extend your vacation, here are the best things you must do.

Explore the beaches

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches. If you're looking for a sandy shore right next to Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach is the spot. If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Daytona Beach has plenty of shoreline. Just be sure to skip the beach during the busy spring break season since both areas are known for an influx of college parties.

Related: What to do on Florida's Space Coast when you need a break from the theme parks

Hit a theme park or 2

Going to an Orlando theme park is a rite of passage for many families with kids. If you're cruising out of Port Canaveral, consider adding a few days to the front of your trip to explore Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort (featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ). Both have multiple parks, on-site hotels and transportation options to and from the airport. If your family wishes to explore Disney, you can also book transfers to and from your Disney hotel to Port Canaveral.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Just 30 minutes from Port Canaveral is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can learn about NASA and space exploration. Don't miss taking the bus tour of the facility, which is about two hours long and includes a stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

If you think rockets are cool, you will want to check the rocket launch schedule for Cape Canaveral before leaving home. If you're lucky, you might be in Port Canaveral or Cocoa Beach to watch a launch. Depending on the time of day, you might already be on your cruise ship, in which case, the entire ship will start to shake as a rocket lifts off.

If you're not on your ship, the best places to watch are either from the beaches or the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier.

Shopping near Port Canaveral cruise port

If you left something at home by accident or need to stock up on supplies like bottled water for a cruise, you'll want to head to one of the major shopping centers near Port Canaveral.

The Avenue Viera is about 30 minutes from the port. The open-air mall has retailers like Kohl's, Belk and Old Navy if you need to grab a new outfit or swimsuit. The Merritt Square Mall is about 15 minutes from Port Canaveral and has large department stores like JCPenney and Sears, plus specialty stores.

If you need to bring snacks or water onto the ship, you'll find a Publix grocery store about 10 minutes from the port. You'll want to familiarize yourself with your cruise line's policies regarding carrying on prepackaged snacks, soda, alcohol and bottled water, as many limit what you can bring.

If you're looking for a souvenir shop, Cocoa Beach's North Atlantic Avenue is dotted with cute places to find T-shirts and tchotchkes. Favorites include Alvin's Island, The Funky Mermaid Cocoa Beach and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

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Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking

Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida 32920

Cruise Terminal assignment is posted at the entrance to the port:

  • A-Side North Cruise Terminals (Exit 54A) | Cruise Terminal #6: 9241 Charles Rowland Drive
  • B-Side South Cruise Terminals (Exit 54B) | Cruise Terminal #3: 220 Christopher Columbus Drive

Google Maps : View Map

Website: www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Port

Parking Information Rates are subject to change. 

$17 USD per day, plus tax  ( including day of arrival and day of departure )

  • Gated, secure outdoor parking lots and parking garages, patrolled 24 hours a day.
  • No reservations are needed. 
  • Full payment is due upon exiting the parking facility.
  • Cash is not accepted.
  • Visa, MasterCard, the Discover Card and American Express credit cards. 
  • EPASS and SunPass accepted only  at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage.
  • Oversized parking for RV's and buses is available at each Cruise Terminal. 
  • Disabled Parking spaces are available. See website for restrictions. 
  • For additional information, contact the Canaveral Port Authority at 321 783-7831. 

Arrival Tips

  • For passenger safety, security and convenience please proceed directly to the cruise terminal to drop off passengers and baggage.
  • Porters will assist with your baggage and parking personnel will direct drivers to the appropriate parking facility.
  • Passenger and luggage drop off is available in front of the terminal or in the parking facility.

Departure Tips Passengers have the option to retrieve their vehicles and pick up their companions and luggage in front of the terminal entrance or they can walk with their luggage to their vehicle and depart when ready.  

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13 top things to do in Port Canaveral

Nestled on the edge of Florida’s Space Coast, Port Canaveral is a destination brimming with adventures and attractions. From serene beaches to exhilarating space explorations, this port offers an array of activities to turn your cruise into an unforgettable experience. Discover the top things to do in Port Canaveral , your gateway to exciting possibilities.

1. Enjoy the beach

Port Canaveral’s coastline is known for its pristine beauty and inviting, warm waters.  Cape Canaveral Beaches  offer the perfect escape into relaxation with their soft sands and incredible views. Under the Florida sun, these beaches provide an idyllic setting for sunbathing, surfing, and everything in between.

2. Deep sea fishing and watersports

If you have always wanted to experience the thrill of deep sea fishing, the abundant waters of Port Canaveral are a great place to try it out. Port Canaveral is a hub for anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike. 

You can enjoy a day of kayaking and paddleboarding along the serene coastline or charter a boat and set off in pursuit of marlin and sailfish. This is the perfect adventure for those seeking a more active experience by the sea.

3. Cocoa Beach pier

When looking for things to do in Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-see destination. This landmark of the area stretches into the Atlantic, but it offers so much more than just spectacular ocean views. 

Explore the charming shops, dine at oceanfront restaurants, or try your hand at fishing directly from the pier. This is an iconic spot that you can’t miss if you want to capture the essence of coastal living in Florida.

4. Kennedy Space Center visitors complex

Another popular attraction is the  Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex , where you can embark on a journey through time and space. Here, you can witness the storied history of the U.S. space program. 

See rockets and shuttles up close, meet an astronaut, and—if you’re feeling extra adventurous—experience a simulated space launch. For a day filled with inspiration and awe, this is the place to be.

Start your adventure from Port Canaveral

5. exploration tower.

Discover Port Canaveral from a new perspective at the Exploration Tower. Featuring seven floors of exhibits and interactive displays, the tower provides a comprehensive overview of the area's history, nature, and maritime significance. Climb to the observation deck for panoramic views that are sure to take your breath away, especially at sunset. You can't miss those views!

6. The Cove

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of The Cove, Port Canaveral's premier waterfront dining and entertainment district. This is the ideal spot to sample fresh seafood straight from the ocean and enjoy live music. You can also browse local boutiques for fun mementos. Whether you're looking for a casual meal by the water or a lively night out, The Cove offers something for everyone.

7. Cape Canaveral lighthouse

If you want to experience a bit of history, check out the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. This iconic beacon has been guiding sailors safely to shore for over 150 years. Tours of the lighthouse offer a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the area and provide spectacular views of the surrounding coastal landscape. It's a perfect stop for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.

8. Local food and grills

Well-seasoned travelers know that no matter where you are, local food and grills are a staple of any travel experience. When looking for things to do near Port Canaveral, be sure to check out any of the area’s renowned eateries and grills. 

Known for its fresh seafood, Port Canaveral is a paradise for foodies. From casual beachside grills serving up the day's catch to sophisticated dining experiences overlooking the water, there's an option for every palate.

9. Manatee Sanctuary Park

Nature lovers will want to enjoy the tranquility of Manatee Sanctuary Park , which spans over 10 acres. It offers picnic areas and walking paths with the chance to spot Florida’s gentle manatees in their natural habitat. This is a great spot for a family picnic or a leisurely afternoon stroll.

10. Airboat tours

For an exhilarating adventure, consider an airboat tour through the lush marshes and waterways near Port Canaveral. These tours offer a thrilling ride and an up-close view of Florida’s diverse wildlife, including alligators, eagles, and more. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the Space Coast’s wetlands.

11. Jetty Park Beach and pier

Jetty Park Beach and Pier is a favorite among both locals and visitors. With its soft sands, clear waters, and well-maintained amenities, it's the perfect spot for beachgoers looking for a day of fun in the sun. The pier also offers excellent fishing opportunities.

12. Cocoa village and shops

Among the charming streets of Cocoa village, you can find a variety of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. This district is known for its vibrant arts scene and frequent community events, making it a lively center for both shopping and entertainment.

13. Florida Beer Company tap room

Cap off your visit to Port Canaveral with a stop at the Florida Beer Company tap room, the largest craft brewery in Florida's Space Coast. Take a tour to see how their beers are made and sample a wide range of brews in their taproom. It's a refreshing way to end a day of exploration.

Your gateway to adventure

Port Canaveral is more than just a starting point for your cruise—it's a vibrant destination filled with exciting attractions and engaging activities for all ages. Whether you're exploring the depths of space at the Kennedy Space Center or relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, Port Canaveral offers a diverse range of experiences that promise to enrich your vacation.

As you discover all that Port Canaveral has to offer, remember that the adventure doesn't stop here. Top off your experience in Port Canaveral with a cruise , leaving this beautiful port from Princess Cruises. 

Caribbean cruises from Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Among the many exciting Princess cruise destinations , Port Canaveral offers a magical experience. Sail to the Eastern or Western Caribbean on a cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and island hop to top rated islands such as St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, and Cozumel . Can't decide between the Eastern or the Western Caribbean? No problem – we have an itinerary that brings you to both regions from Port Canaveral, as well.

Port Canaveral shore excursions

Debark Tour: Kennedy Space Center & Airport Transfer (MCO)

7 hours | Port Canaveral (Orlando) | PCV-105P C V - 1 0 5

Moderate Activity

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. This is a perfect opportunity to make the most of your time before your evening flight departing after 6PM. Explore independently for approximately 5.5 hours the world of space travel at this world-famous destination.

Debark Tour: Wildlife Lagoon Pontoon & Airport Transfer (MCO)

4 hours | Port Canaveral (Orlando) | PCV-615P C V - 6 1 5

Easy Activity

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders in Port Canaveral before heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO) to catch your flight. Embark on a two-hour eco-tourism pontoon cruise that immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the saltwater marsh and intricate mangrove tunnels within the Indian River Lagoon. 

Frequently asked questions about Port Canaveral

Yes! Port Canaveral is known for excellent weather and miles of beaches and attractions. There are many free activities for the whole family to enjoy before or after your cruise. Cherie Down Park is the perfect activity for guests who want to enjoy the beach with plenty of amenities. There are so many parks within 10 minutes of the cruise port including Manatee Sanctuary Park, Center Street Park, or the Canaveral Lock.

Port Canaveral has an excellent boardwalk called The Cove. This dining and entertainment district in Port Canaveral will provide you with a good time before disembarking on your cruise. From oceanfront dining to deep-sea fishing, and Exploration Tower, make sure you visit these one-of-a-kind attractions.

Yes, particularly if you are near cruise terminals 1 or 3. These areas are conveniently located within walking distance of several attractions, including Jetty Park, The Cove, and Exploration Tower. Each offers a unique blend of recreational and educational opportunities, making them easily accessible for those who prefer to explore on foot.

Yes, there are many things to do near Port Canaveral that will keep those on family cruises entertained before it's time to get on the ship. Two of the most popular attractions are Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. There are also a lot of other attractions for the whole family to enjoy including the Historic Cocoa Village, Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, and the Jetty Park Beach and Pier.

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Prepare to be awed as you sail into the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess, where relaxation and adventure are the only things on your to-do list. 

Port Canaveral's focus on cruising has some business owners concerned about their future

Portrait of Dave Berman

When the average person thinks of Port Canaveral — if they think about the port at all — the first thing to come to mind is likely giant cruise ships.

But while Canaveral is the world's second-busiest cruise port, it also supports private and commercial fishing, recreational boaters, cargo shipping, seafood restaurants and even the space industry. And proponents of those activities have been pushing back at the growing dominance of the cruise industry at the port, which is chartered by the state to serve a wide variety of constituencies.

Those tensions came to a head recently, when state officials threatened to stop state grants to the port unless the port backed off on plans to build another cruise terminal on the site of a cargo berth on the port's north side, a move opposed by the space industry, which hopes to use that area of the port to support booster recovery and other operations.

Port Canaveral commissioners on Aug. 21 voted to halt plans to build a new cruise terminal on the site of its current North Cargo Berth 8.

But their new course is not certain, because they did not designate a new site for the terminal, and Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said the port will lose new cruise business within a few years by not having a new terminal in place.

Concerns of restaurant, marina owners

Change in plans for cruise terminal: Port Canaveral backtracks on plan for new cruise terminal over concerns from state, space sector

The latest turn of events has other port tenants concerned, among them Cove-area restaurant owners and marina operators.

In the budget year that begins Oct. 1, Port Canaveral expects to generate 83.1% of its $210.92 million in projected total operating revenue from cruise ships and cruise passenger parking.

Cruise passengers also generate extensive revenue for local hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants and retail shops that they frequent before or after their cruises, as well as for off-site cruise parking venues, shuttle bus operators, taxis, and Uber and Lyft drivers.

But some local residents who might not be cruise aficionados are concerned about the road traffic and the potential pollution that are byproducts of the cruise ships based at Port Canaveral. They say the port already is making enough money from cruises, and should now focus on doing what benefits local residents.

Some business owners at the port are concerned as well.

"This is the people's port," said longtime Space Coast restaurateur Rusty Fischer, owner of Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar in the port's Cove District.

Fischer is worried about the future of his restaurant and others in the Cove. Fischer's current 30-year lease expires in 2027, and he said the port for now only will agree to extend it until 2031.

"We don't know if we have a future here," said Fischer, who has had a restaurant at the port since 1993 and whose family operated a shrimp-processing business there before that. "It's just the unknowing."

Fischer said he is not naïve about the importance of the cruise industry to the local economy. He estimates that at least 50% of his restaurant's sales are generated by cruise passengers. This includes people arriving at the port before the cruise; about to leave the port after their cruise; on a ship port-of-call stop here; or staying at a local hotel or vacation rental as part of their cruise-focused vacation.

He just wants to know that his 300-seat restaurant — which employs 90 to 120 people, depending on the season ― has a long-term presence at the port.

In a similar predicament is Kenneth Dylan Houck, assistant general manager of Cape Marina, a business his family has run for three generations. The port is not renewing Cape Marina's lease. Instead, the port plans to seek proposals for redevelopment of the marina site, with Houck's family having the option to put in a proposal. The port plans to issue its request for proposals for the marina operations there sometime before the Cape Marina lease expires in February 2026. No specific timeline has been established.

"We are just in the fight of our lives in our family business," said Houck, who contends that Cape Marina has been "a stellar tenant for the last 48 years," and should be allowed to redevelop the site without the project going out for proposals from other entities.

"It's the best solution for everybody involved," Houck said, adding that his marina has been accommodating to boaters of all types, including commercial fishing vessels, fishing charter operators and people who want to have maintenance work done on their boats at the marina site.

Port officials respond

The port initially planned to locate its next cruise terminal at the site of the current Bluepoints Marina in its Marina District — the district where Cape Marina is located.

But Murray announced in May that the port would instead be building its next cruise terminal at the North Cargo Berth 8 site, saying the logistics related to putting a cruise terminal in the Marina District site would take too long to solve in time for the port's near-term cruise needs.

Murray says the owners of Cape Marina are welcome to put in a proposal to redevelop the marina area. But he wants to open the process to all potential applicants. He said the redeveloped marina site needs to be configured efficiently, which he contends is not the case with the current Cape Marina.

Diane Luensmann, the port's vice president of government and strategic communications, said: "This is a once-in-a-couple-of-generations opportunity to make something great, to make something better."

Murray also said, despite ongoing rumors and concerns from restaurateurs, there are no plans to do away with restaurant row in the port's Cove District to make way for another cruise terminal. He said the port doesn't want to sign long-term lease extensions now, so the port can better determine conditions of the restaurants and other properties. Murray said the port would want to address issues related to rundown properties before any new leases are signed.

The former Junkanoo Island Kitchen and Rum Bar along the Cove had been torn down after the restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its lease expired. Murray said the site of the former Junkanoo has since been used for various maritime operations, including for smaller space industry vessels and for the operator of boat tours.

But Murray said that will not be the fate of the other restaurants.

Port Commissioner Fritz VanVolkenburgh said he would not support any effort to remove restaurants from the port landscape, because they are popular with Space Coast residents.

"I have to answer to the constituents," VanVolkenburgh said.

Uncertainty over next cruise terminal

In the meantime, the port is going back to the drawing board to figure out what to do about its cruise terminal needs. A record 16 cruise ships will be based at Port Canaveral this winter, up from the previous record of 13. That includes the addition of ships from two lines new to Port Canaveral ― Celebrity and Princess. Port Canaveral is the world's second-busiest cruise port, behind PortMiami.

With only six major cruise terminals at the port, any further proposed expansion of cruise operations could mean the port will have to turn away business without a new terminal. Cruise lines are deploying larger ships into their fleets, and have many more ships in the pipeline scheduled to come into service in the late-2020s and early-2030s.

Murray said some cruise lines have plans to swap out smaller ships with larger ships or increase their frequency of cruises in 2027 and 2028 at Port Canaveral, and the port needs to find ways to accommodate those changes.

Abandoning the North Cargo Berth 8 conversion plan means the timeline for building a new cruise terminal is extended because of additional permitting hurdles and the challenge of figuring out traffic issues at a potential new site — once the port has one.

One short-term option is to expand the relatively small Cruise Terminal 5 so it could handle larger cruise ships. But doing construction work at an active cruise terminal presents its own challenges.

Murray said "there could be a significant impact" if Port Canaveral does not have a solution to its cruise terminal facility issues.

"We're going to look at everything that we can do," Murray said.

Not having the new cruise terminal built within a few years will be costly to the port's revenue, port officials say.

"A new terminal would have brought in millions and millions of dollars," VanVolkenburgh said.

Commissioners agree on course change

Port commissioners didn't say much during their Aug. 21 meeting about the letter from state officials that spurred them to abandon plans for a cruise terminal on the North Cargo Berth 8 site.

But, in interviews afterward, commissioners said they understood the state's stance, in light of how important space is to Florida's economy.

Port Authority Vice Chair Wayne Justice said there was nothing to be gained by fighting the state and the space industry over using the North Cargo Berth 8 site for a cruise terminal.

"It is what it is," Justice said. "We have to be part of the state's big picture. We're going to look somewhere else" for a site for a new cruise terminal.

"You're talking big money when you have that kind of investments involved from the space industry," VanVolkenburgh said. "I can't fault the space industry players for being as aggressive as they are" in persuading state officials to protect the space sector's interests at the port.

The port has received $64.4 million in Florida Department of Transportation grants in the last six budget years, most of that for the rebuilding of North Cargo Berths 3 and 4, and is seeking $30.6 million in FDOT grants in the next three budget years. The port also has received $7.6 million in Florida Department of Economic Opportunity grants since 2019.

Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the state's actions related to Port Canaveral during an Aug. 22 news conference in Titusville.

"No one's done more for the cruise industry in this country than me," DeSantis said, referring to the state's legal efforts to get the federal government to give the green light to restart cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, one of the state officials who pushed back against the new terminal, said it's important for seaports to be diversified, noting that the state made a $13 million investment in North Cargo Berth 8 for cargo operations, and "we just want to see that berth continue to be used for what the investment was intended for."

"We are going to partner on how to continue to grow all of the business at Port Canaveral, along with all of our other seaports," Perdue said, emphasizing the importance of cargo for the state to have "a resilient supply chain."

The port also must maintain good relation with FDOT, not only for grants for projects within the port, but also for major road projects along State Roads 401 and 528.

"Port Canaveral recognizes the value of the space economy to our region and state," Canaveral Port Authority Chair Micah Loyd wrote in a letter to Perdue and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "We fully understand and appreciate that your agencies feel our decision to locate a cruise terminal at NCB8 did not adequately balance our unique obligations and opportunities."

He also reminded them that the port is dealing with more than cruise and commercial space operations.

"Port Canaveral is home to various cargo operations with state and regional significance," Loyd wrote. "The Seaport Canaveral fuel farm supplies transportation-grade petroleum products to most of Central Florida, and jet fuel to Orlando International Airport and Melbourne Orlando International Airport for international flights. Import of aggregate materials support Florida’s road projects, and lumber imports have been crucial to our state and regional housing growth. Further adding to this diversity are the commercial fishing operations that feed our region and are steeped in historical significance to our community."

Still, cargo represents only about 11.2% of the port's projected operating revenue for the next budget year, with space components representing less than 1%.

VanVolkenburgh said, although space is not necessarily a big moneymaker for the port itself, it is a big economic driver for the state as a whole.

But so is cruise for the state's economy, not only for the port, but for other local businesses, creating jobs for local residents and sales tax revenue for the state.

According to a 2023 economic impact study the port commissioned, Port Canaveral has an annual impact on the state of $6.06 billion and is responsible for 42,666 jobs. Of that, cruise alone is responsible for a $4.01 billion economic impact and 30,570 jobs.

VanVolkenburgh said port commissioners are not trying to play favorites by pitting one sector of the port's business against another.

Still, VanVolkenburgh noted that "I don't want to get into a street fight" with the state.

It remains a challenge to accommodate the various business sectors and to keep local residents happy.

"To me, you can't please everybody," VanVolkenburgh said.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

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Port Canaveral-based Carnival Vista cruises canceled, modified due to cruising speed issues

Thousands of people who were planning sail on a southern Caribbean cruise aboard the Port Canaveral -based Carnival Vista this week instead stayed home. Their eight-night cruise was canceled because of ongoing propulsion issues the ship has been experiencing.

"Carnival Vista's engineering team is working to resolve a technical issue that limited the ship’s cruising speed," said Matt Lupoli, Carnival's senior manager of public relations. "The ship is out of service this week for the repair, and we have every reason to believe we will operate the next cruise as planned on Sept. 15."

Lupoli said passengers on the cruise that was schedule to leave Port Canaveral on Sept. 7 received a refund, plus a future cruise credit.

Previous sailings affected, too

Conflicts over cruise dominance: Port Canaveral's focus on cruising has some business owners concerned about their future

Mechanical issues related to the Vista date back to Aug. 10, when Carnival changed its eight-night itinerary on the ship from a southern Caribbean cruise to a Bahamas cruise because of the ship's reduced cruising speed. Some passengers didn't find out about the change until they boarded the ship for their cruise.

A video of upset passengers confronting Vista crew members was broadcast on the television newsmagazine "Inside Edition," with the show describing the confrontation as being "on the verge of a mutiny."

Lupoli said the confrontation was taken out of context.

"Video taken on Aug. 10, when guests first learned of a revised itinerary, did not capture the fact that guests were given a choice of disembarking with a full refund, or staying for the cruise and receiving an onboard credit plus a future cruise credit," Lupoli said. "The vast majority chose to stay onboard and continue with the cruise."

Lupoli said, when it was determined that additional work would be required, the ship’s Sept. 1 itinerary also was partially revised, with passengers receiving a future cruise credit.

"We appreciate our guests’ understanding, and sincerely apologize for the necessary changes to the ship’s sailing schedule," Lupoli said.

The Carnival Vista has a double-occupancy capacity of 3,934 passengers; a full capacity of 4,977 passengers; and a crew of 1,450. It began sailing in 2016.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Port Canaveral-based Carnival Vista cancels cruise to do repairs

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Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral Plans New Cruise Terminal 7 to Meet Growing Industry Demand

New multi-user cruise terminal 7 will be operational by summer 2026.

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  • Carnival Vista Returns to Service Following Propulsion Repairs

Picture of Andrea Santillan

Andrea Santillan

  • September 16, 2024

Passengers set to sail on the Carnival Vista on Sunday, September 15, received a long-anticipated update just hours before embarkation. Following extensive engine repairs in Central Florida, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the Vista-class ship will be ready to resume operations in time for its weekend departure.

After undergoing ongoing extensive engine repairs in Central Florida, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the Vista-class ship will resume operations in time for its weekend sailing.

A large cruise ship, Carnival Vista, sailing on the open sea under a clear blue sky.

Thousands of booked guests have been anxiously awaiting updates and welcomed the good news.

What happened to Carnival Vista?

Carnival Vista’s latest troubles began during its 8-night August 24 itinerary. While sailing through the Eastern Caribbean, the ship was forced to make last-minute changes to its schedule due to propulsion issues that affected its ability to travel at optimal speeds.

It still called on the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and San Juan, Puerto Rico , but it reached them more slowly, shortening the time spent at each port as the week went on.

Carnival eventually canceled Vista’s September 7 sailing and took the ship out of service. 

With the latest round of repairs out of the way, the 133,500-ton Carnival Vista left Port Canaveral on time and will take guests to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove before returning for its next voyage on September 21. 

A Vessel Known for Propulsion Issues

CARNIVAL VISTA 6

Since its 2016 launch, the eight-year-old ship has been plagued by technical problems. This year alone, it suffered technical difficulties in May and then again in early August .

In 2019, it was taken out of service for an emergency dry dock repair using a special dry dock.

The cruise line has mentioned propulsion issues each time without discussing the vessel’s technical challenges.

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COMMENTS

  1. Port & Cruise Facts

    Port Canaveral is now ranked as the #1 busiest multi-day cruise embarkation port in the world. According to cruise consultants Bermello Ajamil & Partners, industry growth based on the ships, now under construction, will create a need for 10 additional terminals in Florida, and Port Canaveral is the only port with a real opportunity to service ...

  2. Cruise Lines & Schedules

    855-433-1073. For more information on Port Canaveral's cruise business, call (321) 783-7831 or e-mail [email protected]. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE.

  3. Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Information

    Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Information. Port Canaveral is located at 1492 Charles M. Rowland Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920. The Orlando International Airport is located approximately 45 miles to the west of the port and is serviced by most domestic and many international airlines. Port Canaveral is located near the center of the east coast ...

  4. Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: Your One-Stop Guide

    Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is a mere 15 miles from Junction 205 on the I-95. This major interstate runs for almost 2000 miles from Miami in Southeast Florida to the Canadian border in Maine. ...

  5. Port Canaveral Cruise Port and Terminal Information

    Port Canaveral B Terminals (South Side) - Exit 54B Cruise Terminal #1 - 9050 Discovery Road, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920 Cruise Terminal #2 - 180 Christopher Columbus Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL ...

  6. Navigating The Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminals

    Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal B. The majority of Port Canaveral's dining and entertainment is located on the south side of the channel with Cruise Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These terminals are easily accessed by following FL-528 E and taking the George King Blvd exit. Cruise Terminal 1. Cruise Terminal #1 - 9050 Discovery Road. Royal Caribbean

  7. Guide to setting sail from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal

    Local Attractions: The Port Canaveral cruise port is just a stone's throw away from famous attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and the beautiful beaches of the Space Coast. Accessibility: Located less than an hour's drive from Orlando International Airport, the port offers easy access for both international and domestic travelers.

  8. Port Canaveral Port Overview (Parking, Terminals, and Maps)

    Just past that, you will see a single lane exiting to the right. This exit will lead you to the cruise terminals. To know where to go next, you need an overview of the cruise terminals at Port Canaveral. While the port is large, each of the major cruise line has its own dedicated terminals. Carnival uses terminals 5&6. Disney uses terminal 8.

  9. Port Canaveral

    Contact the Canaveral Port Authority at 321-783-7831 for the latest information. Acceptable Payment Methods. • No cash accepted. • Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) • Presently, EPASS and SunPass accepted ONLY at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage. Refunds.

  10. Complete Guide to Cruising From Port Canaveral

    The port itself is a large, "L-shaped" complex with a number of cruise terminals on the far western edge. In addition, there are cruise terminals along the southern end of the port. A total of six cruise terminals are located at Port Canaveral. Views of Terminal 1& 3 are below in this article. Map data: Google

  11. Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) cruise port schedule

    Port Canaveral cruise port schedule 2024-2025-2026, map, address, ship terminals, hotels, tours, shore excursions. ... There is a parking lot beside each cruise terminal. Port Canaveral offers complimentary cruise parking for disabled Veterans. Approved are waiving cruise parking fees for vehicles with DV (Disabled Veteran) license plates ...

  12. Port Canaveral Cruise Port Guide

    CRUISE TERMINAL 8: 9155 Charles M Rowland Drive | Parking Garage: 9154 Charles M Rowland Drive. CRUISE TERMINAL 10: 9005 Charles M Rowland Drive | Parking Garage: 9020 Charles M Rowland Drive. Note: All terminal addresses are Cape Canaveral, FL 32920. View a map of the cruise terminals for Port Canaveral.

  13. Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Information and Things to Do

    Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Addresses. Royal Caribbean (Terminal 1): 9050 Discovery Rd., Port Canaveral, FL 32920. Carnival Cruise Line (Terminal 3): 32 George King Blvd., Port Canaveral, FL ...

  14. A Guide to Port Canaveral Cruise Port Terminals

    Disney operates from terminal 8 and MSC and Norwegian depart mostly from terminal 10. Port Canaveral has several cruise terminals and they are: A Terminals (North Side) - Exit 54A. Cruise Terminal #5 - 9245 Charles Rowland Dr. Cruise Terminal #6 - 9241 Charles Rowland Dr. Cruise Terminal #8 - 9155 Charles Rowland Dr.

  15. Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 3 (Mardi Gras Homeport): Complete Tour

    May 30, 2021. First completed in June 2020, Cruise Terminal 3 (also known as CT3) at Port Canaveral is the port's newest addition, but it may be best known as the new home of Carnival's newest — and largest — ship, Mardi Gras. While many are anticipating sailing Mardi Gras in the years ahead, they won't be able to board before making ...

  16. PORT CANAVERAL Port Map and Cruise Schedule

    PORT CANAVERAL cruise port map with cruise ship locations and cruise schedule arrivals/departures. READ MORE... CruiseMapper provides free cruise tracking, current ship positions, itinerary schedules, deck plans, cabins, accidents and incidents ('cruise minus') reports, cruise news ... Port Canaveral cruise port Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda ...

  17. 22 Things To Do Near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

    7. Beer Tasting at Florida Beer Company. There are several breweries around the Port Canaveral area, but the closest to the cruise terminals is the Florida Beer Company. Sample some of the fine ales, lagers and ciders that are brewed here, and enjoy a tour of the facilities while you're at it.

  18. Complete Guide to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port

    Cruise Lines That Sail From Port Canaveral. The Port Canaveral Cruise Port currently has seven cruise terminals. There are four A terminals, which are located on the north side: terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10. There are three B terminals, located on the south side: terminals 1, 2, and 3. A new terminal 4 is slated to open in 2026.

  19. Cruise Ship Terminal

    Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 10 9005 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920. Port Canaveral is 45 miles from Orlando International Airport. Parking is $17.00 per day (rates are subject to change by the Port Authority). From North/South - Take I-95 to Exit 205 East to Hwy 528 East. Drive 11.5 miles on Hwy 528 East and exit to the "A ...

  20. Port Canaveral

    Port Canaveral, FL - Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, presented a comprehensive overview of the Port's strong performance in Fiscal Year 2023 and expressed a positive outlook for the upcoming FY 2024 during his annual "State of Port" address on Nov. 8 at Cruise Terminal 1.

  21. Port Canaveral cruises: A guide to cruising from the Orlando area

    These lots offer secure parking with a cruise shuttle for a set fee. Park N Cruise Port Canaveral offers a parking lot 2 miles from the port for $10.95 per day. The parking fee includes a free shuttle for up to four people, and additional passengers cost $5 per person. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes for the terminal.

  22. Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking

    EPASS and SunPass accepted only at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage. Oversized parking for RV's and buses is available at each Cruise Terminal. Disabled Parking spaces are available. See website for restrictions. For additional information, contact the Canaveral Port Authority at 321 783-7831. Arrival Tips.

  23. 13 Top Things to Do in Port Canaveral

    Sail to the Eastern or Western Caribbean on a cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and island hop to top rated islands such as St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, ... Yes, particularly if you are near cruise terminals 1 or 3. These areas are conveniently located within walking distance of several attractions, including Jetty Park, The Cove, and ...

  24. Port Canaveral's focus on cruises has other business owners concerned

    Port Canaveral commissioners on Aug. 21 voted to halt plans to build a new cruise terminal on the site of its current North Cargo Berth 8.. But their new course is not certain, because they did ...

  25. Port Canaveral-based Carnival Vista cruises canceled, modified due to

    Lupoli said passengers on the cruise that was schedule to leave Port Canaveral on Sept. 7 received a refund, plus a future cruise credit. Previous sailings affected, too The Carnival Vista is docked at Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 6 this week for repairs to resolve issues related to the ship's cruising speed.

  26. Port Canaveral

    Port Canaveral's existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port's Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels.

  27. Carnival Vista Returns to Service Following Propulsion Repairs

    With the latest round of repairs out of the way, the 133,500-ton Carnival Vista left Port Canaveral on time and will take guests to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove before returning for ...