Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45 miles west of Port Canaveral cruise port. Take the North exit from the airport. It is a direct and easy drive along SR 528 and SR 410. Tolls will apply and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Once in the port, follow signs to the Cargo Piers and Cruise Parking Lots. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is 25 miles south of Port Canaveral. Travel north on US-1 then east on SR 528 for 10 miles, crossing the Indian River, Merritt Island and the Banana River to reach the cruise terminals at Port Canaveral. Sanford International Airport (SFB) is 60 miles northwest of Port Canaveral. Exit south from the airport on the Central Florida Greenway (toll road 417) and travel south before joining the SR 528 east to Canaveral Cruise Port.
Located right near the port are a couple of restaurants perfect for watching the cruise ships. The spots include Grills and Fishlips. The restaurants are your classic beach fare – burgers, seafood, beer, and cocktails – and offer large decks perfect for hanging out. If you have some time before you board your ship, they offer a neat place to sit and have a drink and a bite while viewing the ships nearby. Extra info regarding Port Canaveral cruise parking.
If you’re not staying at a hotel where you can park for the length of your cruise, you’re probably parking at a deck or lot at the cruise terminal, and with some planning you can save on this too. While you can just drive up to the cruise terminal, take your parking ticket and find a spot, you can save a little money and a lot of stress by pre-paying for parking. Pre-paying often comes with a reserved spot or reserved section, and it’s often cheaper by a few dollars a day than paying for parking when you arrive. A quick search for “parking cruise terminal [Your Cruise City]” will come up with a number of parking lots and decks where you can reserve your spot and pay in advance.
Admittedly, I’ve only sailed Disney Cruise Line from Port Canaveral, and I’ve always found the process to be easy and straightforward. If you are taking the Disney transportation from the airport, you’ll leave your luggage before boarding the motor coach at the airport. Once you arrive at the port, you’ll be directed through security, then will travel upstairs to the check in area. The Disney terminal is so well appointed, and it really gets you in the spirit of traveling with Disney. There are three separate check-in areas. One is for first-time cruisers, one is for Castaway Club silver and gold members, and one is for concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Club members.
We’ve upgraded! Our shuttle fleet now includes eight 14 & 20 passenger buses. Park N Cruise can comfortably transport larger groups of customers to and from Port Canaveral. When combined with such a close location, you can imagine the speed of our complimentary shuttle service!