SteerageJoe

Thanks clarea. ........

 

Anyone else?

If there are 2 or more ships in port on your return day things will be hectic getting to rental cars and back. Have you checked the schedules for that day at the Port?

Assuming you want to get to the airport as fast as possible:

Unless the rental car rate is one heck of a deal, I prefer booking a private shuttle for the return to Orlando Airport. Should cost around $120 plus 20% tip - zero hassles = priceless!

But, with rental rates for larger cars under $60 on many dates, I would probably load everyone & bags into the rental car shuttle, get the car and drive to Orlando. Unless someone in your party needs assistance moving about, things will not happen faster if only one person go back and forth.

Looking for a hotel for the day and night before our cruise. Something nice with a restaurant and bar on sight. Shuttle to port would be nice too.

The shuttle to port is not a problem. All hotels offer shuttles or you can get a taxi for $15 or $20

Fortunately most top restaurants are within walking distance of several hotels! So you really do not do not need a bar/restaurant on premises. And the famous Cove Restaurants at the Port overlooking the cruise ships are just an easy taxi ride from any hotel.

Radisson Resort at the Port : An old-Florida style hotel and a favorite of cruisers for many years with a busy tiki bar. The hotel is next to Preacher Bar & Grill – a unique and classy hangout in Cape Canaveral with great food and an interesting decor. Kelsey’s is a very popular pizzeria next to Preacher. Zachary’s Restaurant is on the north side of the hotel with excellent Greek and American food. Breakfast is very popular! Across the busy A1A is Thai Thai III serving wonderful sushi and Thai food.

Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Cocoa Beach, La Quinta Oceanfront, Days Inn Cocoa Beach : These hotels are near the Cocoa Beach Pier and a shopping complex surrounded by fine restaurants. Barcelona Tapas is a classy Mediterranean eatery next to Beef O’Brady’s, a popular sports bar with good food. Cocoa Beach Ale House just opened with s sports bar theme. Backwoods Steakhouse in the Best Western gets good reviews. Cocoa Beach Pier has several dining options – all with ocean views! Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse is two blocks away and always busy.

Doubletree by Hilton Oceanfront : Across the road from perhaps the overall top restaurant – Florida Fresh Grill. The 3 Wishes Restaurant inside the hotel is also good.

Sheraton Four Points : Nice hotel close to the beach across the street from Ron Jon Surf Shop. The pool is small and not very exciting but the aquarium inside the restaurant/bar is fabulous!

There are many more options so I created a map and wrote it up in a dedicated page HOTEL OPTIONS NEAR PORT CANAVERAL

Have fun choosing!

I'm hoping that someone can help me with shuttle information. There's 21 of us cruising in August out of Port Canaveral and we're looking for the best shuttle company with reasonable rates. We will be needing service from MCO Airport to hotel in Cocoa Beach, hotel to cruise terminal and cruise terminal back to MCO Airport. The surcharge rate the hotel gave us was kinda hefty. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

21 people will have a lot of luggage so you need a company with large equipment and a comfortable ride. Not all the shuttle companies have large enough buses.

For Airport to Hotel and port to airport, I would start with Mears simply because they have a desk next to the cruise companies at Orlando Airport - meaning in case of issues such as lost luggage, etc you have a live person to talk to.

Then I will contact AA Access, Stylus and others below to compare rates.

From the hotel to port - 888-Transportation now has larger shuttle buses that can easily transfer your group. But your airport transfer company can also handle your port transfers.

Here is a list of companies we see often on the road between Orlando and Port Canaveral:

Cocoa Beach Shuttle – based near Port Canaveral. The “go to” shuttle for many cruisers. Also offer scheduled shared shuttles. Preferred by many Canaveral hotels for port and airport transfers but can they handle 21 unless you split in groups.

Executive VIP Limousine – based near Port Canaveral. Many good reviews on the internet but not sure they can handle 21.

Happy Limousine – Recommended by several Disney travel agencies

Mears Shuttle – With a desk at Orlando Airport ensuring personal service. Operates the Disney and Carnival transfer buses.

Groundlink – A nation-wide service trusted by many travelers. Also has exclusive agreements with some cruise lines. Often more expensive but you can trust the service.

Travelynx Stylus – A large company with a good reputation. The preferred transfer company for many Canaveral hotels. Parent company is based in Orlando.

888-Transportation – based in Cape Canaveral with an exclusive agreement with Port Canaveral, allowing hail services. They have taxis and large shuttles waiting at the cruise terminals.

Cortrans Shuttle – Consistently one of the cheaper shuttles with good reviews. Also offer scheduled shared shuttles. Based in Orlando. Not sure if they can handle 21 unless you split.

AA Access Transport – One of the most popular shuttles with shared scheduled services and vans of all sizes. Based in Orlando.

Thanks for all the great info. I just found the port schedule, and we will be docked at CT-1 in March which looks to be a good location for the restaurants etc. Would you happen to know where the bus stops in that area and which route the beach bus would be?

Here is a map showing the SCAT stops (BLUE BUS ICON) and route (MARKED IN RED).

If you zoom in to Terminal B1, you can see the SCAT stop on the NE corner of King/Flounder Streets as mentioned by John.

The SCAT route runs anti-clockwise to Cocoa Beach and back. You get off at Shepard Park for the beach and Ron Jon, but anywhere along the route you are just a block or three from the ocean!

Hello

We are renting a car for 2 days before cruise, because of the hassle and time it takes to return car the morning of cruise, would it be better to take hotel shuttle or taxi to port for 3 adults? We could return rental the night before. We got FTTF and would hate to spend our extra time at the rental agency or waiting on the shuttle, instead of on the ship..lol.. Does anyone know the costs of a taxi to port from hotel about 3 miles away? Our hotel has a shuttle, but I haven't found out the price yet. We are staying at Comfort inn and suites, anyone know how much they charge for their shuttle? What do you all think? Just use the car rental and fight the crowds and hope for the best, or take car back and use a taxi or shuttle?? Thanks

A taxi for 3 from the Comfort Inn will cost $20 plus tip.

If you booked a pre-cruise package at the Comfort Inn (bed, breakfast and one-way shared transfer) then you probably need to pay $6 extra for the 3rd adult because the packages are based on double occupancy. Make sure to book the shuttle ahead of time so you can get on the first one!

If you return the car the night before, please note the rental offices close early at times (5 or 6pm) and it is best to call to ensure they will do a free drop to the Comfort Inn!

There are a few restaurants and shops including Ron Jon near the Comfort Inn if you do not mind walking so keeping the rental car is not crucial the night before. It will make your port day a bit easier and you can use the $ saved to book a taxi instead of the crowded hotel shuttle van!

Most hotel shuttles begin their runs between 10am and 11:30am. Some do one run only, while the more popular hotels offer additional runs afterwards.

Appreciate any opinions as to where you would eat if you only had one more opportunity to eat seafood at a Port Canaveral area restaurant and why? Also, what would you eat and why?

 

Looking for a great meal and your help!

Assuming you have transportation to head south to Cocoa Beach?

If you are looking for a "special" night out, then Florida Fresh Grill wins hands down in my opinion, but please call ahead to check availability. It is very popular and walk-ups often leave disappointed!

For a more casual meal, places like Sandbar and many others serve perfectly fine seafood. For choices and weekly specials, check out http://www.brevardnightlife.com/food-drink/

Have fun!

Hampton Inn is generally our "go to" choice when traveling and the Cocoa Beach hotel looks very good. Have not stayed there yet but visited friends a few times and loved it as well as the pool. It is not on the beach but the south-facing rooms have lovely beach views.

As for parking - Hampton Inn offers a 40% discount voucher meaning you will pay only $9 a day ship-side at the Port. I prefer that over off-site parking (only slightly cheaper)and waiting for shuttles.

However, if you want the cheapest option rather than convenience, you may want to search Trivago, etc. to get the cheapest room rate (instead of booking the 40% package) then add the off-site parking costs to compare the total costs.

If you are budget-minded then the Hampton Inn may not be the best choice anyway because it is one of the more expensive hotels near the Port.

I am cruising Freedom of the Seas May 1st! Woohoo! It's my second cruise. I'm trying to determine which hotel to stay at. My boyfriend and I won't have a rental car and we'd like to be able to walk to a store to pick up some wine and last minute toiletries once we get in the area. What can you recommend?

 

I've stayed at the La Quinta there before arrived at night with no car and didn't see what was around.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Megan

My suggestion is to consider the hotels between Publix and Cocoa Beach Pier. Easy access to the Port with great restaurants, groceries, liquor store and beach shops!

Holiday Inn Express next to Publix.

Best Western Cocoa Beach is across the road.

Days Inn and La Quinta Oceanfront are just a block or two away.

The easiest and fastest way to park is at the port itself. Most of the time I am off the ship and in my car in less than 15 minutes. You may pay a little more but the convenience can not be beat.

Agree! And if you stay at a Port Parking Hotel partner (Titusville, Melbourne, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach) the night before, you save 40% for your port parking!

We arent bringing car seats so I dont think we can just jump in a taxi. i wouldnt mind that. the shuttle from Radisson to PC is $6pp. kids under 6 are free. so it'll be $12 for the 4 of us. And they said the run every 1/2 hr from 1030-230.....

Good choice - Radisson. It is a fun hotel with the heated pools/waterfalls and a lively Tiki bar with live music on many nights. Perks your cruise spirit right up! :)

They have many shuttles running during peak hours - more than any other hotel - and it is only a short distance to Port, so I say no worries! Just enjoy your stay and cruise!

Have you heard anything about putting a rental counter in T1?

With the Ron Jon outlet already there and all those expansion plans (hotel, etc) near the Exploration Tower in the works, could rental car counters be expected in the long-term future?

First, I think they have to work on the parking constraints. Lately that B1 Lot seems to be overflowing a bit with vehicles parked everywhere. I assume most are passenger vehicles and not employees because it seems full even when the ships are out. To me it looks like no room at the Inn for rental cars at this time! ;)

so much conflicting info. the cocoa beach shuttle emailed me back and said that they "try to provide either a car seat or booster seat based on request. They do not have any infant seats however. And Since there is no law in Florida that states that commercial vehicles are required to have car seats we cannot guarantee the availability" ....???

Even if a car seat/booster is provided, can it be trusted? There are so many types and recalls and defects and how good is it after many years of heavy use/neglect?

When traveling with infants I always feel much better when taking our own seats but yes, the extra luggage sure is a hassle...

You are less than 2 miles to the port......best I can remember a taxi was about $10.

$10 would be my guess too but it depends on that port fee! If you want to compare two companies:

Hoo-ha - a very popular flat-rate company but you have to pay $5 port fees

888-taxi - who has a port contract and you do not have to pay extra

There are 3 different questions here about hotels!

We have not stayed at any of the hotels mentioned so others can comment on rooms or try Tripadvisor for that part of the questions.

In terms of locations, beach access, etc, these hotels are all within a block of the beach. International Palms is on the beach although many rooms are not beachfront. You have to cross a busy A1A to reach the beach from the Econo Lodge.

These hotels are within 25 minutes of driving from the cruise terminals so no issues there and they use popular shuttle companies for transfers. So you can expect good though shared services or opt for a taxi (about $20) for private services.

If you are unsure about a hotel, then post more info about your needs and we can make proper suggestions. Example, do you have kids who would love a nice pool, or do you want a quiet stay or do you want a tiki-bar and live music to put you in the cruise mindset the night before? Do you expect to walk to nearby restaurants or will you just settle for room delivery? Do want to see your ship from your room? Do want to have an ocean view and/or swim/tan in the ocean before your cruise? And so on...

There are 4 clusters of hotels and they all have different conveniences.

I have seen some posts that said if you drive, you would save some money, but I don't see that is being the truth.

 

I contacted Cocoa Beach Shuttle. They charge $54 for 2 people from MCO to the cruise port.

I then look at car rental. The cheapest is from Alamo at $18 per/day and that doesn't include any insurance, gas, or toll charges. I add them all up and with the 1 day rental, the cost would break even or even more.

 

Am I not seeing something that others see? How can you save if you drive? I understand the flexibility part, but I don't understand where the saving would come from.

I think when you are 1 person or 2, then one-way car flexibility upon arrival in Cape Canaveral outweighs potential savings (if any). Especially if you arrive early the day before and have most of the day to tour around. Tolls are only $2 each way.

There are even cheaper shared shuttles ($20 per person or slightly more) that some here have used with success so the car rental savings are clearly not always a given and you are absolutely correct. A rental car can also be a pain if you arrive during a busy hour and you have long lines for checkout and lines for shuttles to the pier. And renting a car at the end of your cruise going back to MCO do add additional waiting time and some frustration when 3000+ people have the same idea!

However, when you are 3 or more in your family then the shuttle costs begin to add up and you may save by renting a car, assuming you are traveling in a window of lower rental rates which are all over the place on any calendar year. Rental rates may drop or rise until the last moment!

But at the end of the day, it is not just about costs, or convenience, or flexibility, or peace-of-mind. It is really a combination of these and every cruising family have to choose what works best for them.

Thanks SJ an Cap. Good to know. That's where the old gambling ships used to dock? Was wondering what all that was going to be.

I do not know the history which the Cap'n can explain, but in recent years the current B1 site used to be a trailer boat ramp and a small city park. It was fun to watch the small boats launch on windy days while having drinks at Grills! Some of the boat captains were new or from out-of-town and messed up pretty bad! :D

Here is an aerial video filmed recently when 6 ships were in Port. You can clearly see the new developments. Victory Casino boat berth at B2.

Might look that way on a map, but there's no "steps away" walking to the Terminal Check In from Grills. It's probably closer to 2 miles. You run out of waterfront pavement around Milikens then have to walk south to Mullet Road and follow that around and hope you find away across the bridge. while it may look like it's a quick cut from there to Terminal 10, there's fencing all around and you'll most likely have to walk up and around and then back down on the traffic road. Now finding a break through would be helpful, but with luggage, it's a bear of a hike.

No, Grills is right next to Terminal B1 (RCL main terminal) - 200 yards maybe? I've dropped friends and their luggage at Grills and they walked over to check in. They even shopped at the small Ron Jon outlet along the way and ended up with more stuff to carry.

Ugh. that is disappointing. thanks. i'm not sure what to do. my 5 yr old is probably ok w/ just a seatbelt since i know in FL they dont have to have a car seat in commercial vehicles. but for my 8 month old.....

I cannot comment on car-seat issues but can offer this: 5 days a week thousands of passengers board the Radisson shuttles to/and from the Port with young ones of all ages from 0.1 month to 100 years old!

Surely, this issue must be handled fine? It is best to call the Radisson direct and ask/request their advice.

My DW and I are booked to go on the sunshine July 18. We are flying in on delta on the 17th and do not have a transfer service booked. What do you guys recommend? We also need a hotel room and one that is close to either shopping or eating places because we won't have a car. Should we go ahead and be shuddled to Port Canvernal the day before the cruise, or spend the day in Orlando? If we stay in PC we need a hotel that has a shuddle service to the port or would a taxi be easier? I'm fine with doing the Carnival shuddle to the airport after our cruise, but we need help with pre-cruise accommodations.

 

What do you guys think?

I echo the comments by others.

By staying near the Port and seeing the ships as you drive in, your mindset changes into "cruise mode" and that's part of the experience!

Here is a map so you can see the car-rental locations (Payless do not offer one-way from MCO), the 4 clusters of hotels and the nearby restaurants/shopping for each cluster. You can choose between the near-port cluster, the Cocoa Beach Pier cluster, the Cocoa Beach cluster and the South Cocoa cluster. Most prefer the near-port cluster from where they have some views of the ships, but in reality everything is within 20 minutes or so from the Terminals!

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4087339,-80.6184993,15z/data=!4m2!6m1!1szH-7o_mJABR0.kguiZnGCjDj0

I'll be leaving out on Royal Caribbean - Enchantment of the Seas. I haven't figure out what terminal it would be.

Chances are good you will be departing from Terminal B1 where Enchantment usually docks. Then, as stated by others, Grills http://www.grillsseafood.com/menu/ is your very best option just steps away from the Terminal check-in.

Here is a map: https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4327385,-81.044992,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1szH-7o_mJABR0.kguiZnGCjDj0

We do not have a car so is that walkable from the port?

Which terminal or where exactly will you be arriving? We need to know in order to suggest a breakfast option if you do not have transport...

Does the Radisson have a shuttle to the port? Last time we did Radisson was back in 2004 and we had rented a car, so we took the shuttle from the car rental drop off location.

Yes, $6 per person. Book at check-in to ensure you get on the earliest shuttles if you have early ship boarding privileges.

Hello, I'm hoping someone can help me with a quick question. Our family is dropping off a rental car at the Alamo facility in Port Canaveral prior to our cruise. I have heard that they don't start running shuttles to the port until 10:30 a.m., but we would like to head over at 10:00 a.m. so that we can try to get in line and on the ship as early as possible. Does anyone know if I would have to call a cab in advance to pick us up at Alamo, and can you recommend any cab companies for us to use? Thanks so much for your help.

I agree with the suggestion to drop the family and luggage first at the Port and for one person to return the vehicle at Alamo. But if you want to stay together, then here is good news: 888-taxi with all their vehicles is across the street from Alamo - a 2 minute walk!

Anxiously awaiting the review of the new place!

 

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Well, we did breakfast at the Boardwalk at Coco Beach Pier this morning in lovely sunshine!

This is a very new option around here and they are still working things out. Service was friendly and fast, however, the food took a while to arrive and the portions were on the small side when compared to places like Grills. I guess the portion size is about the same as IHOP or Waffle House with free coffee refills, but the menu is limited as you can see in the picture below. I am showing my choice - the Pier Plate.

But the view and setting are fabulous!

Will I currently recommend the Boardwalk as a "must-stop" for a great breakfast? No. I will simply call it a good option if you want to enjoy the view while staying nearby (within walking distance) in one of the hotels - parking today was listed as $15 per day! Not sure if this is an Easter Weekend thing or long-term but that's steep. It was $10 just a week ago!

Still, it is great to now have a breakfast option at the Pier!

I hope that someone can clarify for me the cost per person on the Cocoa Beach Shuttle from MCO to a hotel in Cocoa Beach. I am seeing conflicting posts with some saying it is $33/pp, $60/pp and $60/total for two people. Also, do the shuttles run on a schedule or as needed? Let's say you arrive on a flight and are the only two people that need the shuttle at that time. Do you have to wait till other flights arrive?

 

Also, are there any alternative means of transportation besides renting a car?

 

Obviously, you could take a taxi, but that would probably be very expensive.

 

TIA

From MCO to the Port is $58 total for two (plus tip) when on a shared CB Shuttle. If you want to be dropped at an hotel instead, then it is best to get a specific quote as others suggested.

Shared shuttles will wait for other passengers or at least until the next shuttle arrives - depending on other bookings.

You can always opt for a private shuttle at $120 +20% tip (to the Port, not sure about hotels), or opt for a towncar for about the same price offered by several limo companies.