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cocoabeachnative

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    Transportation ... To and from Port Canaveral

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    We

    used VIP Executive Limo just this past week. Michael was super nice. Unfortunately, Port Canaveral had fog on the day we were embarking so he was very late getting to us for pickup for transport to the ship, 3.5 hours late! Not really his fault, traffic was horrible, ship was late, etc. He did maintain communication with us and kept us updated but after 3 hours, we were getting a bit antsy.

     

    On the return trip, he was late again and not in communication because his phone died. Traffic was bad again. Second time, we were less forgiving and think maybe he should have expected the traffic, right?

     

    We also booked 6 months in advance and he lost our reservation. Day before I called him to confirm as I hadn't gotten anything and he did fit us in no problem, same for way back.

     

    Not sure I'd want to repeat in the future, so I'd probably go with someone else but I would not discourage anyone else from using him, i think we just had some bad luck.

     

     

     

     

    I am a local here and have personally known Michael and his family 40 years.

    It is my understanding that since he has been involved in a divorce, some of his personal information has been changed.

    Pin numbers etc. Web/phone shutoff.

    Enough to sabotage his business and get bad reviews.

     

    Security measures have been implemented and everything is running smooth I hear.

    Port Canaveral hotel and transportation help (2 different airports)

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    Please forgive me for the very confusing post that follows:

     

    After booking flights for my family (my wife, my mom, and my kids...aged 10 and 7) into Melbourne airport, we decided that we should assist my in-laws with their pre-cruise lodging and transportation. They had already booked flights into MCO at 4:20 pm the night before the cruise. We arrive into MLB at 7:20, also the night before. I am hoping for an economical way to stay at the same hotel so I can assist them with transportation to the port the following morning.

     

    Should I rent a minivan and drive up to meet them at a hotel near MCO, drive everyone to the port, then again rent a car and drive them back to MCO before driving my family to MLB after the cruise (both groups have outbound flights around 1:00 post-cruise?)

     

    Should both groups book a "fly, snooze, cruise" package near Port Canaveral? (a bit weary of this due to the reviews of travelynx/stylus shuttle service.)

     

    Any creative and cost-effective suggestions would be very appreciated.

     

     

     

    You can have a private town car for about $100 deliver them right to you

    at the hotel by Executive vip limousine.

     

    Contact Michael at 321-505-0009.

     

    This family owned company has been operating in the Cape Canaveral area

    for about 60 years. They know everyone and will only put you in the right

    direction with any question you have.

    Port Canaveral questions

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    I will be sailing on Magic out of Port Canaveral and have a few questions.

     

    How far/long is the ride from the airport to port?

     

    I plan on flying in a day early. What hotels do you recommend?

     

    How would you recommend getting to the hotel? Do any offer shuttles? Take a taxi? Other options?

     

    what time should I book our return flight?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It is 45 minutes to the port.

     

    Country inn and suites is close to the port.

     

    executive vip limo is good choice

    Port canaveral stop

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    First of all, you gave people just over an hour to answer you early on a Saturday morning before getting impatient...just sayin...

     

    Second of all, this was previously posted here, I cannot take credit, but it has lots of good info. Hope you enjoy your port stop.

    _________________________________________

     

     

    We think there is a lot to do near the Port - even Disneyworld and other theme parks are just an easy hour away by road!

     

    Please look at this map of Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach for orientation:

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...0.kguiZnGCjDj0

     

    Step 1:

    What is your cruise terminal? If 5, 6, or 10 then you need transport. Either a rental car shuttle or a pre-arranged ride. Cocoa Beach Shuttle is a good starting point for pre-arranged pickups. 888-taxi is available and despite some bad press about prices they are popular and efficient.

     

    If 1, 3 or 4 then you have some activities within walking distance:

    1. Jetty Park (FREE) for a beach/suntan. Very scenic area and very nice beach. http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

    2. Beach bus stop – For $1.25 one-way, the local beach bus will take you to Cocoa Beach (Shepard Park for Ron Jon area) or within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier (use Publix Stop). About 30 minutes to these stops. http://www.ridescat.com/

    3. The Cove at the Port – All the famous restaurants (Millikens, Rusty’s, Fishlips, Grills) http://visitportcanaveral.com/

    4. The Exploration Tower – A bit expensive ($6.50+tax) but interesting info about the port with games for kids and 360 degree view from the 7th floor. http://www.explorationtower.com/

    5. Helicopter and biplane rides - http://www.floridaairtours.com/ the chopper is right there behind terminal 2.

     

    Step 2:

    So you want to explore further afield in private and not using a shore excursion?

     

    Rental Cars:

    Unless you just want a simple single visit somewhere in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach, I think the best option is to rent a car for the day. Start price-shopping with Payless (within walking distance of terminals 3 & 4) but all offer port shuttles. To avoid boring waiting time with kids in tow, I suggest that one adult go early to get the car then come back to pick the family!

     

    Please know some of the popular rental car companies share shuttles and offices. See the map above for locations and pictures of their shuttles for easier identification.

     

    I am working on an 8-hour itinerary around the area for self-drive cruisers! Stay tuned…

     

    Shuttles:

    If you do not want to drive or use the public beach bus, then shuttle/taxi services are available. 888-taxi - http://cab888.com/ has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($5 or more depending on vehicle size, I believe) which add to the costs. So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-taxi before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead.

     

    Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area: Cocoa Beach Shuttle - http://www.cbshuttle.com, Beach Line - http://www.beachlineshuttle.net, Space Port - http://spaceporttransport.com/ , Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232, etc.

     

    Expect to pay around $20 for two people for a one-way trip to Ron Jon Surf shop for example.

     

    Kennedy Space Center:

    One of the most popular shore excursions. I always see a line of KSC buses waiting on each ship! So you can expect a crowded day at KSC. There are ways to manage your day in order to avoid lines at the top attractions – I am planning to write it up in a separate note.

     

    A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10.

     

    Beach:

    During winter months and if Port Canaveral is the first stop when sailing from NY for example, the beach is what a lot of people want! I totally understand and highly recommend to walk over to Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys (beach chair/umbrella rentals for 2 people are about $15 a day). The beach café is pretty good too! http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

     

    If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area - http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/ or further down near Coconuts on the Beach. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) so do not go there if you want to avoid your fellow passengers!

     

    The SCAT public transport is cheap and easy (30 minutes) down to the Pier and Ron Jon areas. There are several areas (and companies) for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits.

     

    Activities (Orlando area):

    I understand the attraction but it is tough for me to recommend a whirlwind bus or private tour of any of the Orlando theme parks. It is almost impossible to experience the parks in a long day, so a half-day trip is pretty intense! Ride lines will be long, it may be very hot, the transfers take at least an hour each way and it is very expensive for what you can achieve on such a rushed excursion.

     

    It may be best to rent a car and visit just Downtown Disney (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops) and perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland. I will think more about this and perhaps write a separate note about Orlando options.

     

    Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):

    The best activities around Port Canaveral are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun!

    Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial.

     

    Disclaimer - I do not endorse any of the companies/establishments listed and I have no relationship (personal or business) with them. My list is just a starting point of different activities so please do your own research! However, we’ve had have positive experiences with many of the listings below and are constantly trying new ones!

     

    a) Sunward Tours - http://www.sunwardtours.com They can arrange just about any activity

    b) FunDay Tours - https://www.facebook.com/funday.tours Work primarily with pre-formed groups such as shore trips but check them out anyway

    c) Segway Tours - http://spacecoastsegwaytours.com/ will guide you around the port

    d) Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway - http://www.airboatridesatmidway.com/ or Lone Cabbage - http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/ . To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper - http://www.airboatecotours.com/ , Old Fashioned Airboat Rides - http://airboatrides.com or Switchgrass - http://switchgrassoutfitters.com

    e) Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife - Adventure Kayak - http://kayakcocoabeach.com/, Fin Expeditions - http://www.finexpeditions.com for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso - http://calypsokayaking.com at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center. Note – from November to March the Manatees prefer warmer water in other areas and may not be seen regularly around Canaveral.

    f) Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach Surf Company - http://cocoabeachsurf.com/surf_lessons_camp.html or Ron Jon http://www.ronjonsurfschool.com are solid representatives of the surf school companies

    g) Air Force Space and Missile History Center – http://www.afspacemuseum.org/historycenter/ The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.

    h) Warbird Museum – http://www.vacwarbirds.net/ If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces). It is an amazing museum.

    i) Police Hall of Fame – http://www.aphf.org/museum.html More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as impressive though very sad memorial.

    j) Astronaut Hall of Fame - https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/t...l-of-fame.aspx is part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location.

    k) Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek - https://brevardzoo.org/

    l) Shopping - Dinosaur Store and Museum - http://dinosaurstore.com/ and Ron Jon Surf Shop - http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/ Fun for kids old and young!

    m) Wildlife Parks - Jungle Adventures – http://www.jungleadventures.com - An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected. Shore excursions often combine the Jungle and a Midway Airboat ride in the same package.

    n) Boat rides on the Banana River to see wildlife including manatees (not many around during Nov and Apr). Start with Island Boat Lines - http://www.islandboatlines.com/ and also Wild Side Tours http://wildsidetours.com/

    o) Forever Florida - http://foreverflorida.com a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.

    p) Cocoa Beach Skatepark - http://cocoabeachskatepark.com/ Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.

    q) Brewery – Florida Beer Company - https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeerCompany a very good tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.

    r) Sightseeing – Some cruisers prefer more leisurely excursions and most ships offer affordable hourly hop-on, hop-off bus trips to Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village. Passengers can explore the areas on foot and return to the ship when they want. The beach buses stop between Ron Jon Surf Shop and Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach (for a typical East Coast Florida beach and surf experience). From there they offer constant bus shuttles to the north end of Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village (for a historic downtown experience). You can easily do the same in private using a rental car or taxis/shuttles (watch the costs though). SCAT buses (Route 9 and the 520 connector) will be cheapest but will take much longer.

     

    This is a work in progress – being updated daily as we discover and try new adventures!

    Reply With Quote Multi-Quote This Message Quick reply to this message

     

     

     

     

     

    Executive vip limo provides many excursions from the ships and are based

    a few blocks from Port Canaveral.

    They have from town cars up to super stretch limos, have great reviews

    and have been around a very long time.

    http://www.executiveviplimousine.com

    How much for a taxi to Space Center

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    In 2011 we paid approx $70 give or take for a van taxi to pick us up at the ship and then meet us at the space center 5 hours later to drive us back

     

    So $70 was for round trip

     

    Mike from VIP limo is who I used

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Michael and Executive vip limo is number #1 for all of the Port Canaveral

    transportation to KSC/ MCO etc.

    Transportation Port Canaveral to KSC

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    When you get off the ship in Port Canaveral there are companies that offer transportation to Coco Beach and Kennedy Space center. I remember Coco Beach was $19 round trip but I don't remember the cost to go to Kennedy Space center or how often they go.

     

    Anyone been lately that can give me any details on the transportation to Kennedy Space center.

     

    Thanks.

     

     

     

    Contact Michael at http://www.executiveviplimousine.com

     

    They provide all of the private transportation to and

    from KSC for the Port of calls.

    cocoa beach hotels

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    The courtyard Marriott and Hampton Inn are feet from the beach and a couple of miles from the Cocoa beach pier.

     

    The Radisson, Country Inn & Suites and Residence Inn are closest

    to the ships but off the beaten path.

     

    Burger king, Mcdonalds and a Racetrack gas station are

    within walking distance.

     

    The beach is a mile away.

     

    Hampton Inn, Courtyard Marriott, Comfort Inn, Four points Sheraton,

    Days Inn, Best Western, Laquinta Oceanfront and Holiday Inn

    express are all 1 block from beach and 3-4 miles from the ships.

     

     

    Also the above hotels are also within walking distance to all

    the restaurants, drugstores, supermarkets etc.

    Freedom to mco

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    I would contact Executive vip limo for an early flight.

    They have all size vehicles and are based right by

    the cruise terminals.

    Since they are private transportation, you don't have

    to wait on shared shuttles to fill up and stop and go.

    Town Car transportation from Orlando/MCO to Port Canaveral

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    That's the exact same message and quote I received from Executive VIP. No Town Cars available only SUV and Mini Van and rather pricey I thought. Anyone else?

     

     

     

    Executive vip limo is private transportation and not a shuttle.

    Prices are for each vehicle and not per person.

    Most cost effective for 4 or more in your group.

    Good idea to reserve with this company at least 45-60 days

    prior to pickup.

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