Ft Myers to Port Canaveral morning of cruise?

[CS-RN]

We are going on a RCI cruise in February 2015. However, we are going to fly into Ft. Myers/Tampa area to visit family a few days ahead of time. Port Canaveral is about a 3 hr drive according to Google Maps, MapQuest, etc. Our plan is to leave really early the morning of the cruise. Does this seem crazy? I think we can board at 11 or 11:30, cruise departs around 4:30. We plan to leave around 6 or 7 in the morning to allow more than enough time, plus any breaks since we have 2 young kids (will be 4 and 8 at time of cruise.) Last time we cruised, we flew into Orlando and stayed in Cocoa Beach the night before. I just get paranoid about a rental car breaking down, etc. and being 3 hrs away. But, I hate to spend $100+ on a hotel for the night when we'd be staying with family for free.

[Marie51]

Your plan sounds fine to me. I'd do it.

[JohninDC]

Sounds like a plan - except for some rush hour traffic around Orlando you shoudl be fine.

[CS-RN]

Sounds like a plan - except for some rush hour traffic around Orlando you shoudl be fine.

 

The cruise leaves on a Sunday, so hopefully no rush hour to contend with!

[rkacruiser]

I understand your concern. I sometimes stay with a friend in Fort Pierce and then drive to Fort Lauderdale the morning of the cruise. I always keep my fingers and toes crossed that there are no hang-ups on I-95 and, driving my own car, I keep it in the best possible operating condition. I always leave Fort Pierce at a fairly early hour even though it is only about 90-120 minutes to Fort Lauderdale. But, still: I am always concerned: stuff happens, as you well know!