Norwegian Gem Cocoa Beach

[Lcbhcb]

Is it possible to walk to a beach from the port? Also, because of the shark attack is the beach open? Thanks.

[chipandsteph]

I think you have to take a shuttle. As far as I know the beach is open, but I just canceled our excursion there in two weeks. There is concern about bacteria in Florida seawaters. It can be fatal for those not normally in good health and can cause mild stomach issues if ingested by someone healthy. The symptoms described sounded similar to norovirus. I don't want to have my eight year old expose himself and possibly have those stomach issues. A cruise is no fun when quarantined to your cabin.

[mking8288]

Almost anything is possible, depending on your level of physical fitness & willingness to walk in 90 degree summer weather with the mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun, depending on arrival time ... and your goals for seeing Coca Beach ;)

 

You will need comfortable walking shoes & sun protection, and pack 1 to 2 liter's worth of water for hydration to cover that distance of about 7 miles - which, for most walkers is over 2 hours one way at a fast pace ... less time if you are a jogger conditioned such exercise. :eek:

 

Better yet, pay for the shuttle to/from the ship, there's plenty right outside at the pier terminal & inexpensive, less than the ship's shorex rates. :cool:

 

We're on the BA back in late March and it was still cool, temp's in the 70's and about a dozen fellow cruisers decided to explore the area around the terminal on their own ... needless to say, they gave up on the money saving idea and return to the ship about 45 minutes later, only strolled as far as the harbor/port building up the street, took some pictures & retreated back onto the ship's air conditioned comfort.

[SuiteTraveler]

The beach is about 6.5 miles from the cruise terminal. This is Cocoa beach's website:

 

http://www.cocoabeach.com/at-the-beach/

 

This is about the bacteria referenced by the above poster. This is a very serious health concern and can be extremely dangerous. It is something which is often present in Florida during months that don't include the letter R in their name:

 

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/health/2015/06/15/rare-water-bacteria-kills-2-people/71245336/

 

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/health/2015/06/12/florida-flesh-eating-bacteria/71131584/

 

Best advice is to stay out of the water and don't eat any raw seafood, especially not oysters when this bacteria is present in local waters.

 

Rather that risk it at the beach, perhaps you might enjoy an afternoon visit to the Everglades instead?

http://www.airboatecotours.com

[runner15km]

Jetty State Park is about 1 3/4 mile walk. You will see the park and beach port side as you enter the harbor. :)

http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/park_index

Edited June 17, 2015 by runner15km

[Lcbhcb]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a good day to stay on the ship!

[luv2swimwdolphins]

We did the beach 3 weeks ago. No problems. Beautiful day. But only went in up to our shins since we planned to eat out locally.

[Sizzlechest]

If you're looking for a beach day, the private island the following day is pretty much your best bet. Better off doing a different excursion in Florida.