Port Canaveral

[IMDINA1201]

First time cruisers here.  (4 of us)

If we get to Port Canaveral hours before we can board, are there things nearby where we can spend some time?

Also, will we need to keep our luggage with us, or are we able to put that on board before we can actually check in?

 

Thanks for your help!

[Essiesmom]

You can probably drop off your luggage after 0930.  There is not much in walking distance.  Ask this on the Florida Departures board here, under North American Homeports.  

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/

[rkacruiser]

Access the Port Canaveral web site and I recall  that you will find some information about where is in the area near the Port.  The Space Center complex is very nearby and might be of interest.

As Essiesmom said, you ought to be able to drop off your luggage before you check-in.  Then, visit whatever attraction you choose to do, return to the Port and park your care and then check-in.  Just watch your time!  You don't want to be late checking in!

[GTO-Girl]

9 hours ago, IMDINA1201 said:

First time cruisers here.  (4 of us)

If we get to Port Canaveral hours before we can board, are there things nearby where we can spend some time?

Also, will we need to keep our luggage with us, or are we able to put that on board before we can actually check in?

 

Thanks for your help!

Which ship and what time are you arriving?  Are you flying into Orlando?

[IMDINA1201]

Carnival Breeze. We leave October 19th from Port Canaveral. We are actually driving.  

[Elaine5715]

5 minutes ago, IMDINA1201 said:

Carnival Breeze. We leave October 19th from Port Canaveral. We are actually driving.  

If you are driving, sightsee and then head to the ship.  The Space Center is awesome but it is a full day.

[Essiesmom]

Head for the Cocoa Beach pier.  Obviously very beachy...classic.  EM

 

http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/

Edited March 16, 2019 by Essiesmom

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

If you are driving, sightsee and then head to the ship. 

 

I agree with your advice.  It seems a bit wasteful of time to me for a guest to drop off luggage, then do whatever sightseeing they wish to do, and they return to the pier, park their car, and proceed to check-in.  Traffic issues and who knows what else may complicate their plans.

[AF-1]

Most ships allow you to start the boarding process around 10:30-11am.  

[Elaine5715]

2 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Most ships allow you to start the boarding process around 10:30-11am.  

Doesn't matter if your ship follows a scheduled arrival appointment time.  

[OCruisers]

19 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

If you are driving, sightsee and then head to the ship.  

 

16 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I agree with your advice.  It seems a bit wasteful of time to me for a guest to drop off luggage, then do whatever sightseeing they wish to do, and they return to the pier, park their car, and proceed to check-in.  Traffic issues and who knows what else may complicate their plans.

 

Also agree with both of the above!  

[GTO-Girl]

3 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Most ships allow you to start the boarding process around 10:30-11am.  

 

Carnival assigns you a boarding time and pretty much sticks to that time..

[rkacruiser]

6 hours ago, GTO-Girl said:

 

Carnival assigns you a boarding time and pretty much sticks to that time..

 

This was not my experience embarking Carnival Liberty.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

Recommend off site parking at Park n' Go. Drop you at the ship and pic you up at the ship. Also less expensive than on site.