What is embarkation like in Port Canaveral?

[Sigyn]

Curious what the experience is like in Port Canaveral? We're on NCL in 10 days. 

[Capt_BJ]

according to the port schedule PRIMA will use T-5 which is where she was today as well. T-5 is on the NORTH side of the port aka the A side

 

 

So the good news is you will be at a terminal they've used a few times and should have the bugs worked out. In PC each terminal has an associated garage so parking is not an issue 99% of the time (and there are several good off site alternatives just a few minutes away from the terminal which offer some $ savings). Only 'bad' thing about 5 is its being very close to 6 so there's a double dose of traffic heading for the same place. Also note that on the 23rd SIX ships flipping ..... so the port is gonna be super busy / crowded and EVERYONE wants to get on board ASAP. There are BIG signs directing you to th terminal, bag drop and parking . . . 

 

Lastly note that there is a draw bridge to cross to get from the highway (SR-528 / A1A) to the A side .... if this bridge OPENS you can find yourself in a bit of a traffic situation but not to worry as the openings are usually just for sail boats so don't take very long . . 4 of the 6 terminals active that day are on the north side and everyone for those four must cross this bridge . . .  . https://www.portcanaveral.com/getattachment/Cruise/Cruise-Lines-Schedules/CPA-Website-Schedule-Nov22-Mar23.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

Edited December 16, 2022 by Capt_BJ

[Capt_BJ]

UPDATE

 

Port Authority is warning of VERY LARGE crowds expected some days in next two weeks .....

 

From Florida Today:

 

Port Canaveral is expected to break one-day cruise passenger records on Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve.

But with the increased passenger counts comes increased concerns about traffic congestion and parking issues in and around the port.

Five cruise ships are scheduled to be in port on Dec. 24, dropping off passengers ending their cruises and boarding passengers beginning their cruises. 
The port expects a record 52,000 passengers to get on or off the cruise ships that day.

There will be six cruise ships in port on Dec. 31, with 57,000 cruise passenger movements. 

"We know those are going to be problem days," because of congestion at the port,

 

>>>>>>>>>>

you can check the schedule at https://www.portcanaveral.com/getattachment/Cruise/Cruise-Lines-Schedules/CPA-Website-Schedule-Nov22-Mar23.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

 

(this list previously showed capacity of each ship - I think folks found that a bit worrisome! 😮)

[Diver2014]

Our last few cruises have been out of Port Canaveral.  We have not experienced any kind of traffic, waiting times or crowds.  Maybe we've been lucky (but we also don't cruise during the holidays). 

We're leaving from there next month as well. It's such a far cry from the crowds at Pt Everglades and POM.  

[Capt_BJ]

well typically there IS not an issue ... but just recently on a 6 ship day there was a problem with another ship that caused a late arrival and that REALLY screwed things up ....

 

Port Authority is concerned enuf to put the warning in the local paper ...... I'm not stating an opinion just sharing information available to folks locally.

 

They also made the comparison that the extra bodies at the port would exceed the population of Titusville ... third largest city in the county. Also concerns about having enuf parking and planning for overflow lots . . 

Edited December 19, 2022 by Capt_BJ

[Sigyn]

Update: It was easy getting to the port and getting on the ship, but horrible trying to get an Uber to pick us up after the cruise. They kept bailing on us. Took over an hour to get one that could find us and actually take the trouble to call/text me. Nightmare. 

Edited February 4, 2023 by njsmom