Can someone compare and contrast Pt. Canaveral v. Miami?

[MamaParrotHead]

I've only ever cruised out of Miami and wondering what the differences were. Between the actual area (hotels, things to do the day/night prior to cruising, etc.), the people, the terminal, ease of boarding, etc.

 

Thanks!

[Tapi]

I've only ever cruised out of Miami and wondering what the differences were. Between the actual area (hotels, things to do the day/night prior to cruising, etc.), the people, the terminal, ease of boarding, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

The actual cruise facilities in Port Canaveral are less hectic than Miami. I found the personnel there to be VERY friendly and efficient. The terminal that Carnival uses for the Sensation is an attractive terminal with surface parking right across the terminal. VERY easy to use. Carnival uses a different terminal for the Glory but I can't comment on that one since I didn't visit it.

 

You will need to drive further to get to hotels and attractions. On the way there you will see some hotels about 5-10 minutes before arriving at the cruise terminals (which are somewhat isolated with no hotels, restaurants or attractions within walking distance). However Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center are a short drive away.

 

I didn't spend the night at a hotel so I can't comment on that, but several passengers do spend the night at a hotel in the Cocoa Beach area and then take the hotel transportation in the morning.

[sheri18]

I've only ever cruised out of Miami and wondering what the differences were. Between the actual area (hotels, things to do the day/night prior to cruising, etc.), the people, the terminal, ease of boarding, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

Port canaveral is a breeze compared to Miami...as far as embarkation goes...the fastest we have ever gotten on....

 

we were supposed to fly to Orlando but do to storm we flew to tampa and drove over...

 

but if flying into orlando...tons of hotels..we stayed right near down town disney...orginal plan was to get in early and spend the day there and have dinner at nite... didnt woek out that way...so much to do...we rented a car..just about 1 hour drive or so to the port....there are also hotels in cocoa beach.....

 

the glory is a great ship we had a really good time...link in below to my review with pics....

[ellenmb]

I've only ever cruised out of Miami and wondering what the differences were. Between the actual area (hotels, things to do the day/night prior to cruising, etc.), the people, the terminal, ease of boarding, etc.

 

Thanks!

Been to both; very different ports...As far as what to do in Cocoa Beach...not a ton to do..but beautiful beach, going out to dinner (if you like casual; go to the Sunset Bar and Grill on the Causeway)..on the water, very nice and fun (Hub suggests Grouper sandwich:)...they also have a casino boat out of the port...We stayed at Holiday Inn Oceanside ..love it, we are regulars...The pier is fun day and nite; The Beach Boys were just there...actually more to do than I was first saying...big place for surfers...fun to watch..Ron Jon Surf Shops...those are always fun to cruise around..Strip joints too...but we don't go there (much to hub's disappointment..lol),,,Also tour the Cape Canaveral...Another bar on the beach is Cocoa's...very fun for the young and young at heart (me) and as the previous poster said Orlando and Disney only an hour away.... hmmm,,we love it there and Port is easy.

[Caribbreeze]

Our first cruise was out of Miami. I'll say no more about that :rolleyes:

 

Our second was out of Canaveral and all of us were quite surprised - staff were smiling, they were pleasant, they were helpful, the boarding process was quick and smooth. The next time out of Canaveral was the same sort of experience.

 

It could have just been a bad day, but it'll be a long time before I can convince husband to cruise out of Miami again.

 

Can't comment about your other questions, as we had not yet learned to fly in the day before. Seems from all you've posted that you'll be able to maneuver through whatever comes your way ;)

[marktac]

Can you tell the difference between night and day? Well, that's how it is in comparing these two ports. Miami is the pits, Pt. Canaveral is good.

[ellenmb]

Can you tell the difference between night and day? Well, that's how it is in comparing these two ports. Miami is the pits, Pt. Canaveral is good.

You know, I did not have a bad experience out of Miami and I loved cruising by South Beach...it was beautiful (or maybe it was my rose colored glasses I wear on vacation?:)

[billh65]

Can you tell the difference between night and day? Well, that's how it is in comparing these two ports. Miami is the pits, Pt. Canaveral is good.

 

Although we have not sailed from Miami, I have sailed from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. After our first time checking in at Port Canaveral ... we anticipated the hassle of Fort Lauderdale -- but were extemely surprised - a great deal of the staff (at least for Royal Carib) it appeared could be semi-retired ... and seemed like they really cared, were helpful, went out of the way etc. It is just a 2-3 hour drive to each port, so have not stayed overnight. I am hoping to take a cruise from Tampa sometime -- it is a mere hour or less away.

[shortstop95]

depends what you're looking for... we travel from DE the day of embarkation.. so I like that the port is 10 mins from the airport in Miami, vs 40 minute ride from orlando to port canveral... we also like the excitement of miami with multiple ships... love pulling out and passing them all... canaveral both times it's just been the Disney ship which don't get too close too.. as far as other peoples comments about more friendly staff.. I've never noticed.... I'm on vacation about to board the ship.. I guess I let behavior of the staff slide off..... so in summary, we like miami better.. but as in the first line it's what you're looking for

[astropilot]

Port Canaveral is hands-down the better port IMO!!!

 

However with the new terminal in Miami last year I did find the whole process there to be better than it was.

[emmysmommy]

We had nothing but a pleasant experience cruising from Port Canaveral. Like others noted, the staff appear to be retirees that were very congenial.

 

We stayed in both Orlando (Diz World thing) and then stayed a night before and after our cruise in Cape Canaveral. Less to do but certainly more relaxed and laid back near the port.

 

We are sailing out of Miami next year so I suppose I'll just be prepared for a different experience.

[MuffyKismet]

We have been to most of the ports in Florida. My personal favorite is Tampa.......hotel is right there, St Pete Forum right there, Y bor city, Channelside filled with clubs and restaurants movie theatre, bowling, and trolly that is parked right outside the hotel brings you back and forth all day and night for only $4.00 pp. The aquarium..........truly the best port to cruise out of!! All the others we just drive to and get on the ship.

[emmysmommy]

We have been to most of the ports in Florida. My personal favorite is Tampa.......hotel is right there, St Pete Forum right there, Y bor city, Channelside filled with clubs and restaurants movie theatre, bowling, and trolly that is parked right outside the hotel brings you back and forth all day and night for only $4.00 pp. The aquarium..........truly the best port to cruise out of!! All the others we just drive to and get on the ship.

 

I absolutely agree! We went out of Tampa on the Miracle and it was wonderful.

[orlandofl]

We had nothing but a pleasant experience cruising from Port Canaveral. Like others noted, the staff appear to be retirees that were very congenial.

 

We stayed in both Orlando (Diz World thing) and then stayed a night before and after our cruise in Cape Canaveral. Less to do but certainly more relaxed and laid back near the port.

 

We are sailing out of Miami next year so I suppose I'll just be prepared for a different experience.

Carnival also has a bus service.

[MamaParrotHead]

We'll have the kidlets in tow, so I doubt there will be much bar hopping or patronizing strip joints, LOL. :D We've had one nightmare experience in Miami ('05) and one good one ('07), so will be eager to compare. As much as I'd LOVE to tour the Space Center (and Disney and Sea World), I don't know if we'll have time the day before the cruise and know we're always so beat after the trip that the LAST thing I want to do is more touring.

 

Thanks for the info!

[psblin99]

We'll have the kidlets in tow, so I doubt there will be much bar hopping or patronizing strip joints, LOL. :D We've had one nightmare experience in Miami ('05) and one good one ('07), so will be eager to compare. As much as I'd LOVE to tour the Space Center (and Disney and Sea World), I don't know if we'll have time the day before the cruise and know we're always so beat after the trip that the LAST thing I want to do is more touring.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Try the "I Work in Pt Canaveral" thread. A little reading and all the answers are there.

 

Preston

[MamaParrotHead]

I just didn't see anything that directly compared the two ports by those who have experienced both. ;)

[BlueHerons]

So many people just see Miami is a place to kill time before they board the ship and it is just a shame.

 

Miami is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the United States and one could argue that it is more of a foreign city than an American one.

 

It is the banking capital of Latin America. Eighty percent of the population does not speak English as a first langauge. You'll find world class arts and culture, world class dining and shopping, a multitude of ethnicities, attractions, fabulous beaches, parks, wildlife, professional sports (Florida Marlins,Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat), major Universities, hospitals, etc.

 

Getting out over the water is an entire different story.

 

I urge you to visit this site and request a visitors guide: http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/Index.asp

[chanclay]

So many people just see Miami is a place to kill time before they board the ship and it is just a shame.

 

Miami is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the United States and one could argue that it is more of a foreign city than an American one.

 

It is the banking capital of Latin America. Eighty percent of the population does not speak English as a first langauge. You'll find world class arts and culture, world class dining and shopping, a multitude of ethnicities, attractions, fabulous beaches, parks, wildlife, professional sports (Florida Marlins,Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat), major Universities, hospitals, etc.

 

Getting out over the water is an entire different story.

 

I urge you to visit this site and request a visitors guide: http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/Index.asp

You just made a great case for going to Port Canaveral, It is more laid back,and relaxing. I would imagine eighty percent of the population of Havana also speak Spanish...not much of a recommendation. Been there, done that. I'll take port Canaveral.

[Caribbreeze]

The previous poster reminded me that our negative experiences with Miami were limited to the Carnival terminal and our embarkation / pre-wedding / debarkation / lost luggage / rude staff fiasco.

 

I had almost forgotten about the fabulous day we spent in Miami prior to our cruise. The motel's staff were quite personable. The motel's concierge, in fact, drove all the way to the port to meet us before we boarded to return an item that one of our group had forgotten - it had no monetary value, just sentimental. It was a great gesture.

The concierge also helped us arrange a tour of Miami / SoBe / Coco Beach (yes?) with a great guide and a dinner at Versailles restaurant. Yes, everyone spoke Spanish. Go figure. :rolleyes: It was quite a cool cultural experience :cool:

 

Fred's "Live from" thread has me almost convinced to try the port again. Course I'm not at platinum status....yet....;)