Park n Cruise Port Canaveral FL Travel Guide and Parking Information

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Drone Shot of a Docked Cargo Ship at a Port
Credit: pexels.com, Drone Shot of a Docked Cargo Ship at a Port

Port Canaveral is a popular cruise port in Florida, and one of the best ways to experience it is by parking your car and taking a cruise.

The Port Canaveral cruise port is located about 45 miles east of Orlando, making it easily accessible by car.

Parking options abound at Port Canaveral, with several on-site parking lots and off-site parking facilities available.

The closest parking lot to the cruise terminal is the Cruise Terminal Parking Lot, which offers a convenient and secure parking experience.

Getting to the Port

Arriving at Port Canaveral can be a bit tricky, especially with multiple ships in port at the same time. Your GPS may not always know exactly which terminal you need for the right ship.

Follow the signs as you get close to the Port Canaveral cruise parking area, and be prepared to adjust your route if necessary. The electronic signs will tell you where to go for your specific ship and which exit to take.

Intermodal Container Stacked on Port
Credit: pexels.com, Intermodal Container Stacked on Port

There are 7 cruise terminals at Port Canaveral, and here's a general rule of thumb for where your ship will be berthed:

  • Terminal 1: Used by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Terminal 6 and 10: Used by Carnival Cruise Line
  • Terminal 8: Used by Disney Cruise Line

Keep in mind that these assignments can change, so still follow the signs for the most up-to-date information.

Navigating Terminals

There are six cruise terminals at Port Canaveral, numbered 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10. Cruise Terminal A is home to terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10, while 1 and 3 are located in Cruise Terminal B.

The split between Cruise Terminal A and B can be a bit confusing, especially if you can't remember where the cruise lines are docking at.

Cruise Terminal B is a hub for activity, where you can grab a bite to eat, visit the Exploration Tower, or check out CT-3, a multi-million dollar spot for the largest ships.

Here's a quick rundown of which cruise lines are typically docked at which terminals:

Keep in mind that this information is subject to change, so be sure to follow the signs as you get close to the Port Canaveral cruise parking area.

Arriving at

Credit: youtube.com, Disney Treasure Port Arrival: What to Expect as you arrive at the Port.

Arriving at the port can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the inside scoop.

There are 7 cruise terminals at Port Canaveral, and your GPS may not know which one to take you to, especially if there are multiple ships in port at the same time.

The electronic signs will tell you where to go for your specific ship and which exit to take. Still, it's a good idea to follow the signs and not rely solely on your GPS.

Your ship will be berthed either on the north or south side of the harbor, and the electronic signs will guide you to the correct terminal.

Here's a general rule of thumb for where your ship will be berthed: Terminal 1: Used by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise LineTerminal 6 and 10: Used by Carnival Cruise LineTerminal 8: Used by Disney Cruise Line

If you're sailing with Disney, you'll be happy to know they have a dedicated terminal, and they offer shuttle services to and from the airport as part of the cruise package deal.

Credit: youtube.com, Port Canaveral Cruise Embarkation | Carnival Vista Priority Boarding | Drive & Parking Garage

Carnival Cruise Line usually has the most ships docked at the Port Canaveral cruise terminals, so be prepared for a bit of a crowd.

It's a good idea to arrive at the port between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, but check with your cruise line for specific arrival times, as some bookings may have different requirements.

If you arrive too early, you may be told to wait, so plan accordingly and check with your cruise line for the best arrival time.

Accommodations

If you're planning a cruise from Port Canaveral, FL, you'll want to consider your accommodations carefully. Some hotels offer "park and cruise" packages that include parking and shuttle services, making it convenient to get to the port.

For example, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach offers a "Park, Stay, and Go" package that provides free on-site parking for one car during your cruise and round-trip complimentary shuttle service for two to/from Port Canaveral. This hotel also enjoys a 9.2 out of 10 user review score on hotels.com.

port with cranes
Credit: pexels.com, port with cranes

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you might consider the Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center, which offers a package that includes parking and shuttle runs to the port. However, be aware that reviews are mixed for this hotel.

Here are some hotels that offer free cruise parking with a stay:

  • Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Oceanfront
  • International Palms Cocoa Beach
  • Best Western Cocoa Beach
  • Holiday Inn Express and Suits Cocoa Beach

Keep in mind that some of these hotels may charge for shuttle runs or other services, so be sure to check the details of each package before booking.

Hotel

If you're planning to drive to the port the night before your cruise, consider booking a hotel that offers a "park and cruise" package. This can save you a lot of time and hassle in the morning.

Some hotels near Port Canaveral offer free parking for the duration of your cruise, but you'll need to stay a night or two in their hotel. This can be a great way to save money on parking.

Credit: youtube.com, Omni Hotel Boston Seaport Accommodations & Breve Spa Tour

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL, is the closest hotel to the port, just 1 mile away. It has an 8.2 out of 10 user review score on hotels.com and offers a full breakfast, free parking, and WiFi.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach is another great option, just a mile away from the port. It offers a "Park, Stay, and Go" package that includes free on-site parking and round-trip shuttle service to the port.

Here are some hotels that offer free cruise parking:

  • Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center
  • Budget Inn Cocoa
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Oceanfront
  • International Palms Cocoa Beach
  • Ramada Inn Titusville
  • Homewood Suites Cape Canaveral
  • Best Western Cocoa Beach
  • Holiday Inn Express and Suits Cocoa Beach

If you're a disabled veteran, you may be eligible for free parking at Cape Canaveral, but you'll need to set it up in advance.

Want Something Upscale?

You can enjoy a luxurious experience at Port Canaveral with valet service. Port Canaveral Valet will drive you to the cruise terminal and take care of your car's maintenance while you're away.

Their service includes oil changes, so you don't have to worry about your car's upkeep. Your vehicle will be fueled up and newly washed upon your return.

The cost for this service starts at $189.

Planning and Costs

Balearia cruise ship docked at Valencia port with parked cars nearby.
Credit: pexels.com, Balearia cruise ship docked at Valencia port with parked cars nearby.

Parking costs are a significant factor to consider when planning a cruise out of Port Canaveral. The current rate is $17.00 per day, which includes both your day of departure and day of arrival.

A 7-day cruise will set you back $119, which might seem steep, but the convenience and security of on-site parking make it a worthwhile investment for many cruisers.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, you might consider parking off-site, but be aware that you'll need to factor in the cost of a transfer.

Parking is free for disabled vehicles that are equipped with ramps, lifts, or other accessibility features, which is a great perk for those who need it.

If you have a Florida Toll Exemption permit, you'll also get free parking at the port, which is a nice bonus.

It's worth noting that the parking facilities at Port Canaveral are secure and patrolled 24/7, giving you peace of mind while you're away on your cruise.

Accessibility and Services

Credit: youtube.com, Our Choice For Outstanding Port Canaveral Cruise Parking | Park-N-Cruise | ParkCruise.com

At Port Canaveral, accessibility is a top priority. The official cruise parking area is wheelchair-friendly and conveniently located just steps away from the cruise terminal.

If you're a disabled passenger, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of parking spaces available near the terminal.

For those with vehicles equipped with ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls, parking fees will be waived. You'll also get a break if you display a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit as per Florida statute 316.1964.

Additionally, passengers displaying a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate on their vehicles will also qualify for a waived parking fee.

Here are the specific criteria for a waived parking fee:

  • Cruise passengers with vehicles equipped with ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls specifically for disabled users
  • Passengers in vehicles that display a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit as per Florida statute 316.1964
  • Passengers displaying a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate on their vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're disabled, you might receive free parking at Port Canaveral, but only if you have special equipment in your car.

Free parking is also available for disabled veterans with a Florida license plate designating them as such.

Parking at the actual port is more expensive, but it's convenient because you can walk right to the cruise ship.

Credit: youtube.com, 4 Tips for First Time Cruisers | Park N Cruise Port Canaveral, Florida

You might be charged for 8 days of parking even if you're only on a 7-day cruise, because parking lots charge for an extra day based on the calendar.

Parking at a hotel can be cheaper, especially if you plan to stay in the area beforehand, and many hotels offer parking packages with shuttle service to the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get free parking at Port Canaveral?

Unfortunately, there is no free parking at Port Canaveral. Consider off-site parking options or hotel "park and cruise" packages for alternative solutions.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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