port canaveral cruise days

3-Day Cruises from Port Canaveral

Three cruise ships offer 3-day cruises out of Port Canaveral in Florida. These short cruises are easy to combine with a trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando theme parks. The combination is a vacation that the whole family will enjoy. See the full schedule of departures below.

The 3-night cruises go to the nearby islands of the Bahamas. Voyages on Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean stop at their private islands, which are exclusive playgrounds for their passengers.

You may also want to see our schedule of 4-day cruises from Port Canaveral .

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 5, 12, 19; February 9, 16; March 8, 29; April 12, 26; May 17, 31; June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23; September 6, 20; October 4, 18; November 1, 15, 29; December 13, 27.

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Bimini (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 2, 26; February 2, 23; March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 19; May 10, 24; June 7, 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16, 30; September 13, 27; October 11, 25; November 8, 22; December 6, 20.

3-day cruises on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20, 26, 27.

3-day cruises on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to CocoCay (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 2, 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 27.

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25.

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Celebration Key (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26.

3-day cruises on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25; August 8, 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26.

3-day cruises on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: April 25; May 1; August 1; December 4.

3-day cruises on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and CocoCay (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26.

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Cruises from Port Canaveral

Explore Florida’s Space Coast and the Theme Park Capital of the World – Orlando, before you embark on a cruise from Port Canaveral with Princess®. Take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, steer a freighter simulation at Exploration Tower, venture through the Brevard Zoo, or ride on the roller coasters of Orlando’s theme parks. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or adventurous things to do, you’ll have amazing experiences to remember before even stepping aboard your cruise vacation.

Caribbean Cruises From Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Among the many exciting Princess cruise destinations , Port Canaveral offers a magical experience. Sail to the Eastern or Western Caribbean on a cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and island hop to top rated islands such as St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, and Cozumel . Can't decide between the Eastern or the Western Caribbean? No problem – we have an itinerary that brings you to both regions from Port Canaveral, as well.

What to Know About Cruises from Port Canaveral

Known as the world’s most popular cruise port, Port Canaveral welcomes you to explore all it has to offer. Here’s everything to learn about your cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando).

Port Canaveral at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Port Canaveral docks at the Cruise Terminal in Cape Canaveral, approximately 45 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
• Attire:  Located along the Atlantic Coast of East Central Florida, Cape Canaveral has an overall average high temperature of 82 degrees and an average low of 62. If you're visiting the Kennedy Space Center, wear casual attire appropriate for the time of year. Always pack a bathing suit because even if the water is a bit chilly for swimming, sunbathing is a year-round sport in Florida.
• Transportation:  You can get around by Uber, Lyft, a shuttle, limousine or rental car. Want to beat traffic to the port? Take Brightline , a convenient and comfortable high-speed passenger train.
• Passports: Do you need a passport for Port Canaveral cruises? Many cruises out of Port Canaveral do not require passports, but it is recommended by the U.S. Department of State to have one with you. It is important to check the specific guidelines in the itinerary for your chosen cruise trip.

Things to do in Port Canaveral

Before getting on a cruise from Port Canaveral, or after your debarkation, add visits to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , the Exploration Tower , and the US Air Force Space & Missile Museum . Take in a day of fishing on one of the charter boats docked at the port and relax to the sound of crashing waves on uncrowded beaches. Make the most of your dream vacation by exploring the one-of-a-kind Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast before your cruise or choose one of our debarkation tours. 

Ships that Cruise from Port Canaveral

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises out of Port Canaveral. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about:  Caribbean Princess

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Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-07-19 02:21

Port Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Canaveral (cruise port to Orlando City, Florida USA) is currently ranked world's busiest cruise port (4,07 million cruisers/stats 2023) followed by Miami Florida .

As homeport, this is a major turnaround port destination (serving roundtrip itineraries) with annual shipping traffic 4,5+ million cruise ship tourists. Cape Canaveral is a leading USA homeport for all the world's largest cruise companies - CCL-Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean , NCL-Norwegian , DCL-Disney .

The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA (Port Canaveral/Orlando/4,07M, Miami /4,02M, Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA ( Galveston ), Italy ( Civitavecchia-Rome ).

Cape Canaveral Port

Port Cape Canaveral (locode USPCV) is located on Florida's Atlantic coastline, between Miami and Jacksonville . Orlando City is bounded by Port Canaveral (north), Banana River (east), Cocoa Beach (south) and the Atlantic Ocean (west). As a deepwater seaport, Port Canaveral has a very high volume of traffic. From a total of 6 million cargo tons moved through the port annually, 2,7+ million tons (3 million short tons) are bulk cargoes. Common cargo includes petroleum, aggregate and cement. The port features hoppers and conveyors for loading products directly into trucks, as well as bulk cargo container facilities. The channel is about 13 m (44 ft) deep.

There are 70,000 m2 (750,000 ft2) of covered freight storage capacity. In 2004 Port Canaveral handled 3,6 million tons (4M short tons) of cargo. It exports fresh citrus and bulk frozen citrus juice is stored in one of the biggest freezer warehouses in the state. The port also receives salt for water softening, lumber, automobiles, steel sheets and plates. Port Canaveral transships items for sea, air, space and land. Its Foreign Trade Zone is one of the nation's largest general-purpose FTZs, more than 13 km2 (5 mi2). Each year the port boosts the economy by 1/2 billion dollars.

Port's cruise shipping business started in 1964, with SS Yarmouth Castle. The 1927-built steamship (for Chadade Steamship Company) was acquired by Yarmouth Cruise Lines in 1957. The liner was American-owned and Panama- flagged . In 1965, the ship burnt at sea (between Nassau and Miami).

The 1965-opened sea lock (part of Canaveral Barge Canal) is still in use, being maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Shipping and commercial fishing is also served by three 400 ft/120 m-long cargo piers constructed on the Port's north side in 1976. The seaport has supported NASA's space projects from the nearby JF Kennedy Space Center. During NASA's Apollo program, Saturn V rocket's segments transited via the lock. Space Shuttle's external tanks were floated for each mission into Port Canaveral, and the rocket boosters were towed back via the seaport, being fished from the Atlantic after each space launch.

In August 2015, commissioners approved USD 81 million port development project for upgrades of terminals 5 and 10, aimed at handling larger-sized vessels (details in the "terminal" section below). The project's financing was secured through bank loans and bonds.

Following President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, in late-January 2017 were officially issued reports about cruise passengers being detained by US Customs and Border Protection. All detainees had to provide background info about them, their families and also their past life in their native countries. Trump's executive order was signed on January 27th and includes a 90-day ban on travel to the USA by citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen.

In early November 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean announced the company's decision to homeport here in 2019 the world's largest passenger vessel - Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6687 passengers plus 2100 crew). Starting May 2019, Harmony OTS offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Harmony replaced Oasis OTS (redeployed in 2019 to Miami ). Also in 2019, Mariner OTS (max capacity 4200 passengers plus 1180 crew) was homeported here for 3-4-night roundtrips to The Bahamas. The ship first arrived in Port Canaveral in 2003 (inaugural cruise on November 14).

In December 2017, Carnival Cruise Lines announced the homeporting of Carnival Elation in 2019. Starting May 12, 2019, the ship operates year-round scheduled 4-5-day "long weekend" Bahamas cruises. Departures are on Thursdays (4-day itinerary to Freeport and Nassau ) and on Mondays and Saturdays (5-day itinerary to Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk Island ).

In December 2017, Port Canaveral completed the 6-month long West Turning Basin deepening project, now allowing max draft of 45 ft (13,7 m). Port's containership terminal (North Cargo berths 5 and 6) is operated by GT USA. The dredging works removed 22,3+ million ft3 (632,000 m3) of seabed material. For the dredging was contracted Dutra Group (based in San Rafael, California). The project's total cost was USD 7,5 million, with approx 2/3 of the cost covered by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). The Port's entry channel was cleared from obstructions (bridges, power lines) and is now without air draft restrictions. West Turning Basin has quay length ~600 m (2000 ft) and draft 13 m/43 ft - making it one of East Coast USA's deepest cargo berths without vessel air draft limits.

In January 2018 was approved the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo ship berth NCB8 (North Cargo Berth 8). By the project were also built a seawall (900 ft / 274 m) and a pier extension (100 ft / 31 m) with capacity to handle vessels with max LOA length 850 ft/259 m.

• At the new berth can be handled various heavy project cargoes (including aerospace). Berth's depth is 35 ft (11 m).
• The USD 17,9 million berth construction contract was awarded to the Tampa -based company Orion Marine Group. The contract includes building the bulkhead, seawall, relieving platform and dredging. Construction works started in March 2018, with scheduled completion by mid-2019.

In May 2024 were approved the plans for the construction of a new multi-user cruise terminal (Terminal X) at the existing North 8 Berth, directly opposite to/sharing the turning basin with Terminal 5. Terminal X is planned for inauguration in 2026 July. For the design was contracted AtkinsRealis USA Inc.

In 2018, two port development projects received funding for maintenance works in the seaport. The contractor is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers). For the projects were allocated USD 14,76 million (Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass and jetty upgrades) and USD 1,47 million (Harbor and Locks).

On December 5, 2018, Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) approved a series of bonds (up to USD 117 million) for financing "Cruise Terminal 3" (dubbed "Launch Pad") project. In 2021, at the new CT3 Terminal was homeported Carnival's newest and largest ( LNG-powered ) liner Mardi Gras .

• The project's financing package included bonds up to USD 80 million (30-year, Series A and B) and up to USD 37 million (20-year loan, Series C) by SunTrust Bank (specializing in mortgage, personal and small-business banking). The bank is subsidiary of the Atlanta GA-based SunTrust Banks Inc (reported assets in March 2018 USD 199 billion).
• Additionally was approved to increase Port's PNC Bank credit line from USD 25 to 50 million. The port also received from Florida Department of Transportation USD 6 million in grants for the infrastructure works.
• Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 has a dedicated wharf, adjacent parking (6-storey, capacity 1800 vehicles) and a newbuild road. The project's total improvements cost USD 163 million, of which $50 million were contributed by Carnival Corporation . The facility was completed in September 2020, but due to the crisis was inaugurated on June 4, 2021, with the arrival of Mardi Gras.

On May 22, 2019, Disney Cruises signed with CPA a 20-year operating agreement for homeporting two of its three newbuilds . Under the new deal, Disney has 3 boats homeported here (2 new, 1 old) which increased the number of guaranteed roundtrips from 150 per year (2019) to 180 (2023) and 216 (2024 and beyond).

In early March 2020 was launched an RO-RO Division in Port Canaveral - a dedicated vehicle terminal with max annual capacity 240,000 cars. The 16-acres terminal is at South Cargo Pier 4 and serves mainly new import automobiles. The terminal has a large climate-controlled warehouse (sized 20,000 ft2 / 1860 m2). In FY2019, the port handled a total of 12514 vehicles.

Following the port's ban for cruise ship dockings and passenger operations (due to the COVID pandemic), in the period April 3 through May 30, 2020, Canaveral Port Authority furloughed all its employees dedicated to cruise shipping operations.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 (June through November) was closed CT8 (Disney Cruise Terminal 8).

In April 2023, Port Canaveral officials proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal (Terminal 8). The US$175 million facility could be built on the Port's southern side, and completed and opened in July 2026.

In August 2023 was allocated US$68,16 million for two new cruise parking garages (an 8-level near Terminals 5 and 6, and a 6-level near Terminal 10.

Cape Canaveral port statistics

Note: Port's FY (fiscal year) runs from October 1 (current year) through September 30 (next year).

In FY2017, the cruise port handled 4,52+ million passengers (6,4% increase over FY2016). The number of multi-day passengers (4,234+ million) was 7,1% increase over 2016. Statistics showed that just in March 2017, the number of visiting cruiseship tourists was 469,847. This was the Port's 1-month record and a 19% increase over March 2016. Port's FY2017 total revenues were USD 47,4 million (freight and passengers).

For FY2018, the seaport reported a record year with USD 103,75 million in total revenues (218,9% increase over 2017). Cargo and cruise shipping volumes were also an all-time high. The number of handled cruise ship passengers increased by 7,7% - to 4,568431 million. Port's handled cargo tonnage increased by 6,9% - to 6,404944 million tons. Port's total economic output was USD 3,9 billion with around 32650 jobs supported (USD 1,3 billion in wages) including 17200 port workers (USD 0,7294 billion in wages).

For FY2019, the port had ~5% growth (over FY18) in revenues from cruise shipping. By homeporting operations (turnarounds) Port Canaveral is currently ranked the world's 2nd-busiest (after Miami) cruise port with handled in 2019 total 4,634154 million passengers (4,568431 million in 2018).

For season 2019, the cruise port reported a record berth booking with estimated 4,7+ million passengers.

In 2023, Port Canaveral reported a record year with handled 906 cruise ship calls, 13 homeporting ships, ~6,8 million cruise tourists, US$158 million in revenue from cruise shipping operations. For season 2024, the Port had booked 913 ship calls and expected ~7,3M passengers

Port Canaveral cruise terminal

Besides being a large cruise port, Port Canaveral is also among the USA's/and the world's largest naval and cargo ports. On average, each day 10 cruise vessels enter the port.

Port Canaveral's cruise terminals serve several major cruise shipping companies. Terminal 5 is the homeport for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean , Celebrity , NCL-Norwegian , Marella UK . Terminal 6 serves ships of CCL-Carnival and Princess . Terminal 10 homeports ships of MSC and NCL.

The following cruise port map shows Port Canaveral port's infrastructure, the location of terminal facilities, connecting roads and transportation links to Orlando City.

Port Canaveral is the nearest Disney World city, situated about one hour east of Orlando by car. The Orlando Airport is 45 mi/70 km away. The driving distance to Tampa is 2 hours, to Jacksonville - 2,5 hours.

There are seven cruise terminals, but in regular use are 5 - numbers 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10. They are newer, located on the Port's north side, and serve larger ships. Southside terminals are older. Gambling ships use Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is the new Carnival Cruise Line's terminal.

Currently, Terminal 4 is also used, but rarely. In April 2024 was announced a plan for a new facility at Terminal 4, to be completed in 2026.

The cruise terminal parking rate is USD 15 per day (Port Authority subject to change). There is a parking lot beside each cruise terminal. Port Canaveral offers complimentary cruise parking for disabled Veterans. Approved are waiving cruise parking fees for vehicles with DV (Disabled Veteran) license plates issued under Florida Statutes "s.320.084", "s.320.0842" or "s.320.0845".

In August 2023, Port Canaveral commissioners allocated US$67,46 million for constructing two northside cruise parking garages. For the projects was contracted Ivey's Construction Inc. The larger facility (an 8-level garage with capacity 1940 vehicles) is adjacent to Terminals 5 and 6, while the smaller one (a 6-level garage with capacity 1081 vehicles) is near Terminal 10.

(NEW) Cruise Terminal 8 (2026)

In April 2023 was proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal on the Port's southern side.

The US$175 million facility could be completed and opened in July 2026.

This proposal for a new passenger terminal came after two newbuild large cruise liners were homeported year-round in Cape Canaveral starting in 2024-Q4.

Approved in May 2024, the proposal included in the Port's budget for FY2023 (October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023). FY23 was marked by increased cruise shipping traffic and stronger-than-expected, cruise-related revenues (including from parking) estimated at US$150,87 million. The previous estimate was US$124,48M. This represented ~83,7% of Port Canaveral's total projected operating revenue (US$180,35M) including from cargo shipping/handling, recreation, leasing, and other business activities. It was estimated that the Port's FY23 will have US$75,43M profit (including non-operating revenues and expenses) which was US$53,36M before FY23's budget began. The profit was used for port development projects and for reducing debt from previous projects.

In May 2023, were announced plans for a new cruise terminal at Bluepoints Marina's site. The facility (projected cost US$175M) would be ready/inaugurated in 2026.

The new multi-user Cruise Terminal 8 (aka Terminal X) is at the existing North 8 Berth (directly opposite to/sharing the turning basin with Cruise Terminal 5). The facility includes a multi-story parking garage (max capacity 3000 vehicles), road improvements (including turning lanes and a flyover ramp connecting Terminal 8 with State Road 401).

The project includes a pier extension and mooring improvements (Phase 1) and a bulkhead parallel to State Road 401 (between Terminal 5 and Terminal 8) in Phase 2.

(NEW) Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 (CT3-Launch Pad)

In late-April 2017, Port Canaveral started construction works on a new cruise terminal.

The facility is on the site of "Cruise Terminal 3" (port's southern / B side), west of Jetty Park and east of The Cove (dining-shopping-attractions complex). On June 7, 2017, engineering and design works for the new terminal were officially approved.

Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners approved US$1,2 million in funding for CH2M Engineering's project management contract. This was Phase I of the 2-year work plan to construct a modern facility with capacity to serve vessels with max capacity 8000 passengers.

At the new passenger terminal can berth even the world's largest cruise vessels of RCI's OASIS-class. CH2M Engineering provided engineering, support services and waterside design for the new Terminal 3.

The project's budget is USD 163 million (initially estimated cost was US$150M), of which US$50M contributed by Carnival Corporation . Ranked the USA's largest single building project, it included the demolition of the port's oldest terminal, construction of a brand new 2-story building (sized 17466 m2 / 188,000 ft2), upgrading the existing berth and building a new (adjacent to the terminal) parking garage, roadway and utility improvements.

The 20-month-long, multi-phased project included 5 separate contracts. Demolition works (of the existing Terminal 3 building) started in April 2018, at the cost of US$210,000.

• Following the building demolition, the project's next phases included berth demolition, dredging, dockside construction, building passenger boarding (mobile) bridges and terminal building, site works, building a covered parking garage (6-story building, sized 690,000 ft2 / 64,100 m2, capacity 1800 cars).
• On August 30, 2018, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a long-term terminal operation agreement with Carnival Cruise Line, allowing the company to homeport here its newest and biggest liner .
• Beginning September 1, 2018, the new agreement replaced the old (6-year concession) expiring in 2019. The new 25-year primary term has 4 additional 5-year renewal options. The minimum annual revenue from passenger fees (guaranteed by Carnival) was increased from USD 7 million (fixed, per year) to USD 14,5 million (with annual escalators).
• On January 8, 2019, the CPA Board of Commissioners awarded the company Ivey's Construction Inc the USD 79 million contract for building Cruise Terminal 3, plus USD 29,53M contract for building the adjacent parking.
• On April 24, 2019, Canaveral Port Authority commissioners unanimously approved several design changes in the CT3 Project to reduce building costs. Ivey's Construction Inc (Merritt Island-based) won the contract in January with a bid of USD 78,98 million. However, design changes resulted in total savings of USD 4,535 million, bringing the terminal's total cost down to USD 74,45 million. In all, "Cruise Terminal 3" costs USD 163 million when are added the costs of the adjacent parking garage, waterside improvements, two passenger boarding bridges, design services. Plans were redesigned after engineering studies reduced the number of needed piles (also their size and coating) without sacrificing the structural integrity.

The new Carnival Cruise Terminal (CT3) is a 2-story building (sized 187,000 ft2 / 17370 m2) with max passenger capacity 6500 at a time. Among its amenities are electronic systems to facilitate passenger screening, mobile check-in (for expediting boarding), ATMs, restrooms, waiting and baggage halls, retail shopping area, info kiosks.

Construction works officially started on March 18, 2019, and the Terminal was completed in September 2020.

At the new CT3 terminal was homeported Carnival's largest vessel Mardi Gras (GT 180,000 tons, LNG-powered , capacity 5286 berths / max passengers 6500). The new liner's LNG bunkering is dockside (barge-to-ship).

Mardi Gras docked for the first time on June 4, 2021, and was joined later on the same day by the fleetmates Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty .

North (A Side) Cruise terminals (5, 6, 8, 10)

They are located on the A dock at the north side. Along is the Charles M Rowland Drive.

All are up to date and can handle the biggest passenger ships. Especially for Disney Cruise Line ships was built Cruise Terminal 8.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 was closed Disney's Cruise Terminal 8 (June through November). The closure was for installing a new curtainwall-pile (breakwater), removing ticket counters, extending the drop-off canopy, replacing the current seating.

In 2016, about USD 2,3 million were spent at Disney Terminal 8's renovations. This cruise facility is used exclusively by Disney ships. Cruise Terminal 10 was reopened on November 19, 2016, following USD 35 million expansion and upgrade project which took 6 months to complete. Terminal 10 (1994-built) is used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) .

Renovation works included increasing the size of the 2-story terminal building (from 97,050 to 125,825 ft2 / 9016 to 11690 m2). Lower floor's baggage processing area was increased from 42,800 to 64,400 ft2 (3976 to 5983 m2). Upper floor's passengers check-in area was increased from 54,250 to 61,430 ft2 (5040 to 5707 m2).

The development project allowed the terminal to handle larger cruise ships (carrying up to 5,500 passengers). Previously, its max capacity was 3,600 passengers.

Among the major projects of the Cruise Terminal 10 renovations were:

• USD 25,69 million for terminal renovations, with H.J. High of Orlando as contractor. The downstairs area where baggage processing occurs increased from the previous 42,799 ft2 to 64,396 ft2. The upstairs area where passengers check-in increased from the previous 54,249 ft2 to 61,428 ft2.
• USD 4,48 million were invested into new mobile Passenger Boarding Bridges (by the Spanish manufacturer ADELTE). The new mobile bridge systems replaced the old fixed gangways and provide better flexibility when used by differently-sized cruise vessels that have different heights and boarding door locations.
• USD 1,79 million were used for the existing cruise pier strengthening. The contractor (Vortex Marine of Oakland, California) used carbon fiber polymer technology to reinforce and extend the pier's life and structural capacity.

In 2016 was completed a USD 48,4 million renovation project at Cruise Terminal 5 (used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line ). Among the improvements were terminal expansion, pier elongation (by 120 ft / 37 m), new mobile boarding bridges, new parking garage (capacity 1044 cars). The 1991-built Terminal 5 now allows berthing of larger ships (with up to 3500 passengers / previously up to 2500). For the project were contracted a total of 87 companies.

South (B Side) Cruise Terminals (2, 4)

They are located on the B dock at the southwest side. Along is George King Blvd. They were among the Port's first cruise facilities and can handle not more than 1900 passengers.

(NEW) Cruise Terminal 1

On November 5, 2016, Port Canaveral received its ever largest passenger ship - Oasis of the Seas . The mega-liner docked at the new "Cruise 1 Terminal" (inaugurated in December 2014). Oasis OTS was homeported here replacing the smaller Freedom OTS .

The facility's main tenant is RCI Royal Caribbean and was designed specifically to handle Oasis-class vessels. The new terminal is sized 188,000 ft2 (17,470 m2) and has a dedicated parking garage with capacity 1007 vehicles. The project cost USD 104,6M.

Port Canaveral tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center: NASA’s base where Apollo missions have been launched. Watch a movie at the center of IMAX, learn the space exploration future at the Exploration Space show, go to the Apollo Center and the LC39 Gantry or try the Shuttle Launch Experience.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame: 5 miles away from the Kennedy Space Center. Honor the American astronauts, watch the Science On A Sphere show, try the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket or a real training for astronauts.

Jetty Park: park at the coastline with a beach, camping and a playground, picnic areas and pavilions. Enjoy the amazing marine traffic view from the pier, favorite place for fishermen and tourists. You can have a coffee, eat or buy something at the Cove Waterfront area, located between the park and the port.

Cocoa Beach Pier: dating since 1962, Space coast best-known landmark located 4 miles away ftom Port Canaveral. It offers bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, live music and lively beach.

Orlando Amusement Parks: enjoy the attractions Walt Disney World , Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and much more.

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Cruises From Orlando (Port Canaveral)

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Orlando (Port Canaveral) Cruise Port Guide

While Orlando is best known for the thrills of its spectacular theme parks, there’s much more to this arty, energetic city, which encompasses long, tree-lined avenues, serene lakes, world-class museums, and an inventive culinary scene. Cruises from Port Canaveral offer an easy and convenient chance to spend time here and to explore Florida’s 72-mile-long Space Coast, where you’ll find uncrowded beaches, fragrant citrus groves, golf courses, and extraordinary wildlife. Another highlight is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can meet astronauts, marvel at moon rockets, and immerse yourself in space exploration.

Cruises from Orlando take you south to the dreamy tropical islands of The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and beyond. Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, or the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic. Absorb both Dutch and French culture in St. Maarten, try river rafting in mountainous Jamaica, and unwind on Grand Cayman’s blissful Seven Mile Beach. A world of adventure awaits on your exciting Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral.

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Featured Destinations on Cruises From Port Canaveral

Key west, florida.

Bohemian, fun-loving Key West lies off the tip of South Florida and is known for its lively downtown scene and pristine coral reefs. Discover teeming marine wildlife during a snorkeling excursion, or kayak through lush mangroves, where you’ll see stingrays, crabs, and other tropical fish. Explore the shops and pubs along Duval Street, visit the villa where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote, and make time for a slice of tangy Key lime pie.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is surrounded by powdery white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons that invite swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm water, where there’s abundant marine life. Head for Blue Lagoon Island for a day of blissful relaxation on a palm-fringed beach, or visit Atlantis for the adrenaline rush of the waterslides at Aquaventure. Browse local handicrafts at the colorful Straw Market, and sample delicious conch fritters, the local specialty.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata lies between long, golden beaches and forested mountains. This colorful, historic port is the gateway to adventure, whether you want to fly over the trees on a zipline, paddleboard through peaceful mangroves in search of manatees, or head for the hills on an off-road driving safari. At the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, slide down natural rock channels into freshwater pools as you follow the course of the 27 waterfalls. 

Why Sail From Port Canaveral With Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s cruises on the Celebrity Equinox take you to the heart of the Caribbean. Enjoy blissful days at sea as you head south, where culture, adventure, and exquisite beaches await. Swim with wild dolphins, snorkel over dazzling reefs, zipline over rainforests, taste local rum, and discover the fascinating history of each island.

On board, enjoy accommodation rivaling the world’s finest hotels and delicious meals. Relax at The Lawn Club, inhaling the aroma of fresh, living grass, or treat yourself to a massage or facial in The Spa. Lie back in a comfortable lounge chair beside the shimmering pool, and dig into made-to-order burgers and salads at the Mast Grill in the sunshine. As the day draws to a close, head for the Sunset Bar for cocktails with sweeping views of the ocean. Elevate your experience even further with The Retreat®, staying in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat restaurant.

Port Canaveral Cruise Port Facilities & Location

Port Canaveral is located in East Central Florida, some 45 miles from Orlando and just south of the Kennedy Space Center. There are multiple cruise ship docks here, with parking available for each terminal. The terminals themselves have some amenities, such as restrooms, but The Cove, close to the port, is the place to go for bars, waterfront restaurants, shops, and views of the ships coming and going.

Top Sights & Attractions in Port Canaveral & Orlando

Kennedy space center.

Anybody with an interest in space exploration will be wowed by the spectacular Kennedy Space Center. Talk to working astronauts and admire mind-blowing exhibits such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed in a multi-million dollar exhibition space with immersive interactive activities. See artifacts and objects from former space missions, learn how astronauts are preparing to fly to Mars, and watch beautiful IMAX films detailing the Earth from space.

Orlando’s Theme Parks

In Orlando’s famous theme parks, you can ride some of the world’s most intricate and adrenaline-boosting roller coasters, or make a splash on wild water slides and lazy river rides. Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of Hollywood and the movies, or meet some of your favorite cartoon characters. Spot gorillas, giraffes, and elephants, or spend your time learning about anything from science to world cultures.

Downtown Orlando

Orlando’s downtown area is a delight to explore, with tranquil Lake Eola at its heart. You’ll find an impressive array of classy bars, restaurants, and shops here. Stop by Wall Street Plaza for a day of retail therapy. Learn about 12,000 years of history at the Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square Park. Explore lush Thornton Park, home to hip cafés, and CityArts, which houses seven galleries. If you’re overnighting, catch a show or concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Learn More About Caribbean Shore Excursions

Top things to do in port canaveral & orlando, relax on cocoa beach.

With such gorgeous beaches stretching away in every direction, a day by the seaside beckons. Head to Cocoa Beach, just 15 minutes’ drive from Port Canaveral. Here, the classic 1960s pier, which is lined with shops and restaurants, extends 800 feet out into the warm Atlantic, with street entertainers providing a backdrop of music and art. The beach itself is a hotspot for surfers, with lifeguards, umbrellas and beach chairs to rent, and volleyball courts.

Spot Manatees on a Kayak Tour

Cocoa Beach is part of the Thousand Islands Conservation Area, which extends along the Banana River to the west of the beach town and consists of shady green mangrove tunnels, saltwater marshes, and lagoons. Wild manatees as well as numerous wading birds can often be spotted in this 338-acre preserve. The best way to see them is on a guided kayak tour. Eagle-eyed naturalists will help you spot these gentle, endangered creatures as you paddle the serene waterways.

Browse Orlando’s Malls

If you love retail, you’ll be in heaven in Orlando, where there are numerous gleaming malls to explore, offering everything from bargain-packed outlet stores to high-end designer fashion. Try The Mall at Millenia for designer labels or The Florida Mall for more mainstream items. Bargain-hunters should head to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, the location of dozens of designer outlet shops, as well as a handy location close to the theme parks.

What should I eat in the area?

You’ll find restaurants catering to every taste in Orlando, where there’s an impressive selection of high-end places to eat. Many are managed by celebrity chefs and have an emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. Head for the fashionable Mills 50 District for Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian specialties, and West Church Street in Winter Park, the epicenter of the city’s fine dining scene.

Near Port Canaveral, The Cove is the place to go for waterfront restaurants cooled by sea breezes, where you can dig into tasty fish tacos, fresh oysters, snow crab, and mahi-mahi sandwiches. Other local specialties to try include rum cake, salt water taffy, gator jerky (yes, made from alligator meat), and Florida craft beers.

What’s the culture & history of the region?

While it’s easy to dismiss Orlando as having barely existed before the theme parks put it on the map, the city was actually founded in 1875. During the late 19th century, Orlando thrived as the hub of Florida’s citrus industry, an era which abruptly came to a halt in the Great Freeze of 1894. During this time, many citrus farmers went bust and left the area, leaving the citrus industry in the hands of a few big producers. 

After the 1950s, Orlando and the surrounding area grew steadily as a tourist attraction, the appeal of the region boosted in 1955 when NASA opened its headquarters on Cape Canaveral. Theme parks followed, and the rest is history; Orlando now receives some 74 million visitors a year.

Where can I go shopping?

You’ll find an abundance of shopping opportunities in Orlando, specifically on International Drive, at Disney Springs, and in the outlet malls. You’ll find everything from designer labels to factory outlet bargains.

Nearer Port Canaveral, visit Cocoa Village for local art and bright, whimsical tropical clothing and homeware. Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach sells all you need for surfing. The gift shop at the Kennedy Space Center is a fantastic place for quirky gift ideas, from freeze-dried ice cream to model rocket kits. Around 30 minutes from the port, The Avenue Viera is an open-air retail center with some big names, while Merritt Square Mall, just 15 minutes away, is great for big department stores and specialty shopping.

How can I get around?

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore as you please and is a good idea if you’re staying in the area before or after your cruise. All the major companies operate here. In downtown Orlando, the I-Ride Trolley runs back and forth along International Drive, giving access to multiple restaurants, shops, hotels, and other attractions.

In Port Canaveral itself, there’s a shuttle service to Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. You’ll also find rideshare service here.

What’s the local currency & tipping customs?

The currency in Florida is the U.S. Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping here is customary, as it is all over the United States. Leave 15-20% in restaurants for good service and tip taxi drivers and tour guides, too.

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Cruises From Port Canaveral, Florida

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20 Best Things to Do in Port Canaveral on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Port Canaveral on a cruise, you’re in luck. Port Canaveral is a favorite Florida cruise port for many cruise travelers. In fact, Port Canaveral hosted 6.8 million cruise passengers in 2023 (the fiscal year), a record number for the port.

Not only is Port Canaveral within close proximity to major theme parks, this port also has space-centered activities, wildlife, and world-famous surfing beaches.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do on a cruise in Port Canaveral, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Port Canaveral cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

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Port Canaveral Cruise Port 

When you hear “Canaveral” your first thought might be space shuttle launches. However, Port Canaveral’s massive 6-berth port is ranked as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. This port is the starting point for 3-15 day itineraries for Southern, Eastern, and Western Caribbean cruises and the Bahamas.

Because it is such a popular port for embarkation, each berth is flanked by a parking garage and public restrooms. If you’re leaving on your cruise from Port Canaveral, you’ll love the convenience and affordability of these on-site parking garages, as well as the wide variety of activities available nearby if you have some time to fill before your departure.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Port Canaveral, Florida is in the Eastern time zone. 

The weather in Port Canaveral throughout the year ranges from the low 70s (Fahrenheit) to the high 80s. The hottest months in Port Canaveral are June through September. These months are also the rainiest and most humid.  

Getting Around Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is a very large cruise terminal, with six deep-water berths. This is not a port where you will get off the ship and be able to walk to many activities. However, it is relatively easy to get to a large variety of activities and excursions nearby.

Port Canaveral is not a walkable port. If you are berthed on the south side (B Terminals, #1,2,3) there are four restaurants within walking distance. 

For the most part, you will need to drive to exit Port Canaveral, whether that is by taxi, shuttle, Uber/Lyft, car rental, or cruise excursion company. 

Public Transit

There are no public bus lines running into, or out of, Port Canaveral. 

There are a variety of shuttles that can transport you to and from Port Canaveral, including hotel shuttles, cruise ship shuttles, and private shuttle companies. 

If you are staying at a nearby hotel before or after your cruise, check to see what shuttle options they offer. Shuttle prices can vary widely, however, hotel shuttles and private shuttles will typically be your best value.

Keep in mind that using a shuttle means you won’t have to pay for parking. 

Uber/Lyft 

Rideshare services are a popular option at this port, and many drivers frequent Port Canaveral around cruise departures and arrivals. Expect to pay more for Uber/Lyft than you will for a shuttle and try to arrange pickup as far ahead as possible to avoid the cruise rush. 

Car Rentals

A car rental is an excellent option for transportation at Port Canaveral. Many of the rental companies offer shuttles to and from the port to nearby rental agencies. 

The Cape Canaveral area is easy to drive, and renting a car will most likely result in less wait time and a lower cost than an Uber/Lyft at this busy port. 

Related: Everything You Need to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

20 Best Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

Nicknamed “The Gateway to Central Florida,” Port Canaveral is within a short drive of a many exciting activities and picturesque beaches. 

It’s also only an hour’s drive to get to major theme parks in Orlando. 

If you are embarking from Port Canaveral and need activities to fill your time before or after your cruise, or if Port Canaveral is your port of call, here are some of the best Port Canaveral shore excursions.

1. Blast Off and Beach at Jetty Park

Located near this large cruise terminal, Jetty Park is accessible by walking if you are docked in B Terminals (#1,2 and 3). 

If you are on a ship that is docked on the other side of the channel (#5,6,8 and 10), Jetty Park is on the other side of the channel with no pedestrian access over the bridge. You would need to take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to take you to the park entrance. 

The beach itself has on-duty lifeguards and rental chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys available. If you’re lucky, this is also an excellent spot to watch rocket launches.

Tip: Check the Kennedy Space Center website to see if your docking or departure date matches up with a launch.

2. Spend the Day at Cocoa Beach

If you’re docked in Port Canaveral during a Bahamas cruise, one of the easiest and most popular excursions is a beach day at Cocoa Beach. Families cruising with kids especially enjoy a day building sandcastles and jumping in the waves.

Located about 10 miles from Port Canaveral, cruise passengers can take public transit, an Uber or taxi, or a transfer that can be purchased through the cruise line.

Related: What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag

3. Get Interactive at the Exploration Tower

The Exploration Tower is a seven-story museum with interactive exhibits. Depending on where your ship is docked, the tower is a short walk or inexpensive cab ride away.

The tower’s exhibits include information and artifacts from: the U.S. space program, the development of Florida’s central coast, early settlers and native people as well as how Port Canaveral itself was developed.

Enjoy amazing views from both an indoor and outdoor observation deck and plan on 2-3 hours to explore this attraction. 

4. Savor Local Seafood at Port Eateries

If you want to eat local fare without venturing outside of the port, there are some restaurants located in the Cove Eatery near B terminals (#1,2 and 3). Fishlips and Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar are both popular options for fresh seafood. 

Ask to get seated portside/outside so you can watch the cruise ships and possible rocket launches. If you eat at Fishlips, try the tuna poke or crab cakes. And don’t miss your chance for fresh shucked oysters and mojitos at Rusty’s.

5. Have a blast at Orlando Theme Parks

If you are a theme park fan, Port Canaveral offers the unique opportunity to combine your cruise vacation with a major theme park. If you starting your cruise from Port Canaveral, overnighting here, or if your ship is in port for at least 8-10 hours you have the option of heading inland to, (or starting at!) Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, or Legoland. 

The drive to Orlando is about 45 minutes to an hour from Port Canaveral, which will limit the amount of time you have to spend in each park. Many cruise lines offer a paid shuttle option to the theme parks, or you can use a rental car or rideshare service. 

This won’t be a typical “all-day” theme park experience so plan accordingly. If you go with expectations of only riding a few rides and perhaps some specialty dining, a theme park visit can be a memorable shore excursion . 

Sandwiching your Port Canaveral-based cruise with a visit to theme parks can also be a fantastic option and allow for more park time.

Related: Shore Excursion Checklist: 16 Things to Do Before a Port Day

6. Fly through Florida Swamps on an Airboat ride 

If you’ve never had an airboat ride before, it is a thrilling experience! These flat-bottomed boats are powered by a gigantic propellor, allowing them to quickly travel through shallow inlets in swampy marshlands. 

You’ll be outfitted with hearing protection and life jackets. An airboat is the best way to see Florida wildlife in their natural habitat including alligators, wading birds, river otters, bald eagles, and possibly some wild hogs and cows. 

7. View Sea Cows at the Manatee Sanctuary Park 

This small park is located a short drive from the Port and includes a half-mile, partially shaded walking path. You aren’t guaranteed to see manatees here, however this is a great place to try.  

Manatees prefer warmer waters, so from the months of November to March manatees you probably won’t spot them in the Canaveral area. 

8. Experience Nature at Lori Wilson Park 

This beautiful park is located about six miles South of Port Canaveral on Cocoa Beach. It has many amenities if you are looking for a relaxing beach day. 

There are hiking and nature trails, a wide expanse of clean beach, and concessions available. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and even boogie boards for a nominal fee.

9. Shop and Snack at Cocoa Beach Pier

This iconic pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and has fun beachy vibes. There are restaurants, bars, shops, live music and fishing. 

Parking is around $30 and food is a little more on the expensive side. Beware that the pier can be closed for weather (typically wind) and you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol.

The Pier is located about 3 miles away from the port (a 10-15 minute drive). Your cruise line will likely offer Cocoa Beach shore excursions and transportation options.

10. Test your Skills at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

If you have a future American Ninja Warrior in your cruise party, they will love the chance to work their way through seven different ropes courses, including suspension bridges, zip lines, monkey bars, balancing logs, balance beams, and tunnels. 

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures is located 8-10 minutes from Port Canaveral. 

11. Hang Ten at Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surf School 

Located a block away from Cocoa Beach, this gigantic surf shop and school is a must-stop for surfing enthusiasts. Cocoa Beach is known around the world for being the home of surf legends Kelly Slater and Dick Catri. 

Not only can you visit the largest surf shop in the world (over 52,000 square feet), you can also add on some surf lessons and impress your friends by saying you surfed the same beach as Slater. 

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12. See Endangered Species Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island Refuge is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in the USA. It is located about a 40-minute drive from Port Canaveral. There are several different ways to enjoy the refuge including boats and kayaking or, if you drive yourself, a self-guided 7-mile wildlife drive. 

Be sure to start your visit at the visitor’s center. While at the refuge, you might spot manatees, alligators, wild pigs, herons, turtles, dolphins, and many types of birds and butterflies. If you love wildlife, this is a wonderful spot to visit while docked in Canaveral. 

13. Explore Florida’s Space Coast

Port Canaveral is located within Florida’s “Space Coast” and has several exciting attractions for aerospace enthusiasts. 

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is on 42-acres and includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Saturn V rocket, the space shuttle Atlantis (one of only 4 real space shuttles on display in the country) and the Spaceport USA ride where you can virtually blast off into space. 

The Kennedy Space Center is about a 25-minute drive from Port Canaveral. There is a lot to do here, so plan on anywhere from 3-6 hours for your visit. 

14. Have an Active Zoo Adventure at Brevard Zoo 

With a zipline, a train, animal interactions, and even kayaking, the Brevard Zoo isn’t your average zoo.

Located about 30 minutes from Port Canaveral, the Brevard Zoo would be a wonderful excursion choice for families or animal lovers. It is a smaller-sized zoo, so you might be able to add some beach time before or after your visit.

15. Catch a Snapper on Banana River

Banana River is a 31-mile-long lagoon that lies between Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral. It is part of the Indian River Lagoon system and provides a habitat for many types of marine species including dolphins, manatees, stingrays, trout, catfish, drums, and mangrove snapper. 

Excursions here include fishing tours and ecotours (to view wildlife and the ecosystem). Banana River is about 15 minutes from Port Canaveral.

16. Get Jurassic at The Dinosaur Store

This hidden gem packs a lot of punch for dinosaur lovers. Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach it has two full floors of exhibits on dinosaurs and ancient people, a third-floor gigantic museum store, and an adventure zone with live amphibians, gold panning, and a “wild” ride. 

Plan on a couple of hours for The Dinosaur Store museum and gift shop. You’ll have time to catch a bite to eat or even catch some waves in Cocoa Beach. 

17. Enjoy Local Seafood at Florida’s Fresh Grill

This popular Cocoa Beach eatery is self-labeled “Florida Upscale Casual” and offers fresh locally sourced seafood, steak, and salad. It opens at 4 p.m. each night and is a 15-minute drive from Port Canaveral.

If you want to be adventurous, try the “Gator and Grits” or the Florida-style Fresh Calamari. The dress code is business casual here, so no beach attire or sleeveless shirts.

18. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company

You can’t visit Florida without tasting the Keys’ iconic Key Lime Pie. At The Florida Key Lime Pie Company, you can sample this tart favorite along with “twists” including Key Lime Snickerdoodle cookies, Key Lime-covered pretzels, and Key Lime macaroons.

There are also lots of local products that would make excellent souvenirs including hot sauces, taffies, and other candies. The Florida Key Lime Pie company is located across the street from the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.

19. Catch “The Big One” Deep Sea Fishing

The reef and shipwrecks in the Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area attract a variety of fish species. If you want to try your hand at sports fishing, this port is an excellent choice! 

Common Florida catches include Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Sailfish, King Mackeral, Cobia, and Mahi. Ask your captain for the names of local restaurants that will grill up your fresh catch. 

20. Shop and Dine in Historic Cocoa Village

Not to be confused with Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Village is a delightful step back into historical Florida. You can browse shops, eat at restaurants, or just walk along the cobblestone streets and admire buildings dating to the late 1800s. 

Cocoa Village often has town fairs and celebrations that make this quaint village even more enjoyable. A trip to Cocoa would make for a relaxing and enjoyable port stop. 

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Port Canaveral Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit port canaveral .

Port Canaveral has cruises departing year-round. If you are hoping for cooler, less humid weather, the months of January through May and October, November, and December would be your best bet. 

How far is downtown from the Port Canaveral cruise port?

Orlando, the largest city near Pot Canaveral is located about 45 minutes west. Closer by, the town of Cocoa Beach is about 15 minutes away. 

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• 60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know
• 10 Foods to Avoid Eating on a Cruise
• 50 Cheap Cruise Travel Hacks to Cruise More Often
• 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Whether you are looking for activities to do in Port Canaveral before a cruise departs or exciting excursion activities for a port stop, Port Canaveral has a wide variety of options. From theme parks and space tourism to sport fishing and surfing, you are sure to find an activity that everyone in your cruise party will enjoy.

Have you been to Port Canaveral on a cruise? Please let me know your favorite activities in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Port & Cruise Facts

Our cruise partners at royal caribbean cruise line teamed up with the wall street journal to produce this fascinating video on how we dock the world's largest cruise ship, the wonder of the seas, at port canaveral., watch the video below:, port canaveral voted best u.s. cruise homeport for the third consecutive year in a row from cruisehive's annual cruise ship awards.

The Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards are an annual event recognizing the best in the industry, as voted on by Cruise Hive readers. One of the most closely contested categories is Best Homeport, which recognizes the top ports that serve as the starting point for cruise vacations. 

This year, Port Canaveral came out on top, earning 24% of the votes and taking the first-place spot. It is the third year in a row that Port Canaveral has taken the top spot, followed closely by Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  “We’re thrilled to have earned this valued distinction three years in a row,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “What an honor for us and our cruise partners to be so well recognized for providing a high quality guest experience. It’s tremendous gratitude of our efforts from the millions of cruise guests sailing from Port Canaveral year after year.”

Empty heading

2023 port map - cruise.

Cruise Terminal Locations 

   (north side) - exit 54a,   (south side) - exit 54b.

Cruise Terminal #1 (9500 Discovery Rd.) Cruise Terminal #2 (180 Christopher Columbus Dr.) Cruise Terminal #3 (220 Christopher Columbus Dr.)

2024 Port Canaveral Cruise Fast Facts

Download High-Res PDF Here

It’s Time to Come to Port Canaveral

Today, Port Canaveral is ranked as the world’s busiest cruise port in multi-day embarkations. We’ve been in the top for years, but this isn’t yesterday’s Port Canaveral and now we’re aiming to stay at the top. Tomorrow’s Port Canaveral – a product of vision, tremendous effort and many man-hours – already is an in-demand port-of-call, a popular vacation destination in its own. We invite you to be front and center and join us as we welcome the world to cruising’s future and to its number one port of innovation.. Bring us your best; you’ll find we’re ready to provide the perfect home. 

The right facility, the right ship, the right match.

Sustainable Growth

Today, we have a homeported fleet that typically sails above 100 percent capacity, both because our predominantly family market typically results in more passengers per stateroom and because we know how to respond to our market’s needs and wants with:

On Track for World Leadership

A Proven Market - Port Canaveral/Orlando

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BREAKING NEWS

3-year-old boy with autism found dead at resort, Orange County deputies say

Royal caribbean’s utopia of the seas, world’s 2nd-largest cruise ship, sails into port canaveral, cruise ship makes debut july 19.

Brenda Argueta , Digital Journalist

James Sparvero , Reporter

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The world’s second-largest cruise ship arrived Thursday morning at Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas can hold more than 5,000 passengers and has more than 40 dining experiences, 23 bars, five swimming pools and two casinos.

Some new additions to the ship include a Caribbean tiki bar, a “first-of-its-kind immersive dining experience,” the longest dry slide at sea and newly-designed resort-style pools.

Utopia of the Seas will set sail for Perfect Day at CocoCay from Port Canaveral.

“Stopping in Nassau, stopping in Perfect Day at CocoCay is a home run,” Jay Schneider said.

The cruise ship is the first of its kind to debut three-night weekend and four-night weekday trips, according to Royal Caribbean.

Most recently, Royal Caribbean named singer Meghan Trainor as godmother of the cruise ship.

It is set to officially debut on July 19.

Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily :

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Brenda argueta.

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

James Sparvero

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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World’s 2nd-largest cruise ship arrives at Port Canaveral

The world’s second-largest cruise ship sailed into Port Canaveral on Thursday.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is now on Central Florida’s coast.

Action News Jax’s sister station WFTV toured the massive ship for the first time.

Read: ‘It’s heartless:’ Orlando family scammed out of thousands in home rental scheme

Utopia of the Seas will be sailing 3-night weekends and 4-night weekday getaways from Port Canaveral.

It will take travelers to the cruise line’s private destination, Perfect Day at Cococay in the Bahamas.

CLICK HERE to read the full story by WFTV .

Read: Key takeaways from Biden’s news conference: Insistence on staying in the race and flubbed names

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5 - Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: amber cove, day 4: grand turk.

Day 5: Fun Day at Sea

Day 6: port canaveral (orlando).

Get to Know Carnival Freedom

Carnival Freedom has a message for you, and its "feel free to have fun!" Explore the ship and you'll find food options galore, starting with two dining rooms, but definitely extending outdoors — there's mouth-watering Guy Fieri burgers at Guy's Burger Joint ™ , plus the greatest tacos and burritos this side of the pier at BlueIguana Cantina ™ . For delicious, but quick and easy, selections from the sea, get your chopsticks around all the good stuff at Bonsai Sushi Express ™ . For every great food spot, there's a great place to enjoy drinks, too, from the toe-tapping Scott's Piano Bar to the always-hoppin' 70's Nightclub. For the thirsty, libation hotspots include Alchemy Bar ® and the place we all gather to raise very important toasts: Heroes Tribute ™ Bar & Lounge. Everybody's favorite outdoor seaside bar is here... whether yours is the RedFrog Rum Bar ® or BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ . (Or hey, make it both!) The rum bar's older brother, RedFrog Pub ® , features drinks, live music and traditional pub games. Topping off adult-time is Serenity — adult-only, of course — the retreat where total relaxation is not only encouraged, but pretty much required. If you're a kid, Carnival Freedom means you're in for a treat. Not only will you find new friends at one of three youth spaces — like Camp Ocean ® — but you can splash around with them in one of our many pools, speed down a waterslide at Carnival WaterWorks ™ , or once you dry off, challenge them to a round of mini-golf. Oh, and adults — don't get jealous; your inner kid gets to do all this stuff too! Up on stage is Playlist Productions ™ , featuring songs you know... and dance moves you'll soon be using. And for the cherry on top... it's actually called Cherry On Top ™ . It's the spot for something special, whether that something's a little something sweet — or simply a little something to sweeten a special occasion.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

change your itinerary

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Home » Home » WATCH: Royal Caribbean International’s ‘Utopia of the Seas’ Arrives at Port Canaveral

WATCH: Royal Caribbean International’s ‘Utopia of the Seas’ Arrives at Port Canaveral

By Space Coast Daily  //  July 19, 2024

first of its kind to debut with 3-night weekend, 4-night weekday vacations

WATCH: Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas at Port Canaveral. The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson is at the Port and provides coverage.

Port Canaveral is homeport for two of the three largest ships in the world, including Utopia’s arrival, she joins Royal Caribbean International’s sister ships Wonder of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Port Canaveral welcomed home Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas, the ultimate short getaway.

Utopia is the first of its kind to debut with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday vacations that will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is one of the industry’s most anticipated new cruise ships,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

“We’re proud to be Royal Caribbean’s partner for this industry-first experience and excited to support the strong market demand for short itineraries. Our team is ready and committed to providing high-quality experiences to help all cruise guests launch their memorable journeys from our Port.”

The Oasis class is a class of seven Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. The first two ships in the class, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, were delivered respectively in 2009 and 2010 by STX Europe Turku Shipyard, Finland.

A third Oasis-class vessel, Harmony of the Seas, was delivered in 2016 built by STX France. A fourth vessel, Symphony of the Seas, was completed in March 2018.

As of March 2022, the fifth Oasis-class ship, Wonder of the Seas, was the largest cruise ship in the world. A sixth ship, Utopia of the Seas, is currently being built for entry into service in July 2024 with a seventh to follow in 2028.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray welcomed Utopia of the Seas’ Capt. Gus Andersson and crew with a commemorative plaque presentation to acknowledge the ship’s historic arrival at the port.

Port Canaveral is homeport for two of the three largest ships in the world. With Utopia’s arrival, she joins Royal Caribbean International’s sister ships Wonder of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.

A fourth Royal Caribbean ship, Voyager of the Seas, will homeport at Port Canaveral beginning November 26.

Over the past year, Port Canaveral has prepared for the arrival of Utopia with an expanded parking capacity of approximately 1,000 additional spaces at Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1) to cater to guests arriving by personal vehicles.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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What’s the best Caribbean cruise line for me?

Jul 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Whether you're a family of four or a solo adventure junkie, the Caribbean has a cruise for you. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images.

It feels like just about everyone is headed on a cruise ship, and for good reason. There’s a real appeal to embarking on a getaway where your travel plans are already sorted; you only have to unpack once and arrive each morning in an exciting port of call.

Plus, new ships are rolling out incredible bells and whistles that push the limits of fun at sea (think indoor skydiving, roller coasters, and go-karts). At the same time, the cruise industry has shifted towards sustainable efforts that have emerged as fundamental to modern cruising. 

Recent statistics from CLIA (the official Cruise Line International Association) show an increase of nearly two million passengers in 2023 (totaling 31.7 million) compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

And there’s no more popular cruising region than the Caribbean , where upwards of 37 cruise lines with 154 ships rove the idyllic paradise of islands. With so many options, sorting out which ship and itinerary fits you best can be confusing. 

Here’s a handy guide to help determine which cruises are best for you, along with tips and advice to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a smooth sail. 

What Caribbean cruise is best for me?

Sailing for adventure.

Whether you're into ziplining through the rainforest, scuba diving one of the world’s largest coral reefs or swimming at the base of a waterfall, cruises throughout the Caribbean offer excellent opportunities for adventure.

Cruise ports known for high-octane activities include St-Martin (known for its superb scuba diving), Belize (cave-tubing and ziplining throughout rainforest treetops) and St Lucia (the Sapphire Falls Hike). 

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America have cruises that frequent these ports.

Best ships for families

Look for larger ships with kid-friendly pools, expansive kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s fleet features action-packed decks great for families with water slides, laser tag and mini golf. 

Disney Cruise Line’s fleet sails extensively throughout the Caribbean to ports that span from Cozumel , Mexico, to Willemstad , Curaçao. The line’s most common Caribbean offerings are shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries that are perfect for families looking for a short trip.

Cruise lines with private islands operate predominantly in the Bahamas , including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. These stops are great family destinations as they feature enclosed, private environments with kids' activities and the ease of charging everything to your sea pass card.  

Singles at sea

Cruises can be an excellent place for singles to mix and mingle. A standard cruise stateroom rate is usually calculated at a minimum two-adult rate. Singles wishing to book a standard stateroom are typically charged a single supplement fee ranging from 50% - 100% of their base fare. 

As the demand for single cruise accommodations grows, new ship builds include solo staterooms, both interior and with balconies. Look to Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Lines for some of the best accommodations for solo travelers. 

Most relaxing getaways

The most relaxing cruises sailing through the Caribbean tend to be the smaller ships focusing on a more “resort at sea” vibe. The higher-end ships with all-inclusive rates offer the luxury of seamless vacations. Windstar, Seabourn and Viking are the best lines for a relaxing cruise.

On these ships you’ll find daily activities that swap dance parties and poolside games for fitness-oriented activities like yoga and strength training classes, lectures on upcoming ports and ample lounge chairs to soak up the sun by the pool.

From your first step onboard, all your food and drinks (except for certain vintage wines and spirits), activities and sometimes your port excursions are included in your rate. 

Itineraries like the Viking Ocean Cruises’ West Indies Explorer sail a 10-day itinerary roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops that include Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts, Saint Kitts & Nevis and Roseau, Dominica. Rates for Viking Ocean Cruises include one shore excursion per port.

Best parties at sea

As the classic notion of cruising sunsets – goodbye white glove service, shuffleboard, Baked Alaska – a new era of fun is afloat.

Large ships are built to maximize fun, whether you're hopping pool parties, dancing the night away at late-night discos or cheering your team at rousing sports bars. Special interest cruises are also an excellent option for the most immersive fun at sea, whether that’s a full ship charter rock concert like the Rock Legends Cruise , a trip dedicated to Golden Girls fans , or an LGBTQ+ charter like VACAYA . 

Favorite lines that feature an upbeat party vibe include Margaritaville at Sea (particularly on their new Islander), Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line.

A quick getaway

You’ll find cruise lines are leaning into shorter itineraries that offer weekend getaways to nearby ports in the Caribbean. Most of these sailings are roundtrip from Florida’s top cruise ports: Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral). These are often 3- and 4-night sailings featuring a stop in The Bahamas or Bermuda . 

The vibe onboard is often more upbeat and celebratory, as guests do their best to maximize their limited time at sea. 

A few favorite lines for this style of travel include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (who is launching Utopia of the Seas this summer as its first-ever large-scale ship that will exclusively sail short getaways) and Disney Cruise Line.

An extended journey through the Caribbean

Smaller cruise lines offer longer, extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean; smaller ships can port far off the beaten path at more remote destinations. Itineraries like Seabourn’s “25-Day Captivating Antillean Treasures” sail to some of the lesser trafficked parts of the Caribbean including Marigot, St. Martin; Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis; and Sopers Hole (Frenchmans Cay), BVI. Lines like Silversea, Windstar Cruises and Azamara are favorites that route to these idyllic destinations. 

When should I go on my cruise?

There are sailings throughout the Caribbean year-round, with high season running from November through April. This period is known for its optimal sailing conditions and weather. 

You’ll find cheaper sailings during the hurricane season, typically July through September, though you risk the chance of your trip being canceled or rerouted to avoid inclement weather. 

Holiday sailings (particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve) are also excellent times to sail as cruise lines curate impressive decor and holiday-themed activities.

How do I know if my cruise line is operating sustainably? 

Conservation efforts have become a vital tenet of the future of cruising, with the industry gearing towards carbon-zero sailings by 2050 . Efforts underway include ship engines that run cleaner on alternative fuels, advanced wastewater systems that can better clean sewage water and exhaust gas cleaning systems to improve air quality at sea and in port. 

Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card is a great resource to assess a ship’s sustainability efforts. 

A few lines at the forefront of sustainable sailing include Ponant, Disney Cruise Line and Hurtigruten. Ponant recently became the first maritime cruise line to receive Green Globe certification, which recognizes the line’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.  The line has shifted away from heavy fuel oil and installed catalytic systems to reduce atmospheric emissions.

Disney Cruise Line aims to operate with carbon emissions at net zero by 2030, in part by shifting to alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil. 

Hurtigruten is currently developing a zero-emission propulsion ship, which is aiming to be unveiled by 2030. 

There are still a large number of travelers who oppose the notion of cruise ships for not only their impact on the environment, but on local economies as well. Groups like Friends of the Earth , CLIA and Oceana are excellent organizations devoted to regulating the cruise industry.  

Need to know before you go

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re booking a Caribbean cruise. 

Book in advance...

Cruise lines offer better rates further from your sailing date, often making sailings available to book more than a year out. The earlier you book, the better the selection of staterooms to choose from. 

Or take advantage of last minute deals

Cruise Plum is our go-to with a comprehensive overview of discounted inventories if you're angling for a last-minute getaway. 

Opt for third-party travel insurance for hurricane season protection

Travel insurance is the best way to ensure smooth sailings on your Caribbean cruise. Typical cruise insurance rates hover around 5 to 10% of your total trip cost. 

Don’t just opt into the cruise line’s designated insurance option; shop around on a platform like Squaremouth for the most value. 

Look for a plan specific to cruise travel, with coverage that includes compensation for delays, cancellations (particularly helpful during hurricane season), emergency medical, and the premium option of canceling for any reason (CFAR). 

Be hurricane-aware

Hurricane season in the Caribbean is typically July through September. The outlook for the 2024 season from NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season with the potential range of 8-13 hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph. 

Cruise lines work expeditiously to avoid sailing into the path of any major tropical storm or hurricane, often rerouting or shortening itineraries as threats arise. Cruises rarely encounter major storms as they’re able to chart the course of the weather and route accordingly. 

In the event you encounter a major storm while at sea, head to the middle of the ship where you’ll feel the rolling of the ship less, take over-the-counter aids like Dramamine or Bonine and keep your eyes on the horizon for stability balance.

You don’t necessarily need a passport 

Passports are not required for closed-loop sailings that begin and end at a US port. All you need is a boarding pass, a government photo ID (if you’re 16 years or older) and a certified birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization. 

However, keep in mind that you might not be able to disembark the ship at certain ports (those ports include Barbados , Martinique and St-Barthélemy ).

Third-party excursions can be a better value play

If you want to stretch your dollar further, consider booking with local tour operators before arriving at each port. It’s important to note that third-party excursions are the best when they’re morning-only activities. 

The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late returning from a third-party excursion. For full-day excursions, consider the line’s offerings, as the ship will wait for you, and there’s nothing worse than missing the boat.

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6 Best Cruises Out Of Port Canaveral

By Zachary Laks | Published on April 9, 2024

It's time to start planning your next big vacation. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or an extended voyage, you'll find cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida that tick all your boxes.

When considering one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, plan extra time before and after your sailing to soak up all the fun that the area has to offer. There's so much to do in Orlando that you could stay for several days and never get bored — music to your ears if you're traveling with children. One of the best things about Orlando cruises is that you have your choice of theme parks to round out your vacation. They're expansive and immersive escapes into playful worlds, not unlike a great cruise. I love tacking on an extra day or two at an Orlando theme park, usually before my cruise departs. I always appreciate the days of racking up thousands of steps traversing a theme park before boarding a cruise, where I know I'll be able to lounge on a deck or relax in a hot tub.

Not far from Port Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great place to spend a day admiring the vast scope of NASA. The center offers one-of-a-kind immersion into space exploration, including the chance to strap into a rocket launch simulator for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

For those seeking a more peaceful retreat before boarding their cruises out of Orlando, Port Canaveral is near the white sands of Cocoa Beach. Spend the day enjoying calm, low waves — great for year-round swimming, learning to surf and kayaking alongside manatees and dolphins. Or take a seat on an airboat ride through the wetlands for encounters with alligators and, depending on the season, bald eagles, herons and osprey.

Ready to book a cruise to Port Canaveral? Here are the six best cruises from Port Canaveral.

1. Best For A Long Weekend

Set to launch in the summer of 2024, Utopia of the Seas ℠ will be the sixth Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean's class of ships packed with adventure and entertainment. The new ship will focus on three- and four-night cruises from its year-round home port in Port Canaveral, with onboard upgrades that include reimagined pool decks, a Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen that spans two decks (try the osso buco!) and the new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, serving fruity cocktails on the Royal Promenade. This itinerary  to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas ℠ is the best for a long weekend exploring the highlights of The Bahamas, with a day in Nassau followed by a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island destination.

2. Best For Beach Lovers

This exquisite itinerary to the Southern Caribbean on Adventure of the Seas ® routes you to the farthest corner of the Caribbean for some of its best beaches. Sailing on the Adventure of the Seas ® for eight nights from Port Canaveral, you'll stop in ports such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Each port will welcome you with easily accessible, powdery sand beaches primed for world-class swimming, snorkeling and diving. You'll have your pick of 86 dive sites at Bonaire National Marine Park with more than 350 recorded fish species known to frequent the waters.

3. Best For A European Adventure

Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas ® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing. You'll cruise the Atlantic for the first nine days, living it up on a ship that is packed with ways to play and relax. You'll arrive in idyllic Tenerife in the Canary Islands on the tenth day. Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture by spending part of your day exploring the Museum of Nature and Archaeology or the Basilica de Candelaria shrine. The cruise continues to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, where picture-perfect colonial mansions line cobblestone streets, then on to the adventurous mountain island of Madeira, Portugal before completing your journey in the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

4. Best For Private Island Getaways

This unique Port Canaveral cruise itinerary  to Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Adventure of the Seas ® visits both of Royal Caribbean's private destinations, where paradise is just steps away from the ship. On an eight-night journey, this ship will first cruise to Labadee, the cruise line's private peninsula adventure park and beach. Soak up this private spot by relaxing on the beach, enjoy the destination's signature cocktail specialty, the Labadoozie (a fruity rum cocktail) or opt for a zip line ride that will send you soaring over the ocean. The next private island destination is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's oasis in The Bahamas. Here you'll port within short distance of pristine beaches, a thrilling water park and countless ways to unwind beneath the palm trees. There's also a stop in Bermuda, home to pink-sand beaches and rum swizzles.

5. Best For Foodies

Foodies will delight in fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes on this itinerary to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wonder of the Seas ® . In Cozumel, Mexico you'll find lunch specialties featuring locally caught seafood, often grouper and red snapper fried on a plate with rice and a vibrant salad. In Roatán, Honduras, ceviche is the local favorite, along with fried plantains and baleadas — tacos made with soft flour tortillas. The ship's final port is Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, a charming fishing village where the salbutes  (fried corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken) make a great appetizer to the catch of the day, served hot off the grill.

6. Best For Variety

This seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary  on Wonder of the Seas ® is a top choice if you want to change things up and go on a unique adventure in each port. Your first destination is Philipsburg, St. Maarten, where you can tour the island on an ATV, sample rum from a local distillery or end the day with a sunset horseback ride on the beach. When the ship arrives in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, head straight to Magens Bay, often short-listed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Or dive into a snorkeling tour to get face time with some sea turtles and coral reefs. On your final stop, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, everyone in your group can enjoy a seemingly endless array of activities. If the beach is calling, grab a spot on one of the many cushy beach loungers close to a bar serving up island cocktails that go great with the ocean view. For the adventurous ones, Daredevil's Peak® waterslide is North America's tallest and promises an adrenaline rush.

Encompassing ports of paradise and incredible culture, Orlando cruises are the ideal vacation getaway. Start planning your island escape from Port Canaveral now .

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World's second-largest cruise ship to call Port Canaveral home

ORLANDO, Fla. — Port Canaveral has a new, very large resident.

The world’s second-largest cruise ship — Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas — arrived Thursday morning.

What You Need To Know

The world's second-largest cruise ship  — royal caribbean’s utopia of the seas — arrived in port canaveral thursday according to the cruise lines international association's 2023 state of the industry report, port canaveral second busiest u.s. port for cruises, and third in the world, in 2022 the disney cruise ship treasure is coming to port canaveral at the end of 2024, and royal caribbean's star of the seas is expected to arrive in 2025.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association's 2023 State of the Industry report, Port Canaveral was the second-busiest U.S. port for cruises, and third in the world, in 2022. 

Only PortMiami and Barcelona Cruise Port in Barcelona, Spain, were busier, the report says .

Travel agents and port officials say the demand is strong enough to close the gap.

According to Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral trailed Miami by about 400,000 passengers in 2023 — which would be down significantly from the approximate 800,000 difference for 2022 noted in the CLIA 2023 report.

But, when it comes to what industry has been thriving lately in Central Florida, people have to look no further than in the waters.

Tabbitha Stewart, CEO of Premium Travel Concierge, says bookings for cruises in the past year have nearly doubled out of Port Canaveral.

She said a big factor in that is the port's affordability.

“Three- to four-day cruise, you are looking at $200-300 per person,” Stewart said. “Then, a seven-day cruise is about $700 per person.”

“Most of my clients, even outside of Florida are coming to Orlando,” Stewart added. “That’s our No. 1 destination, and there are people asking would we be able to do Disney and a three- or four-day cruise out of Port Canaveral?”

Aside from the now Utopia of the Seas in the port, the Celebrity cruise ship Equinox will be in port come December.

The port doesn’t look to stop there.

The Disney cruise ship Treasure will be arriving at the end of the year, and next year the Star of the Seas, a second Icon Class ship from Royal Caribbean will also be in.

Between new ships and added parking lots that altogether can hold up to 100,000 cars at one time, Murray says Port Canaveral is not just a seasonal port, but a year-round one.

Murray also said 2024 is on pace for a record year for travel at Port Canaveral.

In 2023, which was a record year for Port Canaveral , 6.8 million passengers arrived. This year the port is on pace for 7.5 million, and in 2025 they are projecting another new record of more than 8 million passengers.

Environment | Cruise leaders tackle carbon conundrum on board…

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Environment | cruise leaders tackle carbon conundrum on board royal caribbean’s utopia of the seas.

Royal used the first shakedown sailing of Utopia of the Seas to bring together representatives from shipping and other maritime sectors to a Decarbonization Summit. The goal: to try and set the standards for how the industry will get to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“We’re all locked in for 2 1/2 days. We can’t escape. We’re all going to be in here until the white smoke comes out,” said Bo Cerup-Simonsen, the CEO of Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, referencing the Catholic Church’s tradition for when a new pope is chosen.

He was part of the keynote address for the summit Friday ahead of a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral hosted by Royal Caribbean on board its ship that arrived to Port Canaveral this past Thursday, and is set to begin sailing with paying customers for the first time on Friday this week.

The 2050 goal for net-zero carbon emissions is one set forth by Cruise Line International Association, the lobbying group for most of the world’s major cruise lines.

“We’re all here for one main reason, which is to do what’s right for our society, do what’s right for our planet. I think that should hopefully all drive us each and every day, to make the planet better, and leave it better for future generations,” said Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, who opened the summit.

But he also raised the specter of growing costs and the threat of limits coming online from the European Union, which has enacted regulations about carbon emissions that’s forcing the cruise lines, but also other ocean-goring interests like shipping to act.

“If you’re in the maritime space, you know, one of our key risks is making sure we always have the right to operate,” Liberty said. “And if we are not able to get to our net-zero position here I think within a very short period of time, that we can we can lose our right to operate, or limit our way to operate around the world.”

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas arrives to Port Canaveral

One part of that action was built into Utopia of the Seas. The sixth Oasis-class ship for the line is the first in class to run on the the cleaner burning liquified natural gas (LNG), and one of only six LNG-fueled cruise ships currently sailing in North America. With Utopia, Port Canaveral hosts three of them including Carnival’s Mardi Gras that arrived in 2022 and the Disney Wish that debuted in 2023.

CLIA has forecast that 26 of more than 300 vessels under its umbrella will be LNG-powered by 2027, but it’s only lowering part of the emissions problem while also producing a methane byproduct that brings its own climate change concerns.

“We don’t think and I don’t think the industry thinks LNG is the ultimate solution by any stretch, but it’s the beginning of that journey for us,” Liberty said.

He noted Utopia of the Seas is 35% more efficient that the original Oasis of the Seas that debuted in 2009.

“That doesn’t just happen by singing some type of chant or song or wish. That comes from a tremendous amount of hard work,” he said.

The fuel is only one part of that process, with other shipwide features that try to save energy where they can. One example is how the elevators on the way down on board the ship generate electricity, and a system on board tracking energy usage that can help identify overuse.

“That didn’t take Oasis from 100 to zero, but it’s built to have the capabilities to go on that journey, especially as alternative fuels become available,” he said.

Liberty said getting voices from outside the cruise industry to help guide the path to net zero was important.

“It takes a city of the best minds and thinkers in the world in order to develop the technology, scale the technology and make it available, make it affordable for society, as well as for maritime, and then of course, as well as for cruise ships,” he said.

The cruise industry only accounts for 3% of all maritime traffic.

Cruise lines’ new leaders have net-zero challenge on their mind

“So to think that everyone in the world is just going to design for us, I think, would be irresponsible, and quite naive,” Liberty said. “But I think working together and identifying alternative fuels, finding the technology that can limit the amount of emissions, capturing carbon, fuel cells, etc, I think is an important journey that we all have to get on together.”

Looking beyond LNG is already in the works for many cruise lines. Royal Caribbean Group, which also runs Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, is using its smallest vessels as guinea pigs to look into alternatives such as biofuels.

“The smaller the footprints are, it gives us an opportunity … so Silversea’s a little bit of that, kind of like laboratory for us to do that,” he said.

While alternative fuels such as green methanol and green hydrogen are all in the mix, a bigger issue for not just the cruise industry, but all of maritime is how it can be scaled up for mass use.

“Maritime not only requires that alternative fuel to be possible, but it’s got to be available,” Liberty said. “So if you’re producing green methanol, in let’s just say, in Spain, how do you get that to the Seychelles? Right? That will come over time, but the realities of it is, everything for the past 200, 250 years, it’s been designed around fossil fuels.”

And that leads to bringing on board the maritime support industry such as the shipyards and engine makers, some of whom had representatives at the conference. Liberty says, for instance, that engine manufacturers need consensus before investing.

“We’re now asking, ‘Hey, can you design it around green methanol?’ And they would say, ‘We can do that.’ But is the green methanol going to be available? Is green hydrogen going to be available? What’s going to be the energy source? Because they don’t want to invest in 10 different engines. They need to invest in a couple that they know is going to also have a financial return to them.”

So for now, cruise lines are building new vessels, which will be sailing for the next 30-35 years, with the capacity to take advantage of innovations as the come online.

New ships, for instance, are outfitted with the ability to plug into shore power at ports that have it available, such as the debut at PortMiami for limited use earlier this year. Ships are also adding fuel cell capacity so they can run on that energy as opposed to burning through fuel.

And if a better fuel than LNG becomes the industry standard, cruise lines are prepared to pivot to meet the 2050 goal.

“We keep industrywide rolling out new ships, and on those ships, we’re all trying to advance as far as possible, and create the highest level of flexibility, based off of what we know today, to take alternative fuels here into the future,” Liberty said.

And while the phrase “climate change” was not uttered on day one of the summit, there’s no argument among those attending about dealing with the industry’s carbon footprint.

“Everybody’s on board on how do you reduce emissions,” Liberty said. “So we don’t have to get into buzzwords or anything like that. What we have to focus on, is how do we improve our impact on the planet, and that’s not something that is political, or it’s not something that is something that has to be a kind of kumbaya kind of message. It’s because it’s the right thing to do.”

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Is the Eras Tour coming to a Disney Cruise? What to know about Taylor Swift cruise

Editor's note: Story was edited to clarify this is a fan-led event, the "Getaway Cruise" has no affiliation with the Disney Cruise Line.

Ahoy, Swifties! If you were unable to attend the Eras Tour in Tampa or didn't grab tickets for the new Miami dates , you're in luck .

The “Getaway Cruise” is a fan-led  Taylor Swift-themed event aboard that is set to launch from Florida next September.

The cruise will head for the Bahamas and Disney's private island from Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 to Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Believe Vacations travel agents Kim Haig and Kira Ashline will be hosting the enchanted event.

"The Getaway Cruise was born when Kim’s ​daughter Grace said 'Mama, I wish there was ​a Disney Cruise for Swifties' … and here we are," the website shares. "This cruise is for all fans, so bring your besties, ​your kiddos, your parents, your neighbor, you ​name it! If you need a roommate let us know ​and we can help you find one."

Will Taylor Swift also be on the cruise?

Unfortunately, there will not be any appearances from the popstar.

Believe Vacations notes on its website that they have no affiliation with Taylor Swift or Taylor Alison Swift Rights Management.

What does the Taylor Swift-themed cruise schedule look like?

The cruise is a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas, sailing out of Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. The itinerary for voyage looks like:  

• Day 1 - Port Canaveral, FL
• Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas
• Day 3 - Disney Castaway Cay
• Day 4 - Port Canaveral, FL

Believe Vacations note the event will take place during the Disney Cruise Line's " Halloween on the High Seas " sailing, which includes exclusive entertainment and deck parties, character costumes and meet and greets, themed food and beverages, trick or treating and costume nights for spooky season.

What activities will be available on the Taylor Swift-themed cruise?

It won't be a cruel summer while on the cruise. Haig shared what planned for those on board the Swift-themed ship: 

• Exclusive Welcome Gift
• Private Reception (with open standard bar)
• Disney and Taylor Inspired Theme Nights
• Friendship Bracelet Trading
• Costume Contest
• Scavenger Hunt
• Taylor Trivia
• Door Decorating Contest
• Group Exclusive Fish Extender Exchange (a gift exchange that's a Disney Cruise Line "tradition" of sorts)

What’s included in the ticket price?

According to the organizers, the cruise fare includes:

• Variety of Dining Options
• Soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices

It also includes the exclusive Taylor Swift activities for fans.

Here's how to book the Taylor Swift cruise on Disney Wish

You won't have to deal with Ticketmaster this time. According to Believe Vacations officials, guests can book rooms for the "Getaway Cruise” directly on their  website .

What documents do I need to board?

The website says that a passport is the best ID document for travel. If using a passport it cannot expire within six months of sailin​g​.

U.S. Citizens can also cruise with a birth certificate on most sailings from ​the U.S. All birth certificates must follow Disney Cruise Line’s ​requirements as outlined on its website .

Where will the Taylor Swift-themed event take place?

Get ready to watch the sun go down on the Disney Wish in the water.

The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, first setting sail in summer of 2022. According to the website, some of the experiences on the 15-deck cruise include Marvel-themed dining, immersive water slides, Broadway-style show, character meet-and-greets and an adult-only Hyperspace lounge.

Are there other Taylor Swift-themed cruises this year?

Of course there are! The “ In My Cruise Era … ” is set to launch from Port of Miami in October.

The cruise, on the Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, leaves for the Bahamas the day after Swift's final show of her three-day stop in Miami. According to the website, the cruise fare includes stateroom accommodations, dinner in the main dining room nightly as well as additional buffet and a la carte options around the ship. It also includes entertainment.

The website does note that all 199 staterooms are currently booked and its waitlist is now closed, but officials said that those who previously joined the waitlist should "keep an eye on your email, we will offer spots in our group to members of our waitlist in the order inquiries were received."