A good night.
A better morning.
Find a place to stay, work out how you’ll reach Port Canaveral, and leave room to enjoy being here.
Boarding day
Where do cruise ships dock in Cape Canaveral?
Our Cape Canaveral terminal guides include Cruise Terminal 1 and Cruise Terminal 2. Confirm your terminal for your ship and sailing date in your cruise documents, then use its guide for the address and arrival instructions.
Which cruise lines sail from Port Canaveral?
Our Port Canaveral guide directory includes Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, MSC and three more. Sailings vary by season; check the dated sailing calendar and your cruise documents to confirm departures and terminal assignments.
How much is parking at Port Canaveral?
The terminal parking guides for Port Canaveral quote $20/day. This is plus tax and includes billing for both the arrival and departure days. Confirm your sailing's parking instructions before driving. Comparing off-site options takes more than a lower daily rate, and not every lot runs a shuttle; the comparison guide prices both sides.
Disclosure: some affiliate links here — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How we build these guides: picks are researched from public reviews and official sources — venues re-verified July 30, 2026. See every partner and what it pays us.
Where to Stay
Hotels near Port Canaveral for the night before
Photo: Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape CanaveralHampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Why: Compare the Cocoa Beach location when you want a beach-area stay.
More details
Cocoa Beach Hampton with breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo via Google MapsCape Canaveral hotel on Astronaut Boulevard with hot breakfast.
Why we picked it: A port-area hotel to compare for a straightforward overnight stay.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- choicehotels.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa BeachBook5 min$$Paid on-site parking and long-term parking are advertised. Confirm the full parking cost for your sailing.Apartment-style suites with full kitchens, separate living areas and an outdoor pool in Cape Canaveral.
Why we picked it: Compare this hotel when a kitchen and separate living space matter to your group.
Pro tip: The hotel advertises a paid cruise shuttle and long-term parking. Confirm seats and the total cost directly; the page’s no-shuttle statements refer to airports.
Parking: Paid on-site parking and long-term parking are advertised. Confirm the full parking cost for your sailing.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, parking, shuttle, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Radisson Resort at the PortBook5 min$$Extended cruise parking is $12.95 plus 7% per day and includes shuttle transport for up to four people. Ordinary overnight parking is $15 plus 7% per day. Confirm your exact parking arrangement and transfer directions.Cape Canaveral resort with an outdoor pool, room and suite options, and on-site dining.
Why we picked it: The pool and on-site dining make this worth comparing for time at the hotel before sailing.
Pro tip: The operator advertises separate room-and-transfer and park-and-cruise offers. Confirm parking duration, passenger count and transfer times for the exact rate you choose.
Parking: Extended cruise parking is $12.95 plus 7% per day and includes shuttle transport for up to four people. Ordinary overnight parking is $15 plus 7% per day. Confirm your exact parking arrangement and transfer directions.
Sources for reviewed details
- radissonresortattheport.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
- radissonresortattheport.comshuttle, cruise parking, parking · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach OceanfrontOceanfront Cocoa Beach hotel with an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
Why we picked it: A beach-area alternative for a hotel-and-dinner evening before the cruise.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hilton Cocoa Beach OceanfrontOceanfront hotel with beach access, an outdoor pool and on-site restaurants in Cocoa Beach.
Why we picked it: A beach-focused base for travelers spending extra time in Cocoa Beach.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cocoa Beach OceanfrontBook——Paid hotel parking is advertised; no permission to leave a car during a cruise was verified in this review.Oceanfront hotel beside Cocoa Beach Pier with breakfast, an outdoor pool and balcony room options. Confirm child-admission terms before booking for children.
Why we picked it: Compare this pier-area oceanfront hotel when direct beach access matters more than staying in the port district. Confirm child-admission terms before booking for children.
Pro tip: Use the Oceanfront name and Hendry Avenue address when booking. The hotel uses a third party for shuttles; confirm cruise transfers and parking while away. Families should confirm child-admission terms directly because the operator markets family rooms but Booking.com currently lists an over-17 child policy.
Parking: Paid hotel parking is advertised; no permission to leave a car during a cruise was verified in this review.
Sources for reviewed details
- laquintacocoabeach.comdescription, hotel features · checked 2026-09-09
- laquintacocoabeach.comvisit advice, parking · checked 2026-09-09
- laquintacocoabeach.comaddress · checked 2026-09-09
- laquintacocoabeach.comvisit advice · checked 2026-09-09
- booking.comvisit advice, description, hotel features · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port CanaveralNorth Atlantic Avenue hotel with an outdoor pool and on-site dining in Cocoa Beach.
Why we picked it: Another Cocoa Beach base to compare alongside the oceanfront hotels.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- wyndhamhotels.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa BeachBook——Paid hotel and cruise parking are advertised; confirm the amount because the operator page lists conflicting rates.All-suite hotel on West Central Boulevard with separate living areas, breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Why we picked it: A near-port suite option to compare when your group needs separate space to relax.
Pro tip: Reserve cruise-shuttle seats at the front desk the night before; the operator says reservations are first-come. Ask the hotel to reconcile its conflicting published parking rates.
Parking: Paid hotel and cruise parking are advertised; confirm the amount because the operator page lists conflicting rates.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address, parking, shuttle · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Ken RamseyExtended-stay suites with in-room kitchens on West Central Boulevard.
Why we picked it: Another Cape Canaveral kitchen option for travelers who want to prepare their own food.
Pro tip: Compare the kitchen and sleeping layout of your exact suite; confirm cruise transfers and long-term parking separately.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa BeachSuites with fully equipped kitchens, hot breakfast and an outdoor pool on Astronaut Boulevard.
Why we picked it: A kitchen-based stay in Cape Canaveral for a longer visit or a pre-cruise night.
Pro tip: The hotel advertises cruise parking; obtain its full-duration terms and transfer arrangements before booking. A separate Go Port package has its own terms.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- hilton.comlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Home2 Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral Cruise PortSuite kitchens, breakfast and an outdoor pool at a Cape Canaveral base.
Why we picked it: A practical suite choice when a kitchen is part of your hotel decision.
Pro tip: Check the room layout for your party and arrange terminal transportation separately from the room reservation.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- hilton.comlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise PortCape Canaveral Hampton with breakfast and an outdoor pool on Astronaut Boulevard.
Why we picked it: A port-area alternative to the separate Hampton property in Cocoa Beach.
Pro tip: Check that your reservation names the Cape Canaveral Cruise Port property; the Cocoa Beach Hampton is a different hotel.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- hilton.comlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Larry GrossCape Canaveral hotel with a pool, on-site dining and breakfast options.
Why we picked it: Adds another hotel base on Astronaut Boulevard for comparing a pre-cruise stay.
Pro tip: The operator lists overnight and extended cruise parking. Confirm the current fee, sailing duration and any transfer arrangements for your booking.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hyatt.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- hyatt.comlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort, an IHG HotelBook——The resort does not permit cruise, RV, boat or trailer parking. Arrange cruise parking elsewhere.Beach resort with multi-bedroom villas, pools and a lazy river.
Why we picked it: The villa layouts and beach setting suit an extra resort day before a cruise.
Pro tip: Check the operator’s current improvement notices before booking and confirm which facilities will be available during your stay.
Parking: The resort does not permit cruise, RV, boat or trailer parking. Arrange cruise parking elsewhere.
Sources for reviewed details
- holidayinnclub.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address, parking · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Best Western Cocoa Beach - Port CanaveralBeachfront Cocoa Beach hotel near the pier, with two pools and breakfast.
Why we picked it: A beach-stay alternative for travelers who want time by the ocean before sailing.
Pro tip: Confirm the building and room category you are booking; ask separately about guest parking and leaving a car during a cruise.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- bestwestern.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hyatt Regency Orlando International AirportHotel inside Orlando International Airport, between Terminals A and B, with runway views and on-site dining.
Why we picked it: For a late MCO arrival, sleep at the airport and plan the separate trip to Port Canaveral after your stay.
Pro tip: Check the route from your arrival terminal to the hotel and its current improvement notices. Arrange ground transportation to Port Canaveral separately.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hyatt.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- visitorlando.comlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral near Cocoa BeachBook——Paid on-site parking is advertised. Confirm permission and the total cost for leaving a vehicle during your cruise.Cape Canaveral hotel with an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool and connecting-room options.
Why we picked it: Compare this Imperial Boulevard hotel when you want a port-area stay with dining on site.
Pro tip: Confirm the hotel's advertised scheduled cruise-port shuttle or separate GoPort package for your passenger count, price, pickup time, return arrangements and parking duration.
Parking: Paid on-site parking is advertised. Confirm permission and the total cost for leaving a vehicle during your cruise.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address, parking · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Port CanaveralBook——On-site parking carries an extra fee; confirm separately whether parking during your cruise is permitted.Hotel near Cocoa Beach Pier with breakfast, a heated outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms.
Why we picked it: Compare this beach-area overnight stay when a separately advertised cruise-transport package would help your plans.
Pro tip: The operator advertises cruise packages with round-trip Port Canaveral transportation. Confirm your exact package, passengers, shuttle times and any parking while away.
Parking: On-site parking carries an extra fee; confirm separately whether parking during your cruise is permitted.
Sources for reviewed details
- wyndhamhotels.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address, parking · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Alan CoplandAn independent, single-story oceanfront inn in central Cocoa Beach, with kitchen-equipped room options.
Why we picked it: Compare this independent beachfront stay when a kitchen matters to your group.
Pro tip: Choose the exact room layout and confirm late-arrival arrangements. Arrange your Port Canaveral transfer separately; no current cruise-shuttle or cruise-parking terms were verified in this review.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- seaairecocoabeach.comdescription · checked 2026-09-09
- seaairecocoabeach.comhotel features, visit advice, description · checked 2026-09-09
- seaairecocoabeach.comaddress · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Where to Eat
Every restaurant worth eating at near Port Canaveral
Photo: The Fat SnookThe Fat Snook
Why: Upscale-casual seafood in a small house on S Atlantic Ave, leaning Caribbean and local Order: The kitchen builds around fresh local seafood and seasonal dishes, so ask what came in that day. There's a curated wine list put together around the coastal menu.
More details
Closed Mon
Pro tip: Open daily 4–9pm, with happy hour weekdays 4–6pm and half-price appetizers. Book through OpenTable — the dining room is small. They've been open 17 years and cook without seed or nut oils, worth knowing if that matters to you.
Parking: No dedicated lot is listed — it's a small standalone building on S Atlantic Ave a couple of miles south of downtown, so plan on parking nearby.
Photo: Rusty's Seafood and Oyster BarWalk$$SeafoodFun, loud and casual, the kind of place where kids can be kids and the seafood is fresh.
What to order: Shrimp platters, jumbo scallops, oysters and crab legs are the core of the menu, available à la carte or buffet-style.
Kids: Lively, come-as-you-are atmosphere where kids fit right in, and the early-bird window from 11am suits an early dinner.
Pro tip: Open 11am–8:30pm Sunday to Thursday and until 9pm Friday and Saturday. Happy hour runs 3–6pm every day, and early-bird items are served 11am–6pm daily. There's a large deck for outside dining and live entertainment most nights.
Parking: Shared Cove parking on Glen Cheek Dr, a few doors down from Grills and Fishlips.
Directions
Photo: Meghan Roberts5 min$$SeafoodCasual waterfront spot where you can watch cruise ships from your table
What to order: Grouper sandwich is their signature. Kids love the popcorn shrimp basket.
Kids: Casual, come-as-you-are waterfront place — the downstairs and patio seating are the easiest with kids.
Pro tip: There's casual waterfront dining downstairs, a covered patio, an indoor sports bar, and an upstairs sun deck with a tiki bar — the upper deck is the ship-watching spot. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday, 3–6pm.
Parking: Small lot plus street parking along Glen Cheek Dr
Directions
Photo: Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar8 min$$SeafoodWaterfront seafood with live music and a kids' menu that actually has good food
What to order: The menu follows the day's catch. The shark kabob is the item reviewers name most, and the Tiki Tango is the house cocktail.
Kids: Open from 7am and very casual, so an early dinner outdoors is easy with young kids.
Pro tip: Sit on the deck — kids can watch the boats come in, and the tiki bar side is the more relaxed half. Live music runs Wednesday through Sunday, so expect a band if you come on a weekend night.
Parking: Public lot parking at The Cove on Glen Cheek Dr.
Directions
Photo: Susan Keeney10 min$AmericanAn unpretentious, fast burger-and-dog joint that kids absolutely love.
What to order: The signature is an extra-long char-grilled all-beef hot dog on a butter-toasted roll. The smashed chuck burgers, wings, fish tacos and bowls round out the menu.
Kids: Laid-back surf-shop atmosphere — very casual, and the menu has plain hot dogs and burgers that most kids will eat.
Pro tip: This is the no-stress option. Open 10:30am–9:30pm Sunday to Thursday and until 10:30pm Friday and Saturday, with curbside and drive-thru pickup if you're eating at the hotel.
Parking: It sits on W Cocoa Beach Cswy with its own lot; there's also a drive-thru window if you'd rather not park.
Directions
Photo: Florida's Fresh Grill15 min$$$SteakhouseFresh seafood and hand-cut steaks on N Atlantic Ave, in what the restaurant calls "Florida upscale casual".
What to order: Golden corvina with lemon caper butter is the dish the kitchen puts forward, alongside Florida-style fresh calamari and hand-cut Certified Angus Beef. The soups are made in house.
Pro tip: Open 4:00–9:30pm daily, with happy hour 4:00–6:00pm every day (call drinks from $7.25, house wine from $6.75, food from $8.90). They take call-ahead seating if you phone after 2pm. Dress code is country-club casual — no beachwear or men's tank tops.
Parking: The restaurant doesn't publish parking details — allow a few minutes on arrival.
Directions
Photo: Branos Italian Grill15 min$$ItalianChef-owned Italian on N Atlantic Ave doing pizza, pasta, seafood and steak in generous portions
What to order: The pastas are what regulars keep naming — tortellini carbonara, lasagna, ravioli, fettuccine alfredo — and the pizzas come out large.
Kids: Portions are generous and shareable, which makes splitting pasta or a large pizza easy with kids.
Pro tip: Open 3–10pm daily, and reservations are recommended. There's indoor seating and an outdoor patio, and they do online ordering if you'd rather eat at the hotel.
Parking: The restaurant doesn't publish parking details — it's a roadside spot on N Atlantic Ave, so allow a couple of minutes.
Directions
Photo: David V.15 min$$SeafoodPerched over the Banana River facing west — the whole point is eating outside as the sun goes down
What to order: The grouper sandwich and the conch fritters are what reviewers single out on an American-style seafood menu.
Pro tip: Open 11am to 10pm seven days a week. There's indoor seating, outside seating and a lower deck right on the water — the deck faces west over the Intracoastal, so time your table for sunset.
Parking: On-site parking at 500 W Cocoa Beach Cswy.
Directions
Photo: Pompano Grill15 min$$$SteakhouseSmall downtown Cocoa Beach dining room doing American Wagyu steaks, house-made pasta and local seafood
Closed Sun & Mon
What to order: Mishima Reserve American Wagyu is the kitchen's signature cut, and the 8 oz filet is the one they lead with. Escargot in brandy cream and deep-fried brie are the standing starters; crème brûlée is the standing dessert. Ask what Chef Ricardo's seafood feature is that night.
Pro tip: Dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00–8:30pm, and they close early on slow nights — reserve rather than walk in. OpenTable covers parties of four or fewer; call the restaurant directly for five or more. It's beer and wine only ($25 corkage if you bring a bottle) and there's no takeout. Parties of six or more get an automatic 20% gratuity.
Parking: The restaurant publishes no parking details — it's on N Brevard Ave in downtown Cocoa Beach, so leave a few minutes to find a spot nearby.
Directions
Things to Do
Things to do near Port Canaveral before you board
Photo via Google MapsKayak or Paddleboard Eco Tour
Why: Compare guided paddling trips around Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands and other Space Coast waterways. Best for: Couples and active adults who want to get on the water.
More details
Pro tip: Choose a named operator and confirm whether your departure is in Cocoa Beach or elsewhere; routes, wildlife sightings and equipment vary.
Photo: KeepTheCapeWeirdWalkFree30 minThe Cove is Port Canaveral’s waterfront restaurant area.
Best for: Teens who want to explore without getting back in the car
Pro tip: Choose a specific restaurant and check its opening time; do not assume every venue serves morning coffee.
Official informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps5 min$150–2502–3 hrCompare Port Canaveral fishing charters, from inshore trips to offshore outings.
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
Mon-Sun 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMThese details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationBest for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: This is a charter category, not a bookable operator at Jetty Park. Confirm the captain, departure marina, trip length and weather policy before booking.
Check availability on ViatorOfficial informationDirections
Photo: KeepTheCapeWeird8 minFree30 minCanaveral City Park has a playground, splash pad and lighted ball field on Orange Avenue.
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Check the current splash-pad schedule and weather or maintenance notices; park access does not guarantee the water features are operating.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Mary D10 min—1–2 hrA beach and fishing-pier visit beside Port Canaveral.
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: For vehicle entry, buy a pass online before arriving or use a valid existing pass; the gate does not sell passes. Walking or cycling entry is free during operating hours. Rideshares must drop off outside the park unless you have a pass for entry.
Official informationDirections
Photo: The Dinosaur Store12 min$12–2845 minFossils, dinosaur displays and ancient-culture exhibits above a Cocoa Beach shop.
Closed Tue
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Check the museum and Adventure Zone ticket options separately. The operator lists different inclusions, and the two areas need not be one purchase.
Official informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps15 min$50–751–1.5 hrCompare Cocoa Beach surf schools for an instructor-led session in the Atlantic.
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThese details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationBest for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Choose a named school and confirm meeting point, age requirements, equipment and weather policy before booking.
Check availability on ViatorOfficial informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps15 minFree30–60 minCocoa Beach’s flagship surf shop sells surf, swim, skate and beach gear.
Best for: All teens — even non-surfers get into the vibe
Pro tip: The Cocoa Beach surf shop publishes 9am–11pm daily hours. The adjacent watersports store has its own schedule; check the store page before going.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier15 minFree30–60 minAn ocean pier with restaurants, bars and snacks overlooking Cocoa Beach.
Best for: Teens who want to explore and take photos
Pro tip: Check the specific restaurant and pier opening times and current parking charge; the different businesses have their own schedules.
Official informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps15 min$35–501.5–2 hrA Space Coast boat-tour idea for travelers interested in local waterways and wildlife.
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Choose a named operator and confirm its departure point and tour details. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Check availability on ViatorOfficial informationDirections- —$67–77—
Spaceflight exhibits and attractions at the visitor complex on Merritt Island.
Best for: Space exploration and a full day of exhibits.
Pro tip: Allocate a separate vacation day. Check ticket inclusions, bus-tour availability and the day’s schedule before buying.
Official information - ———
Animal exhibits and optional wildlife experiences at a Melbourne zoo.
Best for: A dedicated family outing with animals.
Pro tip: Check renovation notices and which experiences need separate reservations or admission.
Official information - ———
Oz artifacts and immersive presentations at the museum’s Cocoa Beach location.
Best for: An indoor museum outing for Oz fans.
Pro tip: Use the current Cocoa Beach address when arranging transport; the older Cape Canaveral address is no longer the museum’s location.
Official information - ———
Elevated ropes-course and zip-line challenges for an active outing.
Best for: Travelers looking for a scheduled outdoor challenge.
Pro tip: Check height, supervision and weather restrictions before reserving a session.
Official information
Let them watch you sail
We sail from Port Canaveral. You can watch our ship leave on a live camera at the port: https://cruisedayguide.com/guide/port-canaveral/webcam
Getting to Your Ship
Which terminal is yours? Terminals here are assigned by ship and sail date, so without your sailing we have to show all 7 terminals.
True at more than one terminal here
- Parking is cashless — major credit cards only — and paid on arrival; no reservations are accepted. — Cruise Terminal 1, Cruise Terminal 3, Cruise Terminal 5, Cruise Terminal 6, Cruise Terminal 8 (Disney) and Cruise Terminal 10

Cruise Terminal 1
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54B
Parking at Cruise Terminal 1 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 1 is on Discovery Rd on the south side of the port — the group Port Canaveral signs as the B Terminals. From SR-528 take Exit 54B, not 54A, and follow the signs for Terminal 1. The port asks drivers to come straight to the terminal: drop-off is in front of the terminal or in the parking facility, and porters are right there with carts. Tip $2-3 per bag.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 1 garage ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). Take the covered walkway directly to the terminal — it's a short walk.
Check-in Tips
- Bring proof of citizenship as well as photo ID. A passport is the simplest version; otherwise an accepted proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate, together with a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license on its own is not accepted, REAL ID included — Royal Caribbean names it as unacceptable proof, and Terminal 1 is a Royal Caribbean and Celebrity building
- Have your boarding pass (app or printed) ready before you reach the check-in desk
- Security is airport-style — expect it to be busiest between about 11am and 12:30pm when multiple ships are boarding at once
- Check in online as early as possible to snag the earliest boarding group — this is the single biggest time-saver
- Terminal 1 handles Royal Caribbean and Celebrity — look for your cruise line's specific signage once inside
Last-Minute Needs
There's a small sundry shop in the terminal lobby with sunscreen, phone chargers, and basic travel items — but prices are cruise-port level. The nearest Walgreens is 5 minutes south on SR-528 (exit at SR-401). If you need a real drugstore run, do it before heading to the terminal.
Cruise Terminal 2
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54B
Parking at Cruise Terminal 2 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 2 sits on Christopher Columbus Dr on the south side of the port, between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 — the group Port Canaveral signs as the B Terminals. From SR-528 take Exit 54B, not 54A, and follow the signs for Terminal 2. The port asks drivers to come straight to the terminal to drop passengers and baggage: drop-off is in front of the terminal or in the parking facility, porters take your checked bags at the curb, and parking staff then direct you to the right lot. Tip $2-3 per bag.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 2 parking facility beside the terminal. Port Canaveral charges $20/day plus tax for cars and RVs, and that rate covers the day of arrival and the day of departure. Payment is on arrival and cashless — major credit cards only, no cash. The port takes no parking reservations and says there is space at every cruise terminal, including oversized spaces for RVs and buses. Parking opens at 10am on embarkation day.
Check-in Tips
- Read the terminal number off your boarding pass rather than assuming. Port Canaveral says assigned terminals are subject to change, and no cruise line is permanently based at Terminal 2 in our ship catalog — the port's own schedule is the thing to check
- US citizens need proof of citizenship as well as photo ID: a passport, or an accepted proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate together with a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license on its own is not enough, REAL ID included — Royal Caribbean lists it as unacceptable by name
- Follow the boarding time your cruise line assigned you. The port asks guests to arrive at their assigned time and opens parking at 10am for embarkation
- Complete online check-in and download your cruise line's app before you leave home — the terminal is the wrong place to discover you need a document photo
Last-Minute Needs
We have not walked Terminal 2's concourse, so this guide does not describe what is sold inside it. For a real store, the Publix on Astronaut Blvd in Cape Canaveral is about 7 minutes away and the CVS on N Atlantic Ave in Cocoa Beach about 10 — make that stop before you head into the port.

Cruise Terminal 3
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54B
Parking at Cruise Terminal 3 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 3 is on Christopher Columbus Dr on the south side of the port, past Terminal 2 — the group Port Canaveral signs as the B Terminals. From SR-528 take Exit 54B, not 54A, and follow the signs for Terminal 3. Drop-off is in front of the terminal or in the parking facility, and porters will grab your bags curbside. Tip $2-3 per bag and keep your carry-on with you.
Parking
Park in the multi-level garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 3 ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). The garage is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway on the second level.
Check-in Tips
- Cruise Terminal 3 is one of two Carnival terminals here — Carnival Freedom and Vista sail from CT-6 instead, so check your booking documents for which one you want. The terminal pages list the ships currently scheduled at each. Download the Carnival Hub app and complete online check-in before you arrive
- Bring your boarding confirmation (digital or printed) plus, for everyone in your party, proof of citizenship as well as photo ID — a passport, or an accepted proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate alongside a government-issued photo ID. Carnival asks for boarding pass, picture ID and citizenship documents at check-in; a driver's license on its own, REAL ID or not, is not citizenship proof
- If you purchased Faster to the Fun, you'll have a dedicated check-in lane — look for the priority signs on the left side
- Security screening is airport-style but moves quickly — have your bags ready to go through the scanner
Last-Minute Needs
The terminal has a small convenience area near the check-in hall with overpriced basics. There's a Publix about 7 minutes away on Astronaut Blvd (SR-A1A) in Cape Canaveral — much better selection and prices for snacks, sunscreen, or medications.
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 5 is on Charles Rowland Dr on the north side of the port — the group Port Canaveral signs as the A Terminals, and they are reached from a different SR-528 exit than Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Take Exit 54A, not 54B; crossing to the other side once you are inside the port is a long detour around the basin. The drop-off lane runs along the front of the building, and porters are stationed curbside to take your checked luggage. Tip $2-3 per bag.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 5 lot ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). The walk to the terminal entrance is short.
Check-in Tips
- Terminal 5 is shared by multiple cruise lines — look for your specific cruise line's signage once inside
- This terminal can handle large ships, so embarkation-day crowds can be bigger. Arriving at your assigned time really matters here
- Have your boarding pass ready, plus proof of citizenship as well as photo ID — a passport, or an accepted proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate together with a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license alone is not accepted, REAL ID included. The screening checkpoint is right inside the main entrance
- Families with strollers: there's a dedicated lane at security. Ask a porter if you don't see it
Last-Minute Needs
There's a small gift shop inside the terminal for last-minute sunscreen or a magazine. For anything more, the closest option is the Walgreens on SR-528 (about 5 minutes). The Publix on Astronaut Blvd is about 8 minutes away.

Cruise Terminal 6
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54A
Parking at Cruise Terminal 6 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 6 is on Charles Rowland Dr on the north side of the port — the group Port Canaveral signs as the A Terminals. From SR-528 take Exit 54A, not 54B, and follow the port road signs to Terminal 6; the drop-off lane is clearly marked with a covered canopy. Porters will tag and take your checked bags curbside. The Cove's bars and restaurants are on the far side of the harbour from here, so plan on driving rather than walking to them.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 6 garage ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). It's directly adjacent to the terminal with a short covered walkway.
Check-in Tips
- Cruise Terminal 6 mostly sails Carnival, with regular Princess sailings too — check your booking confirmation for which line you're on and download their specific app
- Print your boarding documents as a backup even if you have the app — Wi-Fi in the terminal can be spotty
- Screening here is run by the port and your cruise line, not the TSA, so the airport's 3-1-1 liquids rule does not apply — what you can carry on is set by your cruise line's own policy. Royal Caribbean, for example, allows up to 12 standard 17 oz cans, bottles or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per stateroom plus one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult at boarding; Carnival caps cans and cartons at 12 oz each and refuses bottles outright. Read your line's page before you pack
- Check-in counters are organized by deck/cabin number, not alphabetically — look for your cabin range on the signs
Last-Minute Needs
The terminal lobby has a basic shop with essentials. The Cove is a drive from this side of the harbour rather than a walk, so treat it as a stop on the way in, not a stroll after you park. For a full store, the CVS on N Atlantic Ave in Cocoa Beach is about 10 minutes away.

Cruise Terminal 8 (Disney)
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54A
Parking at Cruise Terminal 8 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 8 is Disney's dedicated terminal — you'll know you're in the right place when the building starts looking magical. It's on Charles Rowland Dr on the north side of the port, in the group Port Canaveral signs as the A Terminals, so take SR-528 Exit 54A rather than 54B and follow the port signs to Terminal 8. The drop-off area is well-organized with Disney Cast Members directing traffic. Porters will take your checked luggage and tag it with your stateroom number. Tip $2-3 per bag.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 8 parking area ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). Disney Cast Members will direct you to available spaces, and the walk to the terminal is short.
Check-in Tips
- Download the My Disney Cruise Line app and complete online check-in before you arrive — this is mandatory and saves enormous time
- If you have MagicBand+ wristbands, wear them. They work as your room key, charge card, and ID on the ship
- Disney's check-in process is more theatrical than other lines — Cast Members make it part of the experience. Enjoy it, but budget an extra 15 minutes
- Kids get welcome gifts during check-in — they'll be handed activity bags and sometimes character cards. It's a nice touch
- Your port arrival time is in the app — Disney is strict about arrival windows. Showing up early means waiting outside.
Last-Minute Needs
The Disney terminal has a small shop with branded souvenirs and basic travel items (sunscreen, Advil, phone chargers) — prices are Disney-level. For anything substantial, hit the Publix on Astronaut Blvd (about 8 min) before heading to the terminal. Guests who meet Disney's age requirement may bring a limited amount of unopened wine, sparkling wine, or beer at the start of the voyage. It must be packed in carry-on luggage; check Disney's current policy before departure.

Cruise Terminal 10
Getting here: SR-528, Exit 54A
Parking at Cruise Terminal 10 is $20/day — all Port Canaveral parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Cruise Terminal 10 is the newest terminal at Port Canaveral, built for the mega-ships. It sits on Charles Rowland Dr on the north side of the port — the group Port Canaveral signs as the A Terminals — so take SR-528 Exit 54A, not 54B. The port publishes separate routes for pickup and for drop-off here, so follow the one signed for drop-off. The drop-off area is spacious and modern — wide lanes, covered canopy, and well-staffed with porters. Unload curbside and tip $2-3 per bag.
Parking
Park in the Cruise Terminal 10 multi-level garage ($20/day plus tax, covering the day of arrival and the day of departure). Elevators and a covered walkway connect directly to the terminal.
Check-in Tips
- Cruise Terminal 10 handles some of the largest ships sailing from Port Canaveral — embarkation crowds can be significant, so stick to your assigned boarding time
- Download your cruise line's app and complete online check-in in advance — this is the biggest time-saver at this terminal
- The terminal is large and modern with clear signage. Security is airport-style and typically moves well despite the volume
- This terminal has more seating and amenities in the pre-boarding area than the older terminals — there's space to sit and wait comfortably if you arrive within your window
Last-Minute Needs
Cruise Terminal 10's terminal lobby has a well-stocked convenience shop — better selection than the older terminals. Prices are still cruise-port markup though. The nearest Publix is on Astronaut Blvd, about 7 minutes away. The CVS on N Atlantic Ave in Cocoa Beach is about 10 minutes.
Photos by Amy Harlan, Mario Diana, Max Vi, Michael Haddock, and others via Google Maps.
Passport & Documents
Bring a valid passport even on a closed-loop cruise — one that leaves and returns to the same U.S. port, where a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are technically enough — because only a passport gets you home if you miss the ship at a foreign port (full document list in our first-time cruise tips).
Need to apply? The nearest passport acceptance facility is the Cocoa Main Post Office (2000 State Road 524, Cocoa) — appointments recommended, call 321-632-7190.
Last-Minute Stops
Pick up anything you forgot before heading to the port.
Walmart Supercenter — Merritt Island
Everything last-minute — cheapest sunscreen and snacks
1500 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
DirectionsGetting There & Parking
Compare parking and the other practical ways to reach Port Canaveral.
Parking for your cruise
Drive Yourself — Port ParkingAnyone who wants the convenience of walking straight from their car to the terminalCosts & travel details
Cost$20/day plus tax (arrival and departure days both count)
Official Port Canaveral parking is next to each cruise terminal. The current rate is $20 per day plus tax for vehicles and RVs, and both the arrival and departure days are charged. Payment is due when you enter the lot; reservations are not accepted and cash is not accepted.
Pro tip: Take the Beachline (528) — it's a straight shot and well-signed. Have a SunPass or another accepted toll-payment method, then follow signs to your ship's terminal.
Verified Sep 7, 2026 · Canaveral Port Authority — Directions & Parking · See something outdated? Tell us
Drive Yourself — Off-Site ParkingBudget-conscious cruisers who don't mind a 5-10 minute shuttle ride to the terminalCosts & travel details
CostFrom $7.95/day at Go Port; from $12.95/day booked ahead at Park N Cruise (free shuttle included at both)
Off-site lots near the port undercut the terminal rate. Go Port advertises parking from $7.95/day at its plaza on North Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, with departure-day shuttles from 10:30 AM and returns from 7:00 AM until debarkation finishes, and its package covers round-trip transfers for up to six travelers in one vehicle. Park N Cruise on Sea Ray Drive, about two miles from the port, advertises from $12.95/day booked ahead or $15.95 same day, with a free shuttle it says runs every 60 minutes.
Pro tip: Book online in advance — off-site lots fill up on busy embarkation days (Saturday and Sunday are the worst). Check the first shuttle against your check-in window before you book: Go Port's departure-day shuttles start at 10:30 AM, which can make an early window unusable. On a three-night sailing the gap against the port's $20 a day is small enough that the terminal lot is usually the better call; on a week or more it is worth real money. Keep your reservation confirmation on your phone — you'll need it at check-in.
Park-and-Cruise Hotel PackageTravelers who want an overnight stay and need parking during the cruise.Costs & travel details
CostRequest the total for the room, full sailing parking and transfers for every passenger.
Compare a hotel offer with a room, cruise parking and terminal transfers purchased separately. A package name alone does not establish how long you can leave a car or which passengers have shuttle seats.
Pro tip: Confirm the exact hotel offer, where the car stays, parking duration, passenger count and shuttle reservations before booking. The hotel shuttle guide lists the reviewed property-specific terms.
Other ways to reach the ship
Shuttle from Orlando Airport (MCO)Fly-in cruisers who don't want to rent a carCosts & travel details
Cost$29.99/person each way (Go Port shared shuttle); MCO's own rate table posts Limousine $50-$90 for the Port Canaveral row
MCO is about 45 miles from Port Canaveral, roughly 45 min by car. Several cruise shuttle companies run scheduled transfers, and they exist because the airport's own ground transportation rate table marks hotel shuttle, local bus and shuttle van as N/A in its Port Canaveral row, as read on flymco.com on 2026-08-12. Go Port publishes $29.99 per traveler each way for its shared service. The airport does post a private-car figure in that same row — Limousine, $50-$90 — so there is a published number to argue a quote against. Read it as a band rather than a fare for this route, though: MCO prints the identical $50-$90 against every destination on the page, from an airport hotel four miles away to Port Canaveral forty-five minutes out.
Pro tip: Go Port's airport-to-port shuttles leave between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, so confirm the pickup window against when your flight lands, not when it departs — a midday arrival can miss the last one. Returns run from 7:00 AM until debarkation finishes.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)Small groups who want door-to-door service without booking aheadCosts & travel details
CostNo published fare — quoted in the app at booking
Uber and Lyft both operate from MCO to Port Canaveral, and the ride takes about 45 minutes. Neither publishes a fare for the route, so the app's estimate when you book is the only real number — Orlando International's own rate table puts a taxi at $115 for the same run, which is the published figure a rideshare quote has to beat.
Pro tip: Request your ride from the designated rideshare pickup area at MCO — Level 2 of the parking garage for Terminals A and B, or Level 4 of the separate Terminal C building if that's where you land. Check your terminal before you walk. On embarkation day mornings, prices can surge — check the app early and consider scheduling a ride in advance.
Hotel ShuttleAnyone staying near the port the night beforeCosts & travel details
CostConfirm the current per-person or package charge with the hotel.
Hotel cruise transfers depend on the property and the booking. Confirm whether your room or parking offer includes a shuttle, requires a separate fee, or needs an advance reservation.
Pro tip: Reserve seats for your whole party and confirm both outbound and return arrangements for your actual cruise terminal.
One-Way Rental Car from MCOFly-in cruisers who want a car for the night before — dinner, a grocery run, Kennedy Space Center — without leaving it anywhere for the length of the sailingCosts & travel details
CostThe rental itself is quoted at booking and a one-way drop fee varies by company; both branches describe the cruise-terminal shuttle as free.
The rental counters at Orlando are 45 miles from the ship and the ones at the port are minutes from it, which turns a one-way rental into a transfer rather than a car you then have to leave somewhere for a week. Enterprise's Port Canaveral branch is at 710 Mullet Rd in Cape Canaveral and states that its free shuttle service runs every 25-30 minutes, starting early in the morning and ending at 3PM, meeting passengers at a designated pickup area for each ship. Avis works the same trade from 6650 N Atlantic Ave and says the shuttle will meet you at the pier on the way back, or will run you to the pier if you drop the car before you sail. Both as read on enterprise.com and avis.com on 2026-08-20.
Pro tip: The branch hours are the whole trick. Enterprise lists 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily and stops shuttling at 3PM; Avis lists 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday but only 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, which is when most ships sail. Check your boarding window against the branch's closing time before you build the morning around a car, and check the return leg too — a ship that clears late can put you at a counter that has already shut.
What to Pack
The essentials you'll actually need — plus a few things most people forget
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Carry-On Day Bag
Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm
Boarding Tips
Download the Royal Caribbean app and complete online check-in
You'll get your boarding group assignment and can set up your on-board spending account ahead of time. This alone can save you 30+ minutes at the terminal. Upload your photo for facial recognition boarding — it makes the security line faster.
Arrive at your assigned boarding time — not earlier
They've gotten strict about this. Showing up early means waiting in the terminal with no access to the ship. Your assigned time gets you on the ship fastest. If you have Crown & Anchor status, you may have priority boarding — check the app.
Bring small bills for the curbside porters — $2-3 per bag is the customary tip
This one applies at every cruise port, not just to Royal Caribbean sailings: the porters who take your checked bags at the curb are longshoremen working for the port, not cruise line staff, so the gratuities on your onboard account never reach them, and they carry no card reader. Within that band, the low end covers a small case and the top of it is fair for an oversized one, or when someone wrestles a heavy bag out of your trunk for you. Tag your bags with your stateroom number before you get out of the car, then hand them over and keep your carry-on with you.
Pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, meds, and essentials
Your checked luggage won't reach your cabin until 3-4pm. Pack a day bag with swimsuits, medications, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and your phone charger so you can start enjoying the ship immediately.
Head straight to the pool deck or Windjammer for lunch
The main dining room is packed right after boarding. The Windjammer buffet and the pool deck grill have shorter lines, and you'll snag a good lounge chair while everyone else is still exploring.
Book specialty dining and shows on Day 1
Popular restaurants and shows fill up fast. Open the app as soon as you board and reserve your top picks. The chef's table and specialty dinner shows sell out first.
Download the Royal Caribbean app before you arrive — you'll need it for check-in, daily schedules, restaurant reservations, and as your digital key to your stateroom.
First cruise? Embarkation day in the order it happens walks through the whole day, and the muster drill, explained covers the one thing you cannot skip.
All Port Canaveral guides
Ships sailing from Port Canaveral
- Norwegian Prima terminal & parkingNorwegian
- MSC Seashore terminal & parkingMSC
- Caribbean Princess terminal & parkingPrincess
- Adventure of the Seas terminal & parkingRoyal Caribbean
- Carnival Festivale terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Freedom terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Glory terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Mardi Gras terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Venezia terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Vista terminal & parkingCarnival
- Celebrity Apex terminal & parkingCelebrity
- Disney Fantasy terminal & parkingDisney

