If you’re planning a vacation in Orlando, Florida, and want to add a cruise to your itinerary, you may be wondering which is the closest cruise port to Orlando. The answer is Port Canaveral, located just 45 miles east of Orlando.
Why Choose Port Canaveral?
- Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port in the world, after Miami.
- It’s home to some of the largest and most popular cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
- The port offers a convenient location near Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.
- There are plenty of transportation options available for getting to Port Canaveral from Orlando.
How to Get to Port Canaveral
- Rental Car: Renting a car is a great option if you want the freedom to explore the area on your own. From Orlando International Airport (MCO), take FL-528 E (toll road) towards Cocoa Beach/Port Canaveral.
The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Shuttle: Many hotels in the Orlando area offer shuttle service to Port Canaveral for their guests. Check with your hotel for availability and pricing. There are also several private shuttle companies that offer transportation between Orlando and Port Canaveral.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at MCO airport and throughout the Orlando area. However, this option can be quite expensive due to the distance between Orlando and Port Canaveral.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are both available in the Orlando area and can be a more affordable option for getting to Port Canaveral.
What to Expect at Port Canaveral
- Security: All passengers and their belongings will go through security screening before boarding the ship.
- Parking: If you’re driving to the port, there are several parking options available including on-site parking garages and off-site lots.
- Check-In: Check-in typically begins 2-3 hours prior to departure. Be sure to have all necessary documents and identification ready.
- Boarding: Boarding usually begins about an hour before departure. Be sure to allow plenty of time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
In Conclusion
Port Canaveral is definitely the closest cruise port to Orlando and offers a great variety of cruise lines, destinations, and transportation options. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, Port Canaveral makes for an easy and enjoyable embarkation point for your next cruise adventure.