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Travel Agent's Guide to Port Canaveral
By: Nancy Norris

Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral, FL Overview

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, yet one of the least congested. Known as the closest beach to the Orlando Theme Parks, it sports many of its own attractions as well. In addition to Kennedy Space Center, some of Florida’s most pristine beaches and nature reserves can be found in close proximity to the port.

The Disney Cruise Terminal

Nestled in the middle of Florida’s 72-mile Space Coast, it is easily accessible from multiple airports located within an hour’s drive of the port.

Transportation/Transfers

Port Canaveral is well served by air transportation. Four international airports are located within an hour driving distance. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 45 minutes west of Port Canaveral and is the most frequently used for travel to the Space Coast. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is located approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) south of Port Canaveral and the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is approximately 1 hour northwest of Port Canaveral. Daytona International Airport (DBIA) is located on the central east coast, just about an hour drive north of the port. A one-way car rental is usually the most cost efficient way to get to the port, although there are numerous shuttle services available to and from Orlando. A number of hotels in the adjacent Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach areas also offer shuttle service to the port.

Taxis:

While metered taxi service is available at all airports, it is unlikely that you would suggest your clients take a taxi from MCO or SFB. (As examples: Cost from MCO to the Convention Center a taxi is approximately $32, to Disneyworld $60 and even more from SFB). From MLB, the best taxi option is Beach Buggy Taxi.

Shuttle/Limo Service:

There are numerous companies that offer shuttle/limo service from the area airports to Port Canaveral. While this list is by no means complete, we have listed those that allow online booking and/or offer travel agent commissions and have been used and recommended by fellow agents:

Port Canaveral Shuttle provides reasonably priced private vehicle service from MCO, MLB and SFB to and from the port. Their fleet includes everything from town cars and vans to mini-buses and coaches. Port Canaveral Shuttle works with travel agents.

AAA Cruiseline Connection offers shuttle service to and from MCO - Port Canaveral. Their Port Canaveral special rates are: $48 for 1-2 passengers, $60 for 3 passengers, $75 for 4 passengers, $90 for 5 and 6 or more $17 pp (each way).

American Luxury Transportation provides private limo service from MCO to Port Canaveral in town cars for $125 each way (1-4 passengers) and in luxury vans that will accommodate 10 passengers for $150 one-way.

Art’s Shuttle provides service to and from Port Canaveral from MCO and SFB in vehicles that can accommodate 1 passenger or a large group. Rates vary by airport and number of passengers, but 1-3 passengers from MCO will run $70 each way and from SFB $120. They specialize in offering group rates.

Around the Clock Shuttle offers travel agents a 15% commission on their services. They provide services from MCO and surrounding hotels to and from Port Canaveral. One-way rates vary based on number of passengers from $30 pp for 1-3 persons to $10 pp for 11 or more persons.

Basik Shuttle operates town cars, stretch limos, and 15 passengers vans providing private service from MCO to Port Canaveral. Basik Shuttle has a special travel agent program to ensure that you will earn commission on every booking.

Car Rental:

Rental car companies that provide both pick-up and drop-off service from their rental locations to the port include: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty.

Port Parking:

Parking at Port Canaveral's cruise terminals is paved, gated and under 24-hour surveillance. Passengers at Cruise Terminal 10 can choose between an outdoor parking area and a six-level parking garage. Parking is presently $15 per day and is due at the time of entry. Larger vehicles (over 20 ft) are charged $26 per day.

Port Canaveral Hotels/Resorts

While many clients will fly into Orlando and choose to stay at a hotel in the Orlando area, there are many Space Coast hotels that provide free parking and shuttle service to and from the port. Some even include round trip transfers from MCO to the hotel. There are many more properties along the Space Coast, but this list contains cruise friendly hotels that are within close proximity to the port and offer special benefits to cruisers.

Attractions/Activities

Whether your clients are looking for something to do for a few hours or a few days, Port Canaveral and the surrounding area offers a number of recreational opportunities.

Jetty Park Beach

Jetty Park is the closest water park to the port. It features a family beach with showers and changing facilities, a concession stand, a boardwalk, a nature trail, a playground, and picnic grounds with barbecue grills.  There is also a 1200-foot recreational pier equipped with fish cleaning tables.

The Flats at the Port

The pier is the closest public viewing point for unmanned rocket launches and one of the most popular vantage points for witnessing space shuttle launches. Your clients can also enjoy fresh seafood and live entertainment at a variety of restaurants located in The Cove, a waterfront recreation area at the port with restaurants, lounges, shops, charter boats and a casino ship. If they prefer catching their own seafood, there are a number of bait and tackle shops, three marinas, and more than 60 charter and party fishing boats in the port.

One of the Space Coast Beaches

Three of Florida’s “Ten Best Beaches”, along with six others, are located along the Space-Coast.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

The best surf spots along the East Coast are also located here.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

If your clients are interested in nature and wildlife, there are more than 250 miles of protected wildlife refuges for them to explore. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is close to the port and well worth a visit.

Kennedy Space Center

Besides the cruise, the number one attraction is obviously NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex in Merritt Island. Here your clients can tour the NASA’s launch and landing facilities, see live shows and experience the thrill and excitement of being launched into space aboard the shuttle in NASA's new simulator space shuttle ride. For those that are interested and wish to get another perspective on the space program, your clients can visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame or take a walk at Space View Park in nearby Titusville.

Additional Resources:

Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism (www.space-coast.com) wants to help you grow your business by selling Florida's Space Coast. When you sign up on their website, they will publish your company's information in a database available to their site's users. You will also receive a supply of Space Coast Vacation Planners, area brochures and posters for free.