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Port Canaveral Overview
Port Canaveral, in the center of Florida's east coast, is the surfing capital of the Atlantic. It is home to rocket and shuttle launches, the largest sea turtle nesting area in the country, the largest scallop fishery on the planet and a national refuge with more endangered species than any other. Oh, and it's also the second busiest cruise port in the world.
Even with all of these superlatives, most cruise passengers associate Port Canaveral with Orlando just 45 miles east -- and with Walt Disney World, Universal theme parks and Sea World so close, it would be difficult to find a cruise port anywhere that offers access to more theme parks and family-friendly tourist attractions. But for those who've already had (or care to pass up) the Orlando experience, Port Canaveral is worth a pre- or post-cruise visit in and of itself.
The port bills itself as Orlando's closest beach with dolphins, manatees, loggerhead turtles and miles of pristine sand -- minus the crowds typical of South Florida. A mile and a half of bike paths run throughout Port Canaveral, as well as three parks, including Jetty Park where camping and fishing opportunities abound. The bustling Cove at Port Canaveral features a variety of restaurants and shops.
But with Port Canaveral smack in the middle of what's known as Florida's 72-mile Space Coast, the premier attraction is the Kennedy Space Center, where guests can meet and talk to actual astronauts. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, six miles from the visitors' center, houses the world's largest collection of astronaut memorabilia as well as displays, exhibits and tributes dedicated to the heroes of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.
Ships based in Port Canaveral sail itineraries ranging in length from three to seven days. Considering the proximity to Orlando, it's no surprise Disney Cruise Line's fleet homeports here -- but several Carnival and Royal Caribbean vessels also call Port Canaveral home. Though mostly a turnaround port, some lines (such as NCL, Seabourn and Royal Caribbean) make regular port calls throughout spring, summer and fall.
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Other U.S.A. Cruise Ports:
Baltimore • Boston • Charleston • Ft. Lauderdale • Galveston • Gulfport • Honolulu • Houston • Jacksonville • Key West • Los Angeles • Miami • Mobile • New Orleans • New York • New York (Brooklyn) • New York (Cape Liberty) • Norfolk • Philadelphia • Port Canaveral • Portland, Maine • San Diego • San Francisco • Seattle • Tampa
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Currency & Best Way to Get Money
The currency is the U.S. dollar. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and ATM's are available in major hotels and tourist attractions. On the south side of the port on George King Blvd. is a Wachovia Bank with an ATM.
Where You're Docked
Cruise ships dock at Port Canaveral.
Hanging Around
There isn't anything with an easy walking distance of the port. Jetty Park at the east end of the port has year-round lifeguards, a snack bar, a bait and tackle shop and a 1,000-foot fishing pier.
Best Souvenir
A T-shirt from the massive Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also "cool": Freeze-dried ice cream or other space food from the Kennedy Space Center gift shop.
Watch Out For
If you are lucky, you might be in town for a rocket launch. However, it's hard to plan ahead due to the frequency of delays because of weather and technical problems. Check with hotels or the Kennedy Space Center for a schedule of space launches.
Getting Around
By Car: Driving to the port is a popular option for passengers. Secure parking is available at the pier for $12 a day or most hotels offer stay-and-park packages for cruise passengers.
Renting a car is a good option since the port is an easy 50-minute drive from Orlando International Airport. Avis, Hertz, and Budget all have rental offices close to the pier. There are free shuttles at the pier for pick-up, and passengers can drop the car off at the nearby rental office and the rental companies have free shuttles to the pier.
By Taxi or Shuttle: All cruise lines offer shuttles from the airport as part of cruise packages, or they may be arranged separately. In the port area, Art's Shuttle (321-783-2112), Blue Dolphin Shuttle (321-433-0011), and Busy Traveler Transportation (800-496-7433) all offer shuttle transportation. Beasley's Limousine (321-453-3680) and J.J.'s Limo (321-693-0004) offer limo service. Taxis are always available at the pier.
Don't Miss
 On Merritt Island you'll find the Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The NASA-owned refuge is home to more endangered species than any other refuge in the United States, such as the Western Indian manatee, Southern bald eagle and Atlantic loggerhead turtle. Visitors can take advantage of a seven-mile auto tour route along Black Point Drive, four hiking trails ranging from 1/4 mile to 5 miles in length, a manatee observation deck and boating and canoeing.
Also on Merritt Island is the Kennedy Space Center (Daily 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). There are more than enough attractions to fill a full day but the highlights can be done in half a day if time is short. The maximum access pass allows admission for two consecutive days and also includes admission to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame; its realistic astronaut training simulators allow guests to feel the pressure of four times the force of gravity, take a virtual moonwalk and ride a rover across Mars.
Astronaut Encounter, the center's meet-and-greet program, is held several times daily. The program consists of Q&A sessions, mission briefings and personal stories of space travel as told by those who have flown in space. There are opportunities for autographs and photographs with the astronauts.
The Space Center is in the midst of a $160 million makeover. The new $60-million Shuttle Launch Experience, due to open in July 2007, is the centerpiece of the plan to create a one-of-a-kind space adventure that will simulate liftoff, solid rocket booster separation, the effects of G forces and weightlessness.
Cocoa Beach Pier (401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach) established in 1962, is a Space Coast historic landmark boasting four restaurants, four tropical bars, shopping, fishing (rods are available for rent) and fantastic views. There's live entertainment daily. It's a favorite spot for watching shuttle launches.
Ron Jon Surf Shop (Cocoa Beach at the intersection of Highway 520 and A1A) is more than just a shopping stop -- the 24/7 store boasts the largest selection of board sporting equipment anywhere, and is a tourist attraction in its own right hosting more than two million visitors a year. Two massive floors -- 50,000 square feet -- are filled with more than 35,000 items of men's and women's outerwear, resort wear, beachwear, swimwear, shoes, children's apparel, eyewear and accessories.
Been There, Done That
Space Coast Nature Tours (451 Marina Rd., Dock A, Slip 23, Titusville) 90-minute tours are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and children. Tours operate at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm daily, 321-267-4551) offer cruises on the electric powered 49-seat Skimmer to assure a quiet cruise on the Indian River Lagoon where manatees and dolphins play. Overhead there are soaring eagles, pelicans, egrets and other birds. River views of NASA's massive shuttle assembly building and the towering launch pads.
Island Boat Lines offers two hour daily eco-tours (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) on pontoon boats as well as a Sunday (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) trip through the Locks of Port Canaveral with up close views of cruise and Navy ships, the submarine base, Space Lab and U.S. Coast Guard Station, $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children, 321-454-7414.
American Police Hall of Fame & Museum (6350 Horizon Dr., Titusville, 321-264-0911, Daily 10 am - 6 pm) is just west of the gates to the Kennedy Space Center and across from the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Sit in an electric chair. CSI fans can check out crime scenes. Exhibits on big crimes throughout history are popular. Children can check out the Robocop and police uniform dress up area. Visit the badge-making station and sit on a real police motorcycle. $12 for adults, $8 for children, seniors and military. Free for law enforcement officers and their families. Helicopter Tours depart from site and begin at $25.
Ever wanted to fire a real handgun or even a machine gun? The state-of-the-art shooting range at the Police Hall of Fame (Tuesday - Sunday, 321-264-0911) offers handgun rentals and instruction to the public. The nearby Gun Site Range (125 S. Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, 321-453-2071, open Daily except Tuesday) offers both handgun and machine gun rentals and instruction.
Established in the 1800's in the center of the famed Indian River citrus region, historic Cocoa Village offers a taste of old Florida. Many of the buildings, including the 1924 Cocoa Village Playhouse, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the 1885 S. F. Travis Hardware Store is actually the oldest business on the Atlantic Coast -- from Jacksonville to Key West -- and is still operated by the original family. A variety of boutiques and shops line the streets of the five-block district. Dolphins often show off their leaping skills just off the boardwalk that hangs over the river.
Beaches
With 72 miles of Atlantic shore the area boasts some of the state's most spectacular beaches. Beginning at Port Canaveral south to Sebastian Inlet State Park are more than 35 miles of public beaches. Just about any eastward turn off State Road A1A will provide access to the beach but beach parks offer restrooms, showers and picnic pavilions. Jetty Park at the east end of Port Canaveral has year-round lifeguards, beach wheelchairs, a snack bar, bait and tackle shop and a 1,000-foot fishing pier. Several side streets in Cocoa Beach have metered parking and dune crossovers to the beach.
Best for Seclusion: Canaveral National Seashore stretches for 23 miles and is completely undeveloped. There are even great views of the space shuttle launch pads.
Best for Families: Lori Wilson Park (1500 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-455-1380). There are concessions, hiking and nature trails, a wide expanse of beach, fishing and swimming.
Best for an Active Day: Sebastian Inlet State Park (9700 S. S.R. A1A, Melbourne Beach, 321-984-4852). There's a beach, bike trails, boat tours, canoeing, fishing, kayak rental, scuba and snorkeling.
Shore Excursions
There isn't a plethora of shore excursions available, as Port Canaveral is primarily the point of embarkation and/or debarkation. However, a few lines do offer trips to Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal and Sea World, as well as Holiday Inn beach excursions.
Lunching
Along A1A near the port are a number of typical chain restaurants for a quick lunch or snack. But what people look for when dining in the Port Canaveral area is fresh seafood.
Overlooking the Port: Grill's Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (505 Glen Cheek Dr., Cape Canaveral, 321-868-2226) offers up fresh seafood and exotic drinks in the waterside setting overlooking the port and cruise ships.
At Cocoa Beach: Coconuts on the Beach (2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-784-1422) is famous for its parties, award-winning clam chowder and fresh Florida seafood caught by the local fishing fleet. Or, try Atlantic Ocean Grill on the pier (401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-7549) and Oh Shucks Raw Bar (321-783-7549) -- ocean seafood and terrific views are house specialties.
For Shrimp Lovers: Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant (1475 Garden St., Titusville, 321-268-5000) is famous for its shrimp and has been serving all types of shrimp and other seafood since 1983.
Accommodations
Close to the Port: The Radisson Resort at the Port (8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, 321-784-0000) offers a large heated pool, an on-site Avis rental facility and complimentary shuttle to the port. It is the closest to the port and offers stay-and-park packages.
Best for Families: Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort (1300 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 800-20-OASIS) is the area's biggest resort and boasts a large heated pool and separate children's pool complete with a pirate ship. It's on the beach and has tennis and basketball courts and exercise facilities. It offers stay-and-park packages for cruise passengers with shuttles to the port as well as a day visit in connection with ships that are in port for a day.
Another Good Choice: Ron Jon Resort (1000 Shorewood Dr., Cape Canaveral, 321-784-4922) It offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, a lazy river ride, water slide, large heated pool, a movie theater and basketball and tennis courts.
Convenient to the Airport: Wingate by Wyndham at the Orlando International Airport offers free shuttle service to and from the airport, which is great for cruisers who do not rent a car before their sailing. The hotel also offers complimentary continental breakfast and 24-hour coffee, cappuccino, juice and a mini-store with snacks. There are four family-style restaurants within walking distance too.
Staying in Touch
Hotels have business centers with Internet access and most have WiFi access. One mile south of the port is the Cape Canaveral Public Library (201 Polk Ave., 321-868-1101) with free Internet access.
For More Information
Call 800-93-OCEAN
On the Web: www.space-coast.com
Cruise Critic Message Boards: United States
The Independent Traveler: Florida Exchange
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