5 Smart Ways to Stay Before Your Port Canaveral Cruise: Hotels, Transportation, Parking & RV Options

Your Port Canaveral cruise vacation doesn't have to begin when you step aboard the ship. In fact, one of the best ways to start your vacation is to arrive early, relax and turn the night before your cruise into part of the adventure.

But where should you stay? Should you stay inside Orlando International Airport, book an inexpensive airport hotel, head directly to Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, drive and leave your car near the port—or even bring your RV?

In this guide, 5 Smart Ways to Stay Before Your Port Canaveral Cruise: Hotels, Transportation, Parking & RV Options, the Florida Sail & Stay team breaks down five different strategies so you can decide which one works best for your travel style, budget and arrival plans.

Our Florida Sail & Stay Promise

Our Florida Sail & Stay team has been cruising from Florida ports for more than 30 years. We research cruise transportation, hotels and pre-cruise options because these details can make a tremendous difference in how smoothly a vacation begins.

Our team also personally visits and stays at many of the hotels and destinations we recommend. None of the hotels or transportation providers mentioned in this guide sponsor this article. Our recommendations and observations are independent.

And there is one piece of advice we repeat again and again:

Arrive at least one day before your cruise.

Whether you're flying into Orlando, driving across Florida or making a road trip from another state, we strongly recommend arriving in the Orlando or Port Canaveral area the day before your ship departs.

Flights get delayed. Highways back up. Weather changes. Cars have mechanical problems. Luggage takes longer than expected.

Your cruise ship isn't going to wait for most travel delays.

Adding a pre-cruise night creates a valuable cushion between your travel day and embarkation day—and gives you a chance to start your vacation relaxed instead of racing against the clock.

So, where should you stay?

IDEA ONE: Stay at the Airport—Literally!

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

Flying into Orlando late in the afternoon or evening? Sometimes the easiest option is simply not leaving the airport.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is located inside Orlando International Airport (MCO) in the Terminal A/B complex. The hotel and its restaurants are pre-security, making them accessible without going through TSA.

This is one of our favorite ideas for travelers who arrive late the day before a Port Canaveral cruise or simply want to get off the plane, collect their luggage and start relaxing.

Why We Like This Option

After spending hours traveling, you don't necessarily want another transportation adventure.

Instead, you can collect your bags and head to your hotel without leaving MCO.

The Hyatt offers amenities including:

• Heated outdoor rooftop swimming pool and sundeck
• Airport and runway views
• 24-hour fitness center
• Complimentary standard Wi-Fi
• Rooms and suites with 65-inch televisions and streaming capability
• Select rooms with balconies, patios or runway views
• Day-use rooms, subject to availability
• McCoy's Bar & Grill
• Hemisphere Restaurant
• Lobby Bar
• Room service
• Pet-friendly accommodations

There are 445 rooms at the hotel, and its location puts you just steps from the airport terminals.

Forgot Something for Your Cruise?

This is another reason we like staying inside MCO.

The pre-security A/B terminal area offers shops selling travel necessities, gifts and souvenirs. You'll also find Orlando-themed shopping, including merchandise associated with some of Central Florida's major attractions.

Because these shops are outside TSA security, hotel guests can browse without needing to enter a gate area.

Don't Want to Eat at the Hotel?

There are additional quick-service and casual dining choices in the airport's landside terminal areas. Airport restaurant lineups and operating hours can change, so we recommend checking MCO's current dining directory before your trip.

Here's the Part We Really Love

On cruise morning, you're already at the airport.

Head down to Ground Transportation and connect with your pre-arranged transportation to Port Canaveral.

One option is a cruise-line-sponsored transfer. Another is an independent transportation provider such as Go Port.

Go Port currently offers shared transportation from MCO directly to Port Canaveral, with its airport-to-ship shared shuttle priced at $29.99 per traveler each way at the time of this writing. Private transportation is also available.

Florida Sail & Stay Tip: Transportation prices, schedules and availability can change. Always confirm current details and reserve transportation before traveling.

Who Should Consider This Option?

This may be an excellent choice for:

• Travelers arriving at MCO late in the day
• First-time cruisers
• Solo travelers
• Seniors who want to minimize transfers and luggage handling
• Families traveling with children
• Travelers who prefer convenience over finding the lowest hotel price

IDEA TWO: Stay Near MCO and Return to the Airport on Cruise Morning

Love the convenience of Idea One but not necessarily the price?

Here's our hybrid strategy.

Book a hotel close to Orlando International Airport that offers complimentary airport transportation. Take the hotel shuttle after your flight, enjoy your pre-cruise night, and return to MCO the next morning.

Then connect with your cruise transportation at the airport.

A Florida Sail & Stay Team Stay

Our team recently picked this strategy with a stay at Hyatt Place near Orlando International Airport.

We found the room clean, organized and spacious enough to accommodate our roller bags and cruise carry-ons comfortably. The hotel also offers breakfast, and our airport shuttle ride takes only a few minutes.

Our rate for that particular stay comes in at under $150.

Of course, hotel rates fluctuate considerably depending on the season, day of the week and events happening in Orlando, so your rate may be different.

Florida Sail & Stay Tip: If you're using a hotel airport shuttle, ask about the return trip to MCO when you check in. If reservations are required, select your morning shuttle time immediately rather than waiting until cruise morning.

Why Consider a Cruise-Line Transfer?

Once you're back at MCO, you can use an independent shuttle or purchase transportation through your cruise line.

Cruise-sponsored transportation can offer several advantages:

• Cruise-line coordination: Your transportation is part of the cruise line's embarkation-day operation.
• Less planning: There's no need to arrange a rental car or figure out the drive to the port.
• Airport assistance: Cruise representatives generally provide instructions for where and when to meet the motorcoach.
• Potential luggage convenience: Procedures vary by cruise line, so verify whether you'll handle your bags yourself or whether additional luggage services are available.
• First-time cruiser friendly: Someone else handles the transportation logistics.
• Round-trip possibilities: Depending on the cruise line, you may also be able to arrange transportation from Port Canaveral back to MCO after your cruise.

However, purchasing a cruise-line transfer does not change our recommendation about arriving early.

We Still Don't Recommend Flying Into Orlando on Embarkation Day

A cruise transfer cannot make a severely delayed or canceled flight arrive on time.

Spend the night in Orlando and make cruise morning your transportation day—not your flight day.

What About Uber or Lyft?

Rideshare is another possibility between Orlando and Port Canaveral.

If you choose this route, consider scheduling your ride ahead of time and select a vehicle large enough for both your passengers and cruise luggage.

Four adults plus four large suitcases and carry-ons can quickly overwhelm a standard vehicle.

Check the app for current estimated pricing before making your decision.

IDEA THREE: Fly Into MCO and Go Directly to a Port Canaveral-Area Hotel

This may be our favorite strategy for travelers who want to wake up on embarkation morning and already feel like they're on a cruise vacation.

Fly into MCO, collect your bags and travel directly to Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach.

Spend the night near the ocean, enjoy dinner, relax and wake up just minutes from your cruise terminal.

One of the questions we hear most frequently is:

“How do I get from Orlando International Airport to my Port Canaveral hotel?”

Fortunately, you have choices.

Transportation Options from MCO to Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach Hotels

Depending on your party size, budget and preferred level of service, consider:

• Cocoa Beach Express Shuttle Service: Provides transportation in the MCO–Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach corridor and serves area hotels in addition to cruise terminals.
• Airport Canaveral Cruise Shuttle: Another option for transportation between MCO and the Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area.
• Cruise Control Transportation: Offers transportation options for travelers heading toward the Port Canaveral area.
• Private car or van service: Often worth comparing for families and groups. Once several people are paying individual shuttle fares, a private vehicle can become more attractive.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft can provide another door-to-door option between MCO and your hotel.

Port Canaveral itself notes that travelers can choose among vans, shuttles, buses and rideshare services, and Cocoa Beach Express currently serves as the Canaveral Port Authority's official Ground Transportation Concessionaire.

Shared Shuttle or Private Transportation?

For one or two travelers, a shared shuttle may provide good value.

For a family or group, do the math.

Compare the total cost for everyone on the shuttle against the cost of reserving a private SUV or van. Private transportation also gives you the advantage of going directly to your hotel without waiting for other passengers or making multiple stops.

Don't Forget Transportation From Your Hotel to the Ship

Getting to Cocoa Beach is only half of your transportation plan.

Before booking your hotel, ask whether it provides transportation to your specific Port Canaveral cruise terminal.

And don't stop at asking, “Do you have a cruise shuttle?”

Ask:

• Is the cruise shuttle complimentary?
• If not, what is the per-person cost?
• Is advance registration required?
• When can I reserve my shuttle?
• What time does the first shuttle leave?
• How frequently do shuttles operate?
• Does the shuttle serve my specific cruise terminal?
• Is seating first-come, first-served?
• How far in advance do popular departure times fill?

We Learned This One Ourselves

Our team still remembers choosing a hotel shuttle to the cruise terminal and discovering that the morning time slots we wanted were already booked.

Our solution? Uber.

That's exactly why we recommend asking transportation questions when you reserve your hotel, not the morning of your cruise.

IDEA FOUR: Drive to Port Canaveral and Book a Park, Sleep & Cruise Package

Not everyone arrives in Orlando on an airplane.

If you're driving to Port Canaveral, a Park, Sleep & Cruise package can be one of the easiest ways to combine your pre-cruise hotel, cruise parking and terminal transportation.

You may also see these packages called Park & Cruise or Snooze, Park & Cruise.

How Does Park, Sleep & Cruise Work?

The concept is simple.

A package typically combines:

• One pre-cruise hotel night
• Parking for your vehicle while you're cruising
• Transportation between the designated parking location/hotel and Port Canaveral

The exact arrangement varies.

Some hotels allow your vehicle to remain on hotel property while you're sailing. Other packages use a separate cruise-parking facility and provide shuttle transportation between the parking facility and your ship.

A Typical Park, Sleep & Cruise Trip

Imagine your cruise leaves Saturday.

You drive to Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach on Friday.

You check into your hotel, have dinner, get a good night's sleep and wake up already near Port Canaveral.

Saturday morning, you follow the instructions provided with your package, leave your vehicle in the designated parking area and take your shuttle to the cruise terminal.

After your cruise, the return shuttle takes you back to your vehicle.

No long-distance drive on embarkation morning. No worrying about interstate traffic hundreds of miles from your ship.

Why We Like This Option

It can offer:

• A more relaxed embarkation morning
• Hotel accommodations and parking in one plan
• Transportation to and from the cruise terminal
• Potential savings compared with purchasing each component separately
• A built-in reason to arrive the day before your cruise

Florida Sail & Stay Tip: Don't assume every “Park & Cruise” package works the same way. Find out exactly where your car will be parked, how many parking days are included and whether both your outbound and return cruise-terminal transfers are included.

IDEA FIVE: Bring Your RV to Port Canaveral and Camp Before Your Cruise

Yes, you can combine RV travel and a Port Canaveral cruise—and this may be one of the most fun ways to begin your vacation.

Instead of staying at a hotel, spend your pre-cruise night camping near the ships.

Stay at Jetty Park Before Your Cruise

Jetty Park Campground is located at Port Canaveral and offers RV camping close to the beach, fishing pier and cruise-ship activity.

You'll find it at:

Jetty Park Campground
9035 Campground Circle
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920

The campground provides access to Jetty Park's beach and fishing pier, and the campground store carries RV and camping supplies, snacks, beach necessities and other essentials. Campers also have access to a lounge with complimentary coffee, charging facilities, television, books and games.

And for cruise lovers, there's another big attraction:

You can watch cruise ships arriving and departing Port Canaveral.

What better way to spend the day before your own cruise?

Reserve Jetty Park Early

Jetty Park is popular, so this isn't something we'd leave until the last minute.

Make your campground reservation as early as possible, particularly if you're cruising during a busy travel period.

Can You Leave Your RV at Jetty Park While You're Cruising?

Don't assume your campsite can become long-term cruise parking.

Jetty Park is a campground, not your cruise parking facility. Review the campground's current reservation rules and unattended-property requirements before your stay.

Our recommendation is to treat these as two separate parts of your trip:

Jetty Park = your pre-cruise camping experience.

Port Canaveral cruise parking = where you leave the RV while you're sailing.

Where Do You Park the RV During the Cruise?

Port Canaveral provides oversized-vehicle parking at its cruise terminals.

On embarkation morning:

• Break camp and check out of Jetty Park.
• Drive your RV to the terminal assigned to your ship.
• Follow signs and instructions from Port Canaveral parking personnel.
• Drop checked cruise luggage with the appropriate porters as directed.
• Park the RV in the designated area.
• Lock up and head for your ship.
• After the cruise, return to your RV and continue your Florida road trip.

Port Canaveral currently states that parking is available at every cruise terminal, including oversized spaces for RVs and buses, and that reservations aren't required.

Important: Parking policies and RV/oversized-vehicle rates can change, so confirm the current rate and rules directly with Port Canaveral before your cruise.

Prepare Your RV for Cruise Week

Remember that you're parking the RV—not camping in it.

Before boarding the ship:

• Remove or secure perishables as appropriate.
• Secure awnings and exterior equipment.
• Lock exterior storage compartments.
• Close windows and vents as appropriate.
• Turn off unnecessary electrical loads.
• Check battery condition.
• Secure valuables.
• Make sure you have your RV keys with you before boarding!

Then sail away knowing your RV is waiting for the next part of your Florida adventure.

So, Which Port Canaveral Pre-Cruise Option Is Right for You?

That's exactly why we've created 5 Smart Ways to Stay Before Your Port Canaveral Cruise: Hotels, Transportation, Parking & RV Options.

There isn't one solution that works for every cruiser.

Arriving late at MCO?
Consider staying right inside the airport.

Want to save on your Orlando hotel?
Stay near MCO and return to the airport for your cruise transfer.

Want to wake up near the beach and cruise ships?
Transfer directly to a Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach hotel.

Driving to Florida?
Look at Park, Sleep & Cruise packages.

Traveling by RV?
Turn the night before your cruise into a Jetty Park camping adventure and move your RV to cruise parking on embarkation day.

The important part is planning all three pieces of your pre-cruise stay:

Where will you sleep? How will you get to Port Canaveral? Where will your vehicle be while you're cruising?

When those questions are answered before you leave home, embarkation day becomes much easier.

One Final Florida Sail & Stay Tip

The hotels mentioned in this guide represent only a few examples of the properties and resorts on our personal lodging list. There are many more Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach accommodations that can work beautifully with a Port Canaveral cruise.

Be sure to explore the Florida Sail & Stay Port Canaveral Guide for additional information as you plan your trip.

And remember our most important advice:

Get here the day before your cruise.

Your vacation should begin with anticipation—not a race to the ship.

Florida Sail & Stay is also available to help travelers plan and book both their cruise and pre-cruise lodging, helping connect the “Stay” with the “Sail.”

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