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March 20, 2024

Carnival Elation docked at Port Canaveral in Florida
Departure Ports, Hotels, Port Canaveral, United States

Affordable Hotels Near Port Canaveral with Shuttles, Parking & More

Hotels Near Port Canaveral This is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, so many cruisers seek out Port Canaveral hotels, which is about 47 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida, a 45-minute to one-hour drive. Some cruisers opt to come into the area a day or two early and stay in Orlando to enjoy the many theme parks and attractions there, but others prefer a hotel option that is close to Port Canaveral, in the city of Cape Canaveral, and that offers shuttle service to port (although this may come at a cost). My recommendations on transfer options are at the bottom of this post. Cruisers typically seek out affordable hotels in Cape Canaveral, but this is a bustling area — especially during peak cruise season — which can drive up prices, making “affordable” a relative term. Not only are these hotels near Port Canaveral, but they’re also just about 15 minutes from Cocoa Beach and 20 minutes from Kennedy Space Center. If you prefer a beachfront hotel, check out this post. But if you’re searching for an affordable hotel near Cape Canaveral with a shuttle to the port, read on. Affordable Port Canaveral Hotels Country Inn & Suites at Port CanaveralAddress: 9009 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920This property is one of the top-rated hotels by cruisers because it’s the closest to port, just half a mile, and provides a “Park and Stay” bundled package, including room, parking, and shuttle to port for cruisers who drive in and need parking during their cruise. Country Inn offers guests free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, and the shuttle to Port Canaveral for guests staying on a non-“Park and Stay” rate is $5 per person. An Uber from Country Inn to Port Canaveral cruise port in comparison, however, is only around $9, so that may be a better, more convenient option. Radisson Resort at PortAddress: 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920This property is less than two miles, a five-minute drive, from Port Canaveral and receives high marks from cruisers due to its location to port. This is a popular choice among families because of its pool area, including a designated kiddie pool, and it offers free Wi-Fi, although breakfast is not included. Radisson offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral at the cost of $6 per person, which is reserved at check-in, and shuttle service to and from MCO airport is $28 per person each way and must be reserved 48 hours in advance. However, an Uber is likely a more affordable and convenient option. Parking is available for $12 per night. Hampton Inn & Suites Cape CanaveralAddress: 9004 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920Just one mile from the port is Hampton Inn, which is highly regarded by cruisers for its proximity to the port, cleanliness, and value. Guests here enjoy free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, and the shuttle to the port is reserved at check-in, running 10:30 and 11:45 am daily at a cost of $10 per person. At just around a $9 fare from hotel to port, however, Uber is likely a better option. Hampton Inn offers parking, but at a high cost of $25 per day, parking at the port is a much more affordable and convenient option. Titusville Hotel Option Casa Coquina del Mar in TitusvilleAddress: 4010 Coquina Avenue, Titusville, FL, 32780If you’re looking for more of an “experience”, than just a place to lay your head pre-cruise, you might want to consider Casa Coquina del Mar in Titusville. This charming bed and breakfast is a five-minute drive to Enchanted Forest Sanctuary and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, and 15 minutes from port and the Kennedy Space Center. Getting to Port Canaveral from the Airport These are all great hotels in Cape Canaveral, which are consistently highly ranked by cruisers sailing from Port Canaveral, but I advise folks not to book them (or any property) because of the fact that these hotels offer a shuttle to the cruise port. Instead, consider convenience, hotel ratings, location, and other amenities when deciding. There are four main options for cruisers to get to Port Canaveral from MCO airport, and all of these choices – and their pricing – is detailed in my post here. When you compare pricing, you may find that the hotel shuttle service is not the best option. Things to Do Near Port Canaveral Book Your Port Canaveral Hotel Now Best Port Canaveral Hotels for Cruisers

A photo of Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska
Alaska, Juneau, United States

What You Need to Know about the Juneau Cruise Port: Taxis, Glaciers, & How to Dress

About the Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Juneau is home to both the Alaskan state capital and one of the state’s busiest cruise ports, which is officially named “Port Juneau”. This port, along with Ketchikan and Skagway, comprise 80 percent of Alaska’s passenger visits, and it’s a great port to visit because downtown Juneau is pedestrian-friendly and adjacent to the port, with lots to do and see. Free Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska The town of Juneau is easily walkable from the cruise port, and there are several great shops, bars, and restaurants to visit on foot. The Travel Juneau organization provides a downtown map for cruisers interested in exploring on foot. There are several free activities in Juneau, many of which aren’t too far by taxi from the port, including Nugget Falls (20 minutes), the National Shrine of St. Therese (32 minutes), and Eagle Beach (38 minutes).One of the most popular Juneau destinations, Mendenhall Glacier, is free in the winter season and costs just a $5 entrance fee per person (ages 16+) during peak season. Cruisers should note that if you take a taxi from Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier, many drivers will pressure you to purchase your admission from them directly at a higher cost, sometimes upwards of $17 per person.   Cuddling a sled dog in training in Juneau, Alaska Resist these efforts and instead purchase your admission at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The glacier is approximately 23 minutes by taxi from port and a taxi runs approximately $35 each way. Cell service in this area is spotty, so cruisers should consider making return transportation plans with their driver at drop-off. Juneau Port Taxis Uber is an option in Juneau, and there is a bustling taxi stand right at the port, with drivers at the ready-to-take cruisers to popular local destinations. The city sets the cost of a taxi in Juneau, with a meter drop of $3.40 and a $2.20 per mile charge. Many taxis provide shared transportation as a more affordable option, particularly to popular destinations such as Mendenhall Glacier. Best Excursions in Juneau, Alaska Alaska cruise excursions are generally more expensive than other itineraries. While this is a great port to explore on foot, here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, outside of town: Goldbelt Tram (located right by port) Sled Dog Discovery in Juneau I did this excursion, and it was amazing! We didn’t “sled” on snow but rather on muddy ground, which I didn’t expect—but it was still an amazing experience! Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier I personally toured Mendenhall Glacier, and it’s a must-stop destination if you’re porting in Alaska. It’s truly spectacular. Juneau Helicopter Tour Juneau’s Premier Whale Watching  Weather in Juneau Like most other popular Alaska cruise ports, Juneau is generally rainy and cool with precipitation falling 230 days out of the year, so dressing in layers is advised. Juneau has a Subarctic-Maritime climate and is milder than other parts of the state.  During peak Alaskan cruise season (May-September), daytime highs can range from the low 60’s to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Juneau Cruise Port Ship Schedule Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska (CLAA) publishes the Juneau cruise ship schedule on its website.  Juneau, Alaska Time Zone Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for Alaskan cruise itineraries where multiple time zone changes can occur on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when making plans for your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Juneau’s time zone is Alaska Daylight Time (ADT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time.   Other Things to do in Juneau

A Holland America Line cruise ship docked at an Alaskan cruise port
Alaska, Sitka, United States

What You Need to Know about the Sitka Cruise Port: Shuttle, Excursions & Weather

The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal in Sitka, Alaska is a modern port that greets cruisers from many of the major cruise lines. The Sitka dock is a premier port of call on Alaskan itineraries, accommodating two cruise ships, and it features a beautiful wood building, opened in 2011, that fits perfectly into the glacial carved mountains of the area. While you may not realize it while exploring the touristic areas, Sitka is the largest US city by size, at a whopping 2,870 square miles.

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