SteerageJoe

How are you getting to the port? There is a Target on Merritt Island on your way to the port. Easy to get to and back. 

5 hours ago, SteerageJoe said:

I cannot afford most of the rooms with port views but here are a few:

 

Holiday Inn 7th floor

 

Hilton A&E District

 

 

Marriott A&E District

 

 

Doubletree A&E District

 

 

ME Hotel

 

 

Sorry, Gabriel by Hilton, not ME!!!

I cannot afford most of the rooms with port views but here are a few:

Holiday Inn 7th floor

Hilton A&E District

Marriott A&E District

Doubletree A&E District

ME Hotel

3 hours ago, shirleys8 said:

Hello, I’m looking for info on car rental from port canaveral when we arrive on anthem as we would like to go to Orlando for the day.  Are there any rental companies close by.

thanks

Yes, you can walk to National, Alamo, Enterprise from Terminal 1. O.5 miles. But they and Avis and Budget have shuttles too.

Sure, taxis but Uber, Lyft will be cheaper and nicer IMO.

As a local, I ride the frequent SCAT bus (Route 9) whenever I am out exercising and get caught in a storm (or to/from Happy Hour at times!). These are nice buses from Cocoa Beach to/from Cape Canaveral and only $1.50 per ride. About 30 minutes waiting at stops if you miss one.  

There is a stop right at Terminal 1 (where you should dock) and several in Cocoa Beach near the water. 

I suggest you hop off/on at Publix for an easy walk to the Cocoa Beach Pier. Yes, they have beach items for rent near most lifeguard stations. The water may be a bit cold for many locals in late October but visitors swim anyway! And Canadians swim even in January!

Info here - https://321transit.com/bus-route/route-9/14/weekday/schedule

Port Everglades is strict at the entry points. Before Covid our Uber could only enter with a waybill (confirmed passengers) for our pickup. They were not sitting at the terminals waiting for rides. 
 

if this is still true (hopefully someone here has recent rideshare pickup info), then it will be impractical to call a rideshare to drive into the port just to transfer you a short distance.

so my vote is to grab a taxi since they ARE waiting at the terminal. Let’s see what others say! 

1 hour ago, stingray310 said:

thank you very much for this information, I will take this as a very positive review. As long as the hotel and rooms are clean, we can always take an uber, lyft or get delivery for food. Also a good breakfast at the hotel is also a plus.

 

Thanks,

Slim restaurant choices because the area is industrial. But if you don't want Waffle House, then Lechonera Sajoma Latin Restaurant across the road is different and pretty good. McCoy Rd is busy and difficult to cross at times. 

yes, you can budget $85 - $95 for a 7-night/8-day cruise when parking near the Port vs $176 -$200 at shipside.

In agreement with others here, I prefer to park shipside because one has to factor in:

• two-way driver tips,
• PLUS frustration that may lead to the extra cost of a taxi when the shuttle does not show and you have to scramble at the end of the cruise.

Worst case, the cheaper off-port parking may cost more than $100. Online reviews are rather negative in general for the off-port parking garages - mostly folks complain about poor directions/instructions, unfriendly shuttle drivers and no-show or very slow shuttles. Fortunately, I've seen very few issues with damage to vehicles because the parking garages are in good locations. Still...

Assuming, however, that all will go smoothly and as expected, then there are 3 established operators (using public parking garages) with shuttles near PortMiami that I am aware of. Those are shown on the map below. Just search for the companies online and do read the reviews:

Safe Cruise Parking, Premier Cruise Parking, We Parkin Miami

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We are looking to stay the night before our cruise from PC.  Is there a hotel zone or any cool places to stay near some laid back bars/restaurants?

The bars and restaurants in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach are all very casual and relaxed. Folks may dress up a slight bit to places like Florida's Fresh Grill but flip-flops and t-shirts and wind-blown hair are the standard dress code! 

If you want to avoid uber rides and travel then I suggest any of the four hotels in the image below. You are surrounded within an easy walk by restaurants and bars and banks and a Publix grocery store. I like Cocoa Beach Fish Camp but you have many places to try - even the touristy Pier to watch the surfers despite the higher drink prices.

If you can Uber then you can stay anywhere and you will find locals hanging out at the tiki bars of Grills and Gator's at the port where you can watch the cruise ships leave between 4-5pm (during Happy Hour!). There are also great vibes at the upstairs bars of Fishlips and at Rising Tide, both at the port.

Away from the cruise ships, locals gather at Preacher Bar, Slide Inn, Graham's, Island time, Sunset Bar, Sandbar, and various other spots depending on what you are looking for!

Terminal 1 meaning you can walk to the restaurants and few shops at the Cove. Other than the usual tourist stuff such as Kennedy Space Center, manatee cruises, etc, not much else!

cape Canaveral is my home and here we fish, go to the beach, do happy hours and Sunday brunches! It’s a quiet laid-back place (but we complain about the traffic).

Great info! Thanks! 
they are just starting to change the info at the airport….

1 hour ago, Hap said:

How easy is it to drop off passengers and then get into the garages at terminal 1 at Port Canaveral?

very easy. Drive into the ground floor of the garage, follow signs to the drop area where the porters are, then drive out with an immediate left turn up the ramp to park. 

2 hours ago, Norway_cruiser said:

Any of the rental car companies who offer a complimentary shuttle from the port to the rental car center at Miami Airport these days? Alamo used to do that the last time i was on a cruise🙂.

 

Want to rent at car for the day after returning from a cruise so i can go to Sawgrass Mills and do some shopping and lunch before our flight home in the afternoon.

 

I have both Avis Preferred Status and Hertz President Circle but not sure how much that helps on the small downtown location when there are long wait times.

I would go with  Alamo / National / Enterprise from, then back to the Rental Center at the airport. They still have a port shuttle I believe but call them just to make sure!

Downtown will be inconvenient 

yes, you can drop the family / luggage at 18 then park in Palm and walk back. There is no clear sidewalk so it is an inconvenient walk IMO but doable.

Surface lot 19 is an overflow lot for 18, so they expect folks to walk from there, and Palm is not much further. 

BUT, they sometimes put up gates/barricades at terminals not in use that day. Should they close off the Terminal 19 area on your cruise day, it will be a problem!

A car cover is another option.

I often wonder how folks do this?

10 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

We did it early enough to beat the heat.  And our groceries were limited to some chips to eat on the ship.  

Indeed, that area is flat and great for walking with wide sidewalks, etc. The Racetrac nearby has a fair selection of snacks and wine/beer/etc while staying at the Radisson or nearby hotels!

2 hours ago, lola2013 said:

We just stayed at the Radisson by the Port on Astronaut Boulevard.  It's a beautiful property with lots of restaurants and Publix within walking distance.  We stayed for two nights last month.  I was in a room with two queen beds (as a single)...rate was $155...no resort fee.   The shuttle fee to the cruiseport was $6/pp.  My friends were in a room with one king bed; they paid a little more because they booked it later than I did...maybe $175.

Publix is 2 miles from the Radisson. Too far to walk with groceries but an easy drive! 

I do not put my trust in rideshare drivers ever! They have a huge turnover and chances are your driver has not been to PortMiami. 
 

best to know where to go so you can assist. Directions are clear at the Port but I suggest you download the portmiami app. It shows the ship and terminal. Then guide the driver if needed. 

Stayed there a few times with no issues. It is a isolated and the surroundings are bit bleak for walks after dark. It will be best to Uber if you plan to go out. 

La Quinta Oceanfront is a great hotel. Close to Publix and many restaurants. Shuttle, etc.
 

Most of the 78 rooms have ocean views but the direct oceanfront executive rooms are special not only because of the views but because the balconies are private. The rooms overlooking the pool have side views of the ocean but their balconies are not really private (the design allow your neighbors to see you on your balcony).

You can generally choose between 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed with a Twin Sofa Bed. The cheapest rooms have the poorest views!

Yes, the system is preprogrammed for the number of days based on the ship in the dock! That’s what you pay upon entry.

In the recent past, that 2nd cruise parking was free! I think it’s still free but don’t quote me!

Best to call the port and ask if you are concerned. 

Go for it and let us know!

13 hours ago, madge57 said:

instead of flying into Orlando try flying into Melbourne, Florida its a small airport but well worth it. some celebrities fly in and out of this airport because it is less traveled. not sure how much flights will be but its only 20 minutes or so from the port

 

Nowadays it takes longer! More like 45-50 minutes from Airport to Port! 30 to 45 miles depending on route.

7 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

What about National/Alamo?  Shuttle to port?

Enterprise / National / Alamo - same parent company and sharing a shuttle yes!

I only park at PortMiami because it is easy and convenient and safe. So I agree with the general sentiment of this forum.

BUT, for information sake, if you want to pay around $91 for a 7-night cruise instead of $176, then there are two serious alternatives to consider. Both options require you to park in a public parking garage and you keep your keys:

SafeCruise Parking recently moved from a shady area to a better garage (IMO) - 198 NE 2nd St

Premier Cruise Parking has been in the same garage (Whole Foods) for many years - 250 SE 3rd Ave

Will your car be safe in these garages? Who knows. Is your car safe while you shop at Whole Foods? Just don't leave valuables and don't be surprised if you get nicked by a careless driver or similar.

There are several other options including a few hotels but that's a different discussion and not more secure!

Enterprise? yes!

I have not rented since COVID so no personal experience, but according to my App for AVIS, Budget and Payless they still offer port shuttles to/from 2520 Miami Road.

You MUST book:

AVIS - QF1

Budget - EV3

Payless - EV3