jamisong

ty :)

I have liked his page but don't know who the beards are yet? care to fill me in? :)

We just got off the Breeze and loved the Hub App. Does anyone have an official or unofficial idea when it might be operational on other ships - I would love for it to be available on the Pride in April :)

The fun times is now smaller, which is fine with me, maybe because of the hub app and it saves paper, now I wish they would stop with all the ads! ;) The app was GREAT and easy to use It has been a while since I posted :-O I will try to remember how to upload a pic - do u still need to upload the pic to a photo site and copy and paste the url?

trying to establish if I can use my phone onboard. Checking internet and texting - the phone itself only in case of emergency.

Yes I have called my carrier to get info on international usage but I keep getting a message saying "we r closed" and it never gives me the hours :(

I use sprint Anyone familiar with their policy?

I am a novice and dont know anything about "data" and what uses it?

Any tips???

synchronized swimming gold :)

testing avitar

It sounds fantastic! Thanks All!

It is retractable so it will be open when the weather is nice. And its only over one pool.

Thank you! :)

Say it ain't so! Is there a dome over the pool? I know we are leaving from Baltimore, but I want an outdoor pool. Anything above 32 degrees is beach weather to me lol

Thankx :)

Thanks for the great Tips!

I will google walking tours - I did open searches before and got too many results to sift through - that is the refinement my search needs!

Keep the suggestions coming folks :)

Thanks all for the input. Is there any way I can find out what Location the Pride will have? Or is it decided on the fly?

NOTE: I made some important updates/corrections and feel compelled to update my response from yesterday. It is not just a re-post!

 

Please look at this map of Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach for orientation:

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zH-7o_mJABR0.kguiZnGCjDj0

 

STEP 1

What is your cruise terminal? If 5, 6, or 10 then you need transport.

 

If 1, 3 or 4 then you have some activities within walking distance:

1. Jetty Park (FREE) for a beach/suntan (beach café and cheap beach chair rentals). Very scenic area and very nice beach. http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

2. Beach trolley stop – For $1.25 one-way, the trolley will take you to Cocoa Beach (Shepard Park for Ron Jon area) or within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier (use Publix Stop). About 30 minutes to these stops. http://www.ridescat.com/

3. The Cove at the Port – All the famous restaurants (Millikens, Rusty’s, Fishlips, Grills) http://visitportcanaveral.com/

4. The Exploration Tower – A bit expensive ($6.50+tax) but interesting info about the port with games for kids and 360 degree view from the 7th floor. http://www.explorationtower.com/

5. Helicopter and biplane rides - http://www.floridaairtours.com/ the chopper is right there behind terminal 2.

 

STEP 2:

So you want to explore further afield in private and not using a shore excursion?

 

Rental Cars:

Unless you just want a simple single visit somewhere in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach, I think the best option is to rent a car for the day. Start price-shopping with Payless (within walking distance of terminals 3 & 4) but all offer port shuttles. To avoid boring waiting time with kids in tow, I suggest that one adult go early to get the car then come back to pick the family!

 

Please know some of the popular rental car companies share shuttles and offices. See the map above for locations and pictures of their shuttles for easier identification.

 

I am working on an 8-hour itinerary around the area for self-drive cruisers! Stay tuned…

 

Shuttles:

If you do not want to drive or use the trolley, then shuttle/taxi services are available. 888-taxi - http://cab888.com/ has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($5 or more depending on vehicle size, I believe) which add to the costs.

 

So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-taxi before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead.

Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area: Cocoa Beach Shuttle - http://www.cbshuttle.com, Beach Line - http://www.beachlineshuttle.net, Space Port - http://spaceporttransport.com/ , Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232, etc.

 

Expect to pay around $20 for two people for a one-way trip to Ron Jon Surf shop for example.

 

Kennedy Space Center:

One of the most popular shore excursions. I always see a line of KSC buses waiting on each ship! So you can expect a crowded day at KSC. There are ways to manage your day in order to avoid lines at the top attractions – I am planning to write it up in a separate note.

 

A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10.

 

Beach:

During winter months and if Port Canaveral is the first stop when sailing from NY for example, the beach is what a lot of people want! I totally understand and highly recommend to walk over to Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys. The beach café is pretty good too!

 

If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area or further down near Coconuts on the Beach. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) so do not go there if you want to avoid your fellow passengers!

 

The SCAT public transport is cheap and easy (30 minutes) down to the Pier and Ron Jon areas.

 

There are several areas (and companies) for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits.

 

Activities (Orlando area):

I understand the attraction but it is tough for me to recommend a whirlwind bus or private tour of any of the Orlando theme parks. It is almost impossible to experience the parks in a long day, so a half-day trip is pretty intense! Ride lines will be long, it may be very hot, the transfers take at least an hour each way and it is very expensive for what you can achieve on such a rushed excursion.

 

It may be best to rent a car and visit just Downtown Disney (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops) and perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland. I will think more about this and perhaps write a separate note about Orlando options.

 

Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):

The best activities around Port Canaveral are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun!

 

Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial.

 

Disclaimer - I do not endorse any of the companies/establishments listed and I have no relationship (personal or business) with them. My list is just a starting point of different activities so please do your own research! However, we’ve had have positive experiences with many of the listings below and are constantly trying new ones!

 

a) Sunward Tours - http://www.sunwardtours.com They can arrange just about any activity

b) Segway Tours - http://spacecoastsegwaytours.com/ will guide you around the port

c) Airboat rides – There are several but to avoid the crowds do not go where your fellow passengers go! Most shore excursions go to Midway or Lone Cabbage. Try Grasshopper - http://www.airboatecotours.com/ , Old Fashioned Airboat Rides - http://airboatrides.com or Switchgrass - http://switchgrassoutfitters.com

d) Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife - Adventure Kayak - http://kayakcocoabeach.com/, Fin Expeditions - http://www.finexpeditions.com for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso - http://calypsokayaking.com at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center

e) Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach Surf Company - http://cocoabeachsurf.com/surf_lessons_camp.html or Ron Jon http://www.ronjonsurfschool.com are solid representative of the surf school companies

f) Air Force Space and Missile History Center – http://www.afspacemuseum.org/historycenter/ The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.

g) Warbird Museum – http://www.vacwarbirds.net/ If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces it is an amazing museum.

h) Police Hall of Fame – http://www.aphf.org/museum.html More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as impressive though very sad memorial.

i) Astronaut Hall of Fame - https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/the-experience/us-astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx is part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location.

j) Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek - https://brevardzoo.org/

k) Shopping - Dinosaur Store and Museum - http://dinosaurstore.com/ and Ron Jon Surf Shop - http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/ Fun for kids old and young!

l) Wildlife Parks - Jungle Adventures – http://www.jungleadventures.com - An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected.

m) Boat rides on the Banana River to see wildlife including manatees. Start with Island Boat Lines - http://www.islandboatlines.com/ and also Wild Side Tours http://wildsidetours.com/

n) Forever Florida - http://foreverflorida.com a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.

o) Cocoa Beach Skatepark - http://cocoabeachskatepark.com/ Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.

p) Brewery – Florida Beer Company - https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeerCompany a very good tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.

 

This is a work in progress – being updated daily as we discover and try new adventures!

WOW!!!! THIS IS WICKED AWESOME! TY so much!

PC is a port that requires some pre-planning to fully enjoy/experience.

 

You need to do some homework and figure out what you want to do - Orlando and them parks? Kennedy Space Center? Beach? Swamp/gator tour? :confused:

 

We did this cruise last year, rented a car in PC and were in Universal Studios by 9:45 -- much cheaper and easier than the cruise line excursion.

Thanks for the info. We go to the Orlando area every year so we are looking more for activities in the Port Canaveral immediate area. Maybe we'll just enjoy the ship while the others are off :) Was hoping there might be a taxi area or something to take us to Kennedy Space Center cheaper (there will be seven of us total)

Way to go with driving to universal! Much prefer it to Disney and you probably had more time as well.

Thanks

We will cruise out of Baltimore MD and our first stop is Port Canaveral. Then Freeport and Nassau the Bahamas

We have done eastern and western Caribbean and are familiar with just getting off the boat and finding local tour operators for a fraction of the cost of booking onboard. ALso allowing us to decide what we want to do without too much planning, and getting up when we want. This is vacation after all

Can we find things to do in the Bahamas (or Port Canaveral if you are familiar) on the fly?

Or does the port area have activities in walking/cab distance?

Thanks

We will cruise out of Baltimore MD and our first stop is Port Canaveral.

This is our first time on this Itinerary (Freeport and Nassau next)

We have done eastern and western Caribbean and are familiar with just getting off the boat and finding local tour operators for a fraction of the cost of booking onboard. ALso allowing us to decide what we want to do without too much planning, and getting up when we want. This is vacation after all ;)

Can we find things to do at Port Canaveral (or the others in the Bahamas if you are familiar) on the fly?

Or does the port area have activities in walking/cab distance?

Thanks

We will cruise out of Baltimore MD and our first stop is Port Canaveral.

This is our first time on this Itinerary (Freeport and Nassau next)

We have done eastern and western Caribbean and are familiar with just getting off the boat and finding local tour operators for a fraction of the cost of booking onboard. ALso allowing us to decide what we want to do without too much planning, and getting up when we want. This is vacation after all ;)

Can we find things to do at Port Canaveral (or the others in the Bahamas if you are familiar) on the fly?

Or does the port area have activities in walking/cab distance?

Thanks

I am looking for a park and cruise hotel.

I have read a lot about great/good/sketchy areas on here.

All of them are starting to blend.

I know locals would not have the need for a hotel, but anyone else have insight?

Seeing you are from NJ

You may want to consider the White Marsh Mall area.

There are several hotels in the area and some do offer park and cruise packages.

This area is right off Interstate 95 just north of the cruise port.

There are a Fairfield Inn ,Hampton Inn and a Hilton Garden Inn among others.

This area is about 15 minutes north of the cruise port with lots of shopping and dining options.

 

__________________

we will be cruise/parking at the Best Western Plus on o"Donnell. Is this safe for car and kids?

We have also decided to go to DC on the sunday we arrive back in Port. Hopin in the van and heading south :) We will be spending most time in the mall area. Thinking we shuld park tha van at the hotel and metro in? Is this a good idea?

Is there any bus service arond the white house, capitol washington monumnet are. Some places we vacation have trolley/busses that you pay a one day fare and ride from destination to destination all day - it keeps looping? Anything like this?

Kisd are 9 and 11 We could walk the entire day, but don't want the kids to get too tired.

Suggestions welcome

Thanks for all the tips so far :)

subing :)

We will arrive, 2 adults 2 kids 11 and 9, In April on a Saturday about 4, we cruise out on Sunday. I want to do some sight seeing of beautiful places, but be back to our room early for an early morning. ANy free easy sights to suggest. Most places(museums and aquarium, etc will be closing so I dont want to spend full admission for an hour or so) We are staying at the Best Western on O'Donnell.

TIA

This may not be what you are asking for but you might like the option - Google Baltimore Park and Cruise - the two I liked best were Holiday in at the Stadiums and the Best Western - be sure to price the cruise and park pkg

zydecocruiser has the menus with pics.

 

Did you join the roll call? We're doing a meet 'n greet 1st sea day 11 am Red Frog Pub on deck 2.

I see the pride menu is from 2008. Are the options still the same?

TIA ;)

As for the meet and greet - can anyone go - we have two kids also 11 and 9 how do we sign up? Yrs ago to ID each other we wore duct tape - with the many styles now It would be a hoot to show up with some type of duct tape accessory :)

The Hasbro show was not an evening show when we were on the Conquest - We loved it - Our Youngest daughter, 8 at the time, won the grand prize of several travel games and $150 gift card - I'll take that junk any day! ;)

our deck has over 30 inches of snow in the areas we did not snow blow!!!! this cruise cannot come fast enough!!!! Resistance is futile!!!!!

We cruised last year in Feb on the Freedom and April on the Conquest. We loved the food.

I see questions about old and new menu's and don't know which we had. I loved the cold soups and my daughter and I are looking forward to them In april when we will be on the pride?

Anyone care to guess if We had old or new menu's last year?

Where can I find the menu's to know?

Thanks