snelsonbrown

So here is what I am looking for. A reliable car service to take two people from Orlando International (MCO) to Port Canaveral that won't mind making a stop or two so we can pickup soda/water and wine and it close to the $80 is would cost to take Carnival's Airport Shuttle. I thought about getting a rental car, but changed my mind. Any ideas or suggestions?

Why did you change your mind on a car rental - I really believe it is the way to go since its a straight shot and the first page gives a number of places you can stop and nope you won't get lost.

I know that i am a little behind the times, but just arrived home from Fort lauderdale and again booked the Freedom of the Seas, and have just found out that Preston is probably already in Tn. In any case, Preston, know that you will be missed for all the great advice and work you have done for these boards and us.

 

Shirley, glad to see that you are here to help us all out as we come to this thread with our many questions. Thank you for all the work you have done already will do in the future.

 

I'll be back soon with my questions.

I haven't heard from Preston lately, but I will drop him a note so that he will know he is still very missed here especially by me - loved his humor.

I hope that I can always help with any problems or questions -that is the main reason I stay on the board and thank you for your thoughts.

Hi, I've studied the map at Port Canaveral.com can't figure if Jetty Park beach is walkable from the dock for the Gem.I just want a beach, if I need to take a taxi to Cocoa Beach I will but Jetty Park has a boardwalk,pier and beach, can I walk to it through the campground.I know the port is commercial, is there anything walkable from the ship? thanks

I wish I had a better answer than no way possible to walk from the port to the Jetties and also extremely dangerous - only way to get there is taking a cab - it is worth it or at least I believe so :-))

Sailing on RCCL's Monarch 4/19. Flying down 4/18, arriving 8:30pm. Reviewing transportation options from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral hotel on the 18th. Any thoughts/experiences between Space Port Transport or Cocoa Beach Taxi?

 

Also, I can get an employee discount at Comfort Inn & Suites or Quality Inn. Any thoughts/experiences on these? Do either offer transportation to the port?

 

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

Robin

Hello Robin as far as the shuttles named are concern, I know that Cocoa Beach Taxi will give a 10% discount if you mention this board.

As far as discounts, Quality Inn is sister to the Radisson and 4 Points and do not know if any of them really give discounts - I would give them a call to find out and as offering transportation to the port, they will call a shuttle service for you except Quality inn you will be taken to the Radisson and board their shuttle to the port.

sorry I couldn't be more help

Shirley - you mentioned fishing and that reminded me of a question that I've been trying to find an answer to for quite a while. I read somewhere (can't remember where since I've been research all over the internet).... that out-of-state people can fish from the pier without a FL fishing license. Do you know if this is correct? I've jotted down the # for Jettie Park to call & ask them... but haven't gotten around to doing that yet.

I really don't know so I better not try to answer that question, but I am SURE you will get some input on the fishing license. It sure makes sense to me - the jetties are really nice - I have been going there since the 60's and there is sooooooooo much to do there even if it is just to relax - I love the water there and like walking out on the pier - none of that of course was there when my kids were growing up, but then it was free also - I really believe you will enjoy it unless THIS DARN COLD WEATHER WILL GO AWAY AND WE CAN HAVE SUN AGAIN.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

My husband, children (11 & 8) and I are taking a Florida/Bahamas 7 day cruise from NY. We have an afternoon and evening stopover on a Monday (mid-March) at Port Canaveral. We don't want to book an excursion to Orlando because we've vacationed there several times. We really just want to play it by ear and head to a nearby beach if the weather is good. The ship has an excursion to Cocoa Beach where there is also a pool and hot tub but I think we can save some money by doing our own thing. I understand from my research that there is a trolley bus which leaves from the ship docks and goes to Cocoa Beach, but I can't figure out where the best area to get off the bus is. My children and very good swimmers and this will be their first chance to swim in an ocean. Where is the spot on the beach near the pool, or is there a better spot to spend the afternoon? Should we get off the bus near Ron Jon's? TIA

If you will go to the front of this thread and read all the information listed as to what to do, where to go, what to see etc, it really will answer all your questions - I did want to add that the nearest beach where you can hang out is the Jetties which is less than 3 miles from the port - in fact you will see it on your left side as you enter the ship channel.

They have food, fishing, nice bathrooms, trailer park, nature's walk etc.

Just a thought

This Missouri Girl recommends Mystic Vista condos. They're not really near anything to walk to except Jetty Park which is great to walk and watch the ships leave, the snack bar is decent, and if there happens to be a launch - you can see right from the beach. Depending on which one you rent, you could have an ocean view. They are a great place to be for a weekend or a longer. Done both. Going again in May for a week and in October for a weekend.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but aren't they very expensive due to the fact they are privately owned??

Thanks

sorry double post

FINALLY WE HAVE WARM WEATHER - going up to the 70's today but the other side of the coin, cooler weather will be back at the end of the week so make sure you check out the front thread's weather report - just a heads up :-))

I posted this on the other thread, but didn't get much feedback, so if it is okay, I'll ask again.

 

We return from a trip on the Monarch on Dec 31...our plan was to head to Downtown Disney for New Years, but wanted to see what is available at Cocoa Beach as an alternative ? Any thing/any place interesting ?

 

Thanks

 

David:D

Hello David - all of the places here offer all types of New Year parties, but the younger crowd head over to Orlando - as time gets closer, you can go to our local newspaper

Florida Today and it will give you and insight as to what will be going on - sorry I couldn't help better than this since I stay home and watch all the excitement from my front porch

:-))

Does there happen to be an actual link for The Cove so we can find out what all is there?

 

thanks for any help

The Cove which is located on Glen Cheek Drive is where Milligans, Rusty, Grills, Fishlips restaurants are = also located there are the fishing boats - day and night fishing, private and public chartering - The Sun Cruz gambling ship use to be there, but went under.

The only link that I know of is posted on the front page under the chamber of commerce.

The Cove is just a named picked for that one street and that is about it.

Leaving out of Port Canavral one day prior to my cruise. I'm looking for a nice hotel, with a pool and preferably on the beach or within a short walk to a beach, and a short taxi ride or shuttle to the Port. Any suggestions?

Go to the first page and it will give you all the information you are looking for

No thank you Shirley, we can't thank you enough for all the info you give here!! It has been a long time since we have cruised from Port Canaveral and this thread (and the old one) have helped so much in our plans!:)

Thank you again!!

I really believe if someone would leave some info behind and just mark it update - it really would benefit so many folks coming here - what we are trying to do is make it as easy as possible for folks to find all the answers they need without having to repeat stuff so much.

I know "stuff" changes and has to be updated, but at least noone has to chase everywhere to go looking for answers.

Good luck and again thanks to all of those that makes Preston's thread still very appreciated

Don't know if this will help anyone, but we have a rental with Avis from Orlando to drop off 2 days later at the port in Cocoa Beach location.

I just got an email from them with a new worldwide code. It is a plan ahead rate. I already had a reservation with a great price, but this actually took another 15.00 off.

 

CODE: B492600 (Said it was good at most airport locations.) It is good through April.

 

Hope this helps someone!!

Thanks so much for sharing - this is what I was saying about the different car rentals here earlier and please make sure you do have an confirmation number ok?

Love this about the folks that visit this site and leave something interesting and helpful behind/

Just me

Hi all,

Going to be staying in Cocoa Beach pre-cruise on March 13th before boarding the Freedom on the 14th. Booked with Hampton Inn on their Fly, Snooze and Cruise package. Just wondering if anyone can recommend some great places to dine that are within walking distance from the Hampton.

Beth

 

[ATTACH]145655[/ATTACH]

just about everything is within walking staying where you are or a just short cab ride. It depends if you can walk quite a bit -

Look on the first page of all the restaurants and their addresses and it will give you pretty much a good idea.

Shirley -

 

I am in PC next week for the Freedom. I have been reading the board since day one of the original post.

 

First thank you (and Preston) for all you have done for so many travelers.

 

I certainly know to put helium on my lead foot.

 

I am planning to go to IHOP for Sunday. What I want to know is Libby still there before I go in looking like a fool by asking for someone who has been gone for a year.

 

Thanks again

Yes she is still there and still the owner.

sorry that this duplicated but I couldn't get back on to delete

Shirley I am trying to understand this info. So if you book online with the car rental place, you would be guaranteed a car? This is how I booked my car for June. What I don't understand is how are people booking that is causing such chaos with the rental companies. How do you book without going through the car rental? I want to make sure I have the car I reserved. I am just confused and wanted to make sure I do everything I can to guarantee my car will be available to get back to the airport. Thanks for your help

I had to go and vertify what I had been told and I had written for I was as confused as anyone.

Now I was told that if you book and do not receive a confirmation number, this will not guarantee that you have a solid reservation and have to wait for a car to be ready. If you place a reservation through the website you do have get a confirmation number and yes if you have a special code it will give the discount and yes it does guarantee that your car will be waiting for you. To me it all can be scary since Norm did reserve his on line with another car rental and didn't get his confirmation number and he had to wait in Miami to not only get a car, but one that worked - he also found out that better rates are received in bigger cities than he got here - I am sure you will just be fine especially if you have your confirmation number which appears to be the secret to everything.

If I find out anything else, will let you know since I am trying to find a way to calm all the angry that is happening at the rental places - if anyone has any input, please share

Thanks

Shirley I am trying to understand this info. So if you book online with the car rental place, you would be guaranteed a car? This is how I booked my car for June. What I don't understand is how are people booking that is causing such chaos with the rental companies. How do you book without going through the car rental? I want to make sure I have the car I reserved. I am just confused and wanted to make sure I do everything I can to guarantee my car will be available to get back to the airport. Thanks for your help

I had to go and vertify what I had been told and I had written for I was as confused as anyone.

Now I was told that if you book and do not receive a confirmation number, this will not guarantee that you have a solid reservation and have to wait for a car to be ready. If you place a reservation through the website you do have get a confirmation number and yes if you have a special code it will give the discount and yes it does guarantee that your car will be waiting for you. To me it all can be scary since Norm did reserve his on line with another car rental and didn't get his confirmation number and he had to wait in Miami to not only get a car, but one that worked - he also found out that better rates are received in bigger cities than he got here - I am sure you will just be fine especially if you have your confirmation number which appears to be the secret to everything.

If I find out anything else, will let you know since I am trying to find a way to calm all the angry that is happening at the rental places - if anyone has any input, please share

Thanks

Shirley, are you talking about the rental places in Orlando or Cape Canaveral?

We rented ours when we come into the Orlando airport for 2 days before our cruise. We did our reservation online.

I am talking about if you want to rent a car out of Cape Canaveral at least this is what I understood from Pat. She explained to me that by renting on line for Cape Canaveral, it shows up on their list here and she then has a better judgement as to the cars needed since they have more cars leave than stay.

All of the rental companies here work hand in hand, but it appears they are always on high stress level to meet the demands and then you have such fusterated customers that really are falling hard on the employees and use very threating words, body and hand gestures that sometimes concerns the workers - I know it must be very fusterating to think you have a car, come in to pick it up and there is nothing.

Norm had an awful time last night in Miami airport trying to get a car that he had rented through the main office - first they told him his car wasn't ready, then there was one - went to go get it and no car to be found, then another car was found, but the keys lost so over an hour later he was on the road coming home - he was saying the guest were cussing, making hand gestures etc at the employees, but it was noone's fault except those that kept overbooking.

Anyhow maybe this weekend, I can just check out so I can give all an insight as to what is going on so that we know which is the best way to go and everyone be able to stay calm, cool and collected and not ruin a fun time -

UPDATE 02/04/2010

I had gone and done some checking and it seems as though the car rentals employees have really been put through a grinding machine so I wanted to take this time to explain something and also give you some information that can help when renting a car.

I had to go to Budget to rent a car to find out they were totally out of cars as well as the other rentals. I spoke to the management Pat and found out that the problem is that the main reservation keeps renting cars, but do not get the cars here until very late the day before all the cars are needed and they come in not cleaned, fueled up etc which has to be done most of the night before - there have been times that all the rental cars places here are overbooked and then everyone is scurry around to fill all the needs for their customers. Customers have been extremely upset and unfortunaltely have gotten angry enough that some raised their hands to the employees. Anyhow this is what I found out to guarantee that your car is there and ready when you are.

I was told that if you book on line directly, you still get a good deal and you do not have to wait around for a car (I finally got mine).

For Budget you go to http://www.budget.com - I am trying to get the rest of the information for all the rental cars to make it easier on everyone including yourselves. I will need sometime to get it all. NOW REMEMBER I DO NOT and I MEAN DO NOT recommend one over the other - the choices are yours to make OK?

Until next time

I just checked their web site $45 / pp plus tip. Even with 10% discount it will be about $160 for four people plus tip. That seems high. Van to fit four people plus luggage is almost $200.

There are other shuttle services you can search for that may better fit your wallet - renting a car is still cheaper and its a straight shot to the airport from here

What is the easiest and best way to get to orlando airport. Returning off the freedom March 14th, We are a family of four adults.

Best way, less expensive way - rent a car - you can catch a shuttle at the port and they will take your right to the car rental places of your choice.

Very good to know. We have the Best Western booked for two nights precruise next month, and I’ve found spotty info at best. Thanks for helping set my mind at ease!

you are most welcomed

How far is the Lone cabbage from Cocoa Beasch ?[/quote

Every bit of information you need is on the first page - take time to read and check out the links - here is the information you need

http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/cabbage.htm

scroll all the way to the bottom and click on "back"