79bugs

Thanks for all your tips and advice.

 

We are due to do the Freedom OTS in Sept and wanted to know where to leave the car. :)

There are many options other than paying $15.00 per day at the port (plus one). Other than premier which is closed all offer pretty good security, charge roughly $5.50 to $7.00 per day (plus one) and are reputable. Most include shuttle for free.

As I see it the major difference is the number of shuttles each lot has (waiting time). Most have two and some hotels use local transportation companies. Since December 2011 the Radisson at the Port has added ten shuttles to their original two and now run from 4 to 12 shuttles daily depending on the number of ships in the port.

Are there occasional problems .... of course no matter who you use.

At a recent Port Commision meeting it came out that $0.91 cents of every parking dollar is pure profit.(Florida Today). No wonder they have competition for your parking dollar.

The Radisson has over 10 shuttles to get people to and from the boats and has a bus at the CCL Dream and the RCCL Freedom from 6:30 am on. Other boats are later base on when they disembark passengers. If you reserve online you can park for $4.95 per day (instead of $5.95 per day) with free shuttle service. No stay necessary. The lot is not fenced but they have 24hr live security and video cameras.

Based on your post you will need a porter to get your luggage to the shuttle but you would also need one to get you to your car if you park at the port. The small (14 pass.) shuttles will take you directly to your car in the lot and the two larger shuttles (33 pass. with trailers for luggage) drop you at a central spot in the lot. You could then drive your car to your luggage if necessary or ask the driver for assistance.

As someone else replied that you might be better off parking at the port in the covered parking garage for $15.00 per day. However you can save $10.00 per day by parking off site for $4.95 per day. For example: Even if you tip the driver generously ($5.00 each way) you would save $70.00 for your 7 day cruise. All lots charge for the day you depart and the day you return (one day more than your cruise).

If you can make it all the way to Cape Canaveral on Wednesday your parking and shuttle would be free if you spend the night at the Radisson. Must book through the Radisson.

I believe some other local hotels offer comprable deals but only the Raddison and Country Inns & Suites have their own shuttles.

Good luck

79bugs