The Best of 'I Work in Port Canaveral'

After watching the “I work in Port Canaveral” thread grow to 70+ pages of fantastic information, I thought I would try to condense most that knowledge into one place. Here’s my attempt at bringing 9 months of posting into one – special thanks to Preston (pbscap), Shirley (snelsonbrown) and Mike (mikerpsj) for all of the helpful advice on the Cape Canaveral / Cocoa Beach area – it’s been a great help for my May 2008 cruise. All of the below info has been cut and pasted from that thread, so if you notice any errors or omissions please let me know! :)

Helpful Websites

• Port Canaveral Website: http://www.portcanaveral.org Includes info on the cruise terminals, restaurants, transportation and local places of interest
  
• Tourism Sites:
  • http://www.visitflorida.com/
    
  • http://www.cocoabeach.com

  [*]Mouse Savers – A Disney-oriented website for coupons and cheap tickets, but also has great savings info on rental cars and Orlando area attractions: http://www.mousesavers.com/

  [*]Florida traffic info: http://www.fl511.com/

Closest Hotels to Port Canaveral

All below 3 Cape Canaveral hotels are about 2 miles from the port and offer rooms with a view of the port, where you will be able to see the cruise ships in the morning. Be sure and sign up for the port shuttles. None of these 3 hotels are on the beach nor is it within walking distance of the beach (5 min cab ride). If you want the beach close, look for a hotel in Cocoa Beach – beachfront hotels are posted further down.

Radisson

• Website: http://www.radisson.com/capecanaveralfl
  
• Beginning July 9 2007 Radisson will officially offer free transportation for guests – the Area will be the Port, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, Merritt Square Mall and free transportation (to and from) and highly discounted tickets to Kennedy Space Center.
  
• Free cruise parking with an overnight stay
  
• Breakfast buffet for $9.95, some higher rates include breakfast
  
• Radisson webcam (points to the port): http://www.opusad.com/radissonwebcam/

Country Inn and Suites

• Website: http://www.countryinns.com/capecanaveralfl
  
• $3 shuttle to the port (Cocoa Beach Shuttle). Some rates may offer free shuttle.
  
• Free continental breakfast
  
• Offers rates with park and cruise but it’s been confirmed that you can leave your car without paying for a park and cruise rate.

Marriott Residence Inn

• Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mlbri
  
• $3 shuttle to the port (Cocoa Beach Shuttle).
  
• Free cruise parking with an overnight stay
  
• Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet and nightly social hour (Mon-Thurs) with complimentary light dinner, beer and wine.

Other Hotels that have been recommended on forum:

Most other hotels will let you leave your car but call and double check. For instance, Wakulla Suites will not let you leave your car.

• Courtyard by Marriott
  
• Holiday Inn Express (not to be confused with the Holiday Inn) - 5775 N Atlantic Ave (A1A) in Cocoa Beach. 321-868-2525.
  
• Comfort Inn and Suites - $3 shuttle to the port (Cocoa Beach Shuttle).

Other recommended Hotels that are beachfront: Days Inn at Cocoa Beach, Best Western, Inn of Cocoa Beach, Hilton, Doubletree

Port Canaveral Parking

• Parking at the port is $12.00 a day (that’s per 24 hours) or $84.00 a week – paid up front, cash or credit card. There are no other payment plans.
  
• There are no other parking options available in or around Cape Canaveral except for parking at your hotel if allowed.
  
• There is a six-level parking garage for Cruise terminal 10, all other options are open-air parking. Which ships use terminal 10? Go here: http://www.portcanaveral.org/cruising/terminals.php

Travelling to and from Orlando (MCO) airport and to the port

When you exit the airport you will merge onto the Highway 528 (also called Beachline 528) and travel about 45 miles to Cape Canaveral. There is one toll to pay which is $1.25. There are no restaurants along the way until the highway ends and becomes a 4-lane surface street. Travel time: 45 mins.

Look here for a huge list of transportation options: http://www.portcanaveral.org/cruising/groundtransport.php

Car Rental

All agree that the cheapest option is to rent a car one-way from the airport, drive to the port, drop luggage/family off at port, drop rental car off and take rental car shuttle back to the port. Repeat in reverse for your post-cruise trip back to the airport. Budget, Thrifty, Avis and then Hertz all have drop off locations and free round trip shuttles very close to the port (companies are listed in order of closeness to the port). These four places are open on Sundays and their port shuttles start early in the morning until the afternoon.

National does not have shuttle service to the port. Enterprise has a location on Merritt Island which is a barrier island between the mainland and the beach. They will shuttle you both ways during normal business hours which are M-f 9-6 and Sat 9-12. The closest Dollar car rental is on South Babcock in Melbourne which is about 20 to 25 mins away from the port. Your best bets are Budget, Thrifty, Avis and Hertz.

Look here for car rental coupons and discount codes:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=558119

Can I walk to the port from my hotel? It’s about 2 miles from the closest hotel (Raddison or Country Inns and Suites), along a highway with no sidewalk. Not recommended!

After car rental, the next recommended alternative to a taxi is a shuttle service.

Shuttle companies mentioned on Cruise Critic:

• Cocoa beach Shuttle 321-631-4144 or 888-784-4144; www.cbshuttle.com
  
• Art’s Shuttle 321-783-2112 or 800-567-5099; www.artsshuttle.com (Mention Cruise Critic for 10% discount)

Note: Most of the popular shuttle companies servicing the port are not private shuttles (they will wait for all reservations to board before leaving). If you need a private shuttle request it specifically!

Towncar/Private Van companies mentioned on Cruise Critic:

• Florida Towncar service http://www.floridatowncar.com/
  
• Sunrise Florida Transportation. http://www.transportationflorida.com/

Taxi Service to the port and around the port area:

One way from the Orlando airport to the port is 70-80 bucks. Taking a taxi from your Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral hotel to the port will run you around $5-7. 10 minutes drive time from anywhere in Cocoa Beach.

• Checker cab of Brevard County 321-799-0377
  
• Tropical Storm 321-783-4445
  
• Space Port Transport 321-986-8026
  
• Yellow 321-636-1234
  
• Beach Line 321-704-0502
  
• Cape Canaveral Cab 321-783-8294

One-Way Taxi Rates from Cape Canaveral to:

• International Drive $95-120
  
• Walt Disney World $95-120
  
• Orlando Airport $65-85
  
• Space Coast Regional Airport $65-85
  
• Orlando Sanford International Airport $90-100
  
• Dayton International Airport $100-110
  
• Kennedy Space Center $30-35
  
• Merritt Square Mall $13-15
  
• Cocoa Beach Pier $7-10
  
• Melbourne International Airport $35-45
  
• Miami $300-350

Restaurants next to Port Canaveral

Recommended on the forum:

• Fishlips http://www.fishlipswaterfront.com/ - takes reservations
  
• Grills http://www.visitgrills.com/ - also serves breakfast
  
• Rusty’s http://www.rustysseafood.com/
  
• Grills and Rusty’s don’t take reservations but if you call about 1/2 hr before going, they will put your name on the "list".
  
• Can watch the ships sail out of the port at any of the above. The ships leave the port Saturdays at 4:00 PM, Sundays at 5:00 PM if they are on time. Drive time: 5 mins from the Radisson/Residence Inn/CI&S area.
  
• For more info on all port-area eateries: http://www.portcanaveral.org/recreation/dining.php

Restaurants in Cocoa Beach

Recommended on the forum:

• Abitinos NY Pizza – Delivers, good NY style pizza, across the street from Ron John’s surf shop. 321-868-7177
  
• Zackary's Diner – Just past the port before the car rental places on the right side of the road. Great breakfast and close to Radisson/Residence Inn/CI&S
  
• Thai Thai - Thai and sushi cuisine. Close to Radisson/Residence Inn/CI&S
  
• Durango's Steak house
  
• Pig and Whistle English Pub – sports bar w/ satellite TV

Where can I buy gas for my rental car / food / snacks / alcohol / toiletries I forgot to pack?

About a mile past the entrance to the port (right next door to Country Inns and Suites) is a big Racetrak mini mart/gas station for beer and probably some wine. Go another mile or so and on the left is an ABC liquor store and Publix grocery store. Stores only sell beer and wine and are allowed to sell between 7 am to 2 am except most places on Sunday don’t start until 12PM.

Where can I get flowers or a basket of goodies delivered to my cruise ship?

• The Perfect Gift; owner Shirley Nelson Brown (posts as snelsonbrown on Cruise Critic) 1-800-950-4559, www.theperfectgiftcc.com
  
• Just Because of You (JBOY) - 800-882-9707; www.justbecause.addictscay.com

Where can I get something shipped?

Pakmail - 8501 N. Astronaut Blvd in Cape Canaveral. 321-799-9905

Local Attractions / Place of Interest mentioned on the forum:

Kennedy Space Center - http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

• Tickets: $38 adult/$28 child (ages 3-11). Ticket valid for two days of admission (must be used within 7 days of first use).
  
• Discount tickets can be had at some hotels (like the Radisson or the Country Inn and Suites) or at ticket brokers (Google for discount Kennedy Space Center tickets).

Beaches:

Jetty Park - 397 Jetty Park Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Jetty Park is at the beginning or ending of the channel where all the ships go out. There is a $5 per car charge to get in, but well worth it. It has nice bathrooms, showers, place to eat, fish, walk and a super nice beach. It does have shade also. Directions: Take the Beachline (520) from the airport due East. After you pass the cruise ship port get into the left lane and slow when it says to 45mph (police fav. hiding place) the road turns into a city street with a RateTrac store on your right. Look to the left at the big white bldg with the blue roof and turn left between there and McDonalds. Go to the traffic light (2 blocks) and turn left. Go to the traffic light (3 Blocks) and turn right.

Cocoa Beach & Pier - http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/ - Their beach shower is outside, FYI. The Cocoa Beach has 2 restaurants, gift shop, volley ball court and of course the beach and then you have shopping close to the pier. Note: you cannot see the ships from the Cocoa Beach pier.

Manatee Sanctuary Park located at 701 Thurm Blvd which is off West Centeral Street - this is located right between Zackery's and Traxx (Zackery's is right next door to the Radisson) - park hours are from 7AM to dark. You can walk to it from the Raddison: 2 long blocks approx 10 mins walking, but you do have a sidewalk and the walk is nice althought not shady. There is no cost and it does have a super nice and clean rest room, places to sit out of the sun. Best time for manatees: early morning or just before dusk

Chamber of Commerce for tourist information is located at 8501 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral which is where Pakmail, the place that offers to pick up and ship anything anywhere.

Ron Jon's Surf Shop: http://www.ronjons.com/DisplayContent.aspx?ContentID=39

Casino boats: Sun Cruz Casino sails at 11AM and 7PM and then you have the Sterling Casino that sails at the same time. Both are located at the port - Sun Cruz is located on Glen Cheek Road by Grills and Sterling is about 1/2 mile East of SC, close to Ron Jon's resort.

Mini-golf and go-carts: Traxx at Jungle Village located at 8801 Astronaut Blvd,

Cape Canaveral – phone number 321-783-0595. Traxx has miniature golf, go-carts, laser tag and arcades. There is also Funntasia Fantasy Golf which is 6355 North Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral - phone number 321-799-4856. It has a huge miniature golf course - you can't miss it for it is on the west side next door to Hertz Car Rental. If driving in from the airport on Beachline 528 depending on where you are staying, you will pass both of them.

Deep-Sea Fishing:

Ocean Obession http://www.fishobsession.com/

Miss Cape Canaveral http://www.misscape.com/

Orlando Princess http://www.orlandoprincess.com/

Airboat Tours: www.airboatecotours.com or Adventure 321-636-2091

Wow....this is fabulous! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this!

Where, oh where, was this while I was reading the ENTIRE tread a few weeks ago????????

Many cruisers will thank you for this!!:) :)

Sure makes it easier than having to read ALL of the pages...

I have tons of things around the house that need organizing...What do you charge by the hour??? lol...just joking but you are good!

thanks.again...i'm saving that one!

have a great weekend...:D

Outstanding!!!:D

Thanks

Tanker 4

WOW------------what an awesome idea, for this keeps us from repeating

everything AND now all you have to do is add or subtract. Remember Hertz's is now in front of the Residence Inn and first in line of rental cars. Also I have called Space Coast Shuttle and they are suppose to call me back tomorrow with a discount amount for their service, BUT you must mention that you read it on CC's.

Thanks for all your time and effort.

Always

Shirley

Wow that is awesome!!!

Thank you for doing this and to all who provided this wealth of information.

Thanks

Kim

Hello Jantra,

One of the important listings for emergencies is as follows:

Cape Canaveral Hospital 701 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy (AKA) Hway 520 and phone number is 321-799-7111 also Health First Walk In Clinic is located in Cocoa Beach @105 South Banana River Blvd, Cocoa Beach and phone number is 321-868-8313 - hours are Monday -Friday 8AM to 7:30PM - Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm - this clinic is located near the South Publix in Cocoa Beach.

For Children entertainment is as follows:

Brevard Zoo which is located about a 25 min. drive from Cape Canaveral is located at 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Fla and website is http://www.brevardzoo.org phone number is 321-254-9453 opens from 9:30am to 5pm.

The Dinosaur Store is located at White Rose Shopping Center and located at 299 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy and phone number is 321-783-7300.

The 5600 gal aquarium located at 4 Points Sheridan Hotel located right next door to Ron Jon's.

For women: Nail----------Diva Nails located at 5675 N. Atlantic Avenue right next door to Publix and then Lily Spa & Nails located at White Rose Shopping Center, 291 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy - phone number 321-784-4385

my website is theperfectgift.cc or to contact me write to theperfectgiftcc@aol.com (thank you)

Guess this is it for now - you have done an awesome job.

Always

Shirley

Hello again Jantra, you may want to add this link to see the cruise ships from Cherry Downs Park which is located in Cape Canaveral and used by many cruisers to watch the ships after they leave the port into the Atlantic.

http://www.twopalms.com/

It seems my cunning plan is not going as I had imagined...I can't edit my first post anymore! Didn't realize there was a statue of limitations on that - Doh!! :p Shirley I'm sorry I screwed up the link to your website! Well, since I can't keep updating the first post, we may have to just post updates below it or perhaps post a "fresh" one every so often with the latest updates from everyone. I don't have a problem doing that for a bit unlesss someone has a better idea! Glad to be of help!

Jantra (aka Nikki, Jantra is my middle name that I use a lot as a username, addressing me as either is a-okay)

It seems my cunning plan is not going as I had imagined...I can't edit my first post anymore! Didn't realize there was a statue of limitations on that - Doh!! :p Shirley I'm sorry I screwed up the link to your website! Well, since I can't keep updating the first post, we may have to just post updates below it or perhaps post a "fresh" one every so often with the latest updates from everyone. I don't have a problem doing that for a bit unlesss someone has a better idea! Glad to be of help!

 

Jantra (aka Nikki, Jantra is my middle name that I use a lot as a username, addressing me as either is a-okay)

Hello Nikki,

DUD!!!!!! I forgot also that it couldn't be edited, but what you have put together is just such a good timing for so many that needed the information you put together. - I know it took a lot of hard work, a lot of thought and lots of hours to put together so much information and it was all due to Preston when he started the first thread and then came the extra information. Visitors come into a strange town, you've been there, I've been there, and know nothing and all the feelings of insecurities set in. What you accomplished is to go to one site, and make all the fears go away. Everything that is needed is just one click away.

Anyhow thanks for all the hours and hard work.

Always

Shirley

A million thanks for condensing this; you're the best!:)

Hi Nikki,

That was a great job you did and I'm sure I speak for a ton of CC readers who can't thank you enough. I'm going down in April, and it will be my first time using this port. Super helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

278 days and counting!!!! ( Sounds soo long when you put it that way.. :( )

Dan

I am blown away. This is a job that should be admired. When we started the Canaveral post it was never imagined it would be so popular. Thanks to all.

Preston

I am blown away. This is a job that should be admired. When we started the Canaveral post it was never imagined it would be so popular. Thanks to all.

Preston

See Preston what you started - little did you know what value you would insight into a thread and then Nikki to condense it - thanks for such a great job.

Always

your friend

Shirley

I wanted to add a place if you are interested in historic displays and restoration of authentic military aircraft - very interesting and worth the visit.

http://www.vacwarbirds.org

Always

Shirley

WOW! This is fantastic! Now all we need is for someone to do the same for every other port of call and we're sorted!

Thanks for taking the time. Brilliant.

It was too hard to find what I wanted to on the dozens and dozens of pages!

I wonder if we can ask one of the monitors if they can give you permission to edit it when it needs to be updated.

Also, it would probably be nice if they would sticky it since it has so much good info in it.

One more thing - a small warning to read carefully. Our Country Inn and Suites Internet special rate could only be cancelled with a $25 penalty. This is pretty common with really good rates, but people still should be warned to read carefully.

Jantra/Nikki this is awesome.....thanks so very much....

by the way is this Nikki of the Nikki & Lee in the UK?

Jantra/Nikki this is awesome.....thanks so very much....

by the way is this Nikki of the Nikki & Lee in the UK?

Joyce,

No I'm here!!!!

Made me laugh when I saw that.

Nikki, Thank you very much for this and like others have said I wish I had seen it before reading all the other thread!

Nikki. x

Joyce,

 

No I'm here!!!!

 

Made me laugh when I saw that.

 

Nikki, Thank you very much for this and like others have said I wish I had seen it before reading all the other thread!

 

Nikki. x

Well it just took me by surprise since I hadn't seen the name spelled that way before.....thought you Nikki of Desperate Housewife had taken on another username....:D

Me again...and yep different Nikki! :) I'll be posting a new version of this FAQ with the extra info and corrections that everyone has posted in the next day or so.

THANK YOU so much!!

I am up to page 28 on the other thread and vow to get through it all before my cruse in 6 weeks.

I am bookmarking this thread; thank you for putting all pertinent information in one place. :)

Updated thread can be found here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=596321

thank you for putting this together- very helpful , time saving , and informative!