Royal Caribbean - Port Canaveral

[geocruiser]

Just my two cents. I would love a ten night out of PC.

[nyllrap]

I agree, I would love a longer cruise. Just three weeks ago I retired from Virginia and my husband and I moved to Palm Coast, 90 min. from Cape Canaveral. We have a cruise booked on the Freedom in November. We have taken about a dozen cruises, mostly on RC but this will be the first from Cape Canaveral. I am sure it won't be the last.

[yj_eugene]

I always hope for a Radiance Class ship - I just adore that class of ship. :)

 

I doubt you'll see one of those in PC. With the upcoming fuel restrictions, those ships, since they have gas turbines, will probably be used in places where a lot of time is spent within the restricted zone: New Orleans, Tampa, Boston, Canada, Alaska, Baltimore (if it'll fit under the bridge). Ships out of PC (and PE and MIA), because they are near The Bahamas, can reach non-restriced waters quickly and thus don't have to burn the more-costly fuel as long, so it doesn't make operating sense to move a Radiance-class to them. I like those class of ships also, but I think the only one you'll see in Florida for the forseeable future will be in Tampa.

[ClassicalSax]

...and maybe expanded itineraries.

 

It would be wonderful if Explorer came down to PC and kept the Bermuda it does now from NJ. A Florida-Bermuda (950 nautical miles one way) run would be a dream itinerary in my book. If I did the math right, for example, a sample itinerary would be:

 

departure from PC on Sundays at 17:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival Wednesday at 6:00

overnight Bermuda

departure Bermuda Thursday at 18:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival PC Sunday at 5:00

Edited July 21, 2013 by ClassicalSax

[Scotty G]

It would be wonderful if Explorer came down to PC and kept the Bermuda it does now from NJ. A Florida-Bermuda (950 nautical miles one way) run would be a dream itinerary in my book. If I did the math right, for example, a sample itinerary would be:

 

departure from PC on Sundays at 17:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival Wednesday at 6:00

overnight Bermuda

departure Bermuda Thursday at 18:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival PC Sunday at 5:00

 

Not going to happen!!!

[ClassicalSax]

Not going to happen!!!

 

Not so sure it couldn't happen :) - if it is true that RCI's new ships (Oasis and Quantum class) and their expansive onboard amenities are meant to be the destination itself, and the effort is to maximize cruiser time on board and take advantage of greater casino and alcohol sales that come with sea days, then why not try it out with a Voyager class ship that already has a Bermuda following ? If that schedule is tight due to distance, there's no reason it could not have one more travel/port day (8) and alternated with a more traditional caribbean itinerary on the alternate week. I believe the Dockyards have been undergoing a dock expansion in order to be able to take more ships. This itinerary is not all that different than what Explorer and Grandeur already do now on the 7 days and would give the large Florida cruise market an alternative other than East/West caribbean.

Edited July 21, 2013 by ClassicalSax

[bigsteelerfan]

PC is not investing $75million on hope so for an Oasis class ship. An Oasis class is coming. The ? is when?

[molly361]

It would be wonderful if Explorer came down to PC and kept the Bermuda it does now from NJ. A Florida-Bermuda (950 nautical miles one way) run would be a dream itinerary in my book. If I did the math right, for example, a sample itinerary would be:

 

departure from PC on Sundays at 17:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival Wednesday at 6:00

overnight Bermuda

departure Bermuda Thursday at 18:00

(950 nautical miles at an average 16 knots)

arrival PC Sunday at 5:00

 

 

I don't know if it is doable but I like it!!!:)

[jules815]

Huge disappointment!! I love the Dream only ship of Carnivals that I would ever "consider" going back on, and told daughter next year to go on her, but now I have to tell her to go RC because the Sunshine is too small, too old, too many problems so disappointed to get this ship in Pt. Canaveral. The Carnival Liberty ek.....well if you notice I am going back to RC next year so I will continue to give RC my business since their best ship the Dream is being taken away. No problem, I just move up my status on RC and daughter will also. Too bad.

 

 

Not sure when you sailed on Dream last, but we sailed in October and it was a big disappointment. Definite decline in every area (service, cleanliness) since our 2010 Dream cruise.

 

On the other hand, Liberty has had all the upgrades (Guy's Burgers and whatnot) and people seem to really enjoy that ship, so I bet there will be a lot of Carnival cruisers who will be happy about Liberty coming to PC. Not to mention a nice 8-day southern Caribbean itinerary, which will be a welcome change for even RC cruisers who get a little bored with the same eastern/western options out of PC. Something different out of PC, I think it's a smart move for Carnival.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

My CCL Dream cruise was a big let down from a cruising service standard (ship was OK. Experience wasn't good. Glad yours was tho.)

 

In any case, PC seems to be the new golden child to sail out of. Disney has moved most of theirs to PC (leaving Galvs, and one based out of Miami) and CCL is as mentioned bringing their "new baby" there.

 

Everyone wants to be at PC! Hey NOLA and Mobile is great too. But PC has the entertainment park meccas so it totally redeems them for the 13-14 hr drive... I'll be back in may for my third PC cruise!

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app

[Topo Gigio]

Huge disappointment!! I love the Dream only ship of Carnivals that I would ever "consider" going back on, and told daughter next year to go on her, but now I have to tell her to go RC because the Sunshine is too small, too old, too many problems so disappointed to get this ship in Pt. Canaveral. The Carnival Liberty ek.....well if you notice I am going back to RC next year so I will continue to give RC my business since their best ship the Dream is being taken away. No problem, I just move up my status on RC and daughter will also. Too bad.

 

Breeze will be in Miami for the time being,and it's superior to Dream.

[HB Cruiser]

Breeze will be in Miami for the time being,and it's superior to Dream.

 

Not trying to turn this thread into a RCCL vs Carnival BUT if the Breeze is the best Carnival has to offer, RCCL will not have any problems in Port Canaveral.

 

Tim

[Tall-Cruiser]

I think it is very likely for PC to get one of the big RCI ships. I doubt they would invest $75 million for a maybe. Which one is anyones guess. I also agree that RC will not have a problem in PC, but I think people want to see different itineraries. If CCL can sail to the Southern Caribean from PC for an extended period, why can't RCI do the same or better.

[OTownNick]

Close. Oasis 3 will go to Port Everglades, and Oasis 1 will repo to PC.

 

That's what I think too. oasis to PC....replacing FOS....and we will get the EX seasonally after the redurb, giving RCL 3 ships in PC, but that's just a total guess.

[LoyalRoyal 1973]

Great! That's what these foums are about. Tell me how you liked it when you get back...the privacy of being off the main hallway run is a nice perk...and the closet...and the amazing balcony and views it affords. Enjoy!

 

Thanks again. Can you tell me if you get any sun on the balcony. Hoping to have sun. I'll do my best with a review when I return. Hoping to take lots of pictures.

 

Thanks for the explanation about the gas engine difference - makes sense. I thought they did gas turbines to be "less dirty" anywhere they went (the way the captain explained it when I heard him speak about the gas turbines on Radiance Class once years ago when new - lol), but I get it that the dollar is what makes the decision. ...still my favorite class of ship with RCCL.

[DreamingBig1]

I hope they bring a Oasis class ship there.

 

If your driving and not flying your family down to Florida, its 3 to 4 hours shorter drive. That really does make a huge difference.

 

There are many airports around there, and Orlando International is a short drive away (just hop on the 408).

 

I-4 brings in the west coast vacationers as well.

 

Plus the theme parks.

 

I think port fees and taxes are cheaper there as well. That may change if new money is put in.

 

Port Canaveral makes total sense for a big ship destination. Not sure what's keeping them so long?

[SeaWatch]

Tall, we are booked on the FOS for the upcoming spring break. Any impressions ( food, crowds, noise, ports) that you care to share?

[Orlandocruiser]

I hope they bring a Oasis class ship there.

 

If your driving and not flying your family down to Florida, its 3 to 4 hours shorter drive. That really does make a huge difference.

 

There are many airports around there, and Orlando International is a short drive away (just hop on the 408).

 

I-4 brings in the west coast vacationers as well.

 

Plus the theme parks.

 

I think port fees and taxes are cheaper there as well. That may change if new money is put in.

 

 

Port Canaveral makes total sense for a big ship destination. Not sure what's keeping them so long?

 

Please forgive me for being nitpicky, but it's not the 408(east west expressway) but the 528 that goes to Pt Canaveral from the airport. ( aka "The Beachline" or if you are a local the previous name "The Beeline"). :)

Edited January 5, 2014 by Orlandocruiser

[Tall-Cruiser]

Tall, we are booked on the FOS for the upcoming spring break. Any impressions ( food, crowds, noise, ports) that you care to share?

 

You will love FOS. We did the Eastern Caribbean last spring break and due to bad weather we did not stop at Coco Cay. Not a big deal as we still had a great time and stayed a little longer in St Thomas to make up for a lost port stop. Cabin and balcony were great (JS). Had breakfast on our balcony almost everyday. The food in the main dinning room was excellent and so was the entire dinning room staff. In all the cruises we have taken they were probably one of the best and worked great as a team. Head waiter we had was Muhammed and he stopped by everyday at all tables and brought treats such as cheese and fruit plates. They had some cheese plates that I have never seen before and it was good.

 

Even though it was spring break it was not bad as far as crowds or noise. Everyone was generally in great behavior. We had Drew Devine as CD and he was great.

 

For ports we took a taxi in St Thomas to the market and shopped around. St Maarten, Maho Bay, Sunset Bar and Grille is a great place by the airport. Planes land right next to the beach. If you want to go there go early as traffic is now really bad. The board walk in St Maarten is also great and one of our favorite ports.

 

Edit- Are you doing Eastern or Western Caribbean?

Edited January 5, 2014 by Tall-Cruiser

[Tall-Cruiser]

I hope they bring a Oasis class ship there.

 

If your driving and not flying your family down to Florida, its 3 to 4 hours shorter drive. That really does make a huge difference.

 

There are many airports around there, and Orlando International is a short drive away (just hop on the 408).

 

I-4 brings in the west coast vacationers as well.

 

Plus the theme parks.

 

I think port fees and taxes are cheaper there as well. That may change if new money is put in.

 

Port Canaveral makes total sense for a big ship destination. Not sure what's keeping them so long?

 

I too hope they bring an Oasis Class to PC. As you noted, with the theme parks just down the road in Orlando, it will be very appealing to families and does cut the driving to SoFlmfor those driving from far north or west.

 

Now that the construction of the new Terminal 1 has started maybe they will announce soon which cruise line and ships will use it.

[DreamingBig1]

Please forgive me for being nitpicky, but it's not the 408(east west expressway) but the 528 that goes to Pt Canaveral from the airport. ( aka "The Beachline" or if you are a local the previous name "The Beeline"). :)

 

Dang it! Lived in the East Orlando/Seminole County area for close to ten years and already getting rusty after a couple years. Sorry yes the 528. The 408 dead ends.

 

Sorry.

[Eng23]

I too hope they bring an Oasis Class to PC. As you noted, with the theme parks just down the road in Orlando, it will be very appealing to families and does cut the driving to SoFlmfor those driving from far north or west.

 

Now that the construction of the new Terminal 1 has started maybe they will announce soon which cruise line and ships will use it.

There was a different thread with a link to a news story that reported that the new terminal will be occupied by Royal Caribbean. There was no information as to which specific ships would be homeported there but based on certain comments the speculation is an Oasis Class ship when the 3rd one is built.

 

Of course now I cannot find that thread or the link. :o

[Tall-Cruiser]

There was a different thread with a link to a news story that reported that the new terminal will be occupied by Royal Caribbean. There was no information as to which specific ships would be homeported there but based on certain comments the speculation is an Oasis Class ship when the 3rd one is built.

 

Of course now I cannot find that thread or the link. :o

 

Thanks for the note on this. If it starts out as a Royal Caribbean occupancy that may be a good sign. I will try and search for that thread.

[shipshape sam]

Neat article.

 

I would like to see more offered out of Port Canaveral. I would LOVE a Southern Caribbean option on either Radiance Class or Voyager Class out of Port Canaveral.

 

We are interested in a Southern caribbean itinerary too from Port Canaveral.

 

We did Southern many years ago on Mariner, but it was a 7 day cruise out of San Juan. Definitely want more options from Port Canaveral!

 

Did a 14 day Southern on Celebrity Constellation and it was great, but out of Fort Lauderdale. Like Celebrity too, but want to drive to PC!

[cruiserdudebobby8]

Will port canaveral have to make there turning basin bigger for an oasis class?