The NASA Kennedy Space Center dominates Cape Canaveral, so much so that the area is known as the Space Coast. Author Jules Verne envisioned the coast of central Florida as the world's portal into space in his 1865 science-fiction tale
From the Earth to the Moon. That prediction became a reality.
But there's much more to do there than admire NASA's ingenuity. There are a string of pleasant oceanside communities, a 72-mi/115-km stretch of uncrowded beach and a first-rate national wildlife refuge to explore.
Location
Port Canaveral is the second-busiest cruise-passenger port in the world, hosting nine different cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Royal Olympia and Disney. Because of its proximity to Orlando, Port Canaveral has become the main departure point for cruise ships with itineraries that combine a few days at central Florida's amusement parks with some relaxation at sea. The most popular stops for three- and four-day excursions usually include the Bahamas and nearby Caribbean islands. Longer seven- and 10-day cruises depart for the Cayman Islands and Mexico.
Port Canaveral is located at the southern end of Cape Canaveral, in an industrial area. The art-deco-style Disney Terminal, with its Mickey Mouse images and glass tower, stands out from the rest of the facilities. The terminal is home to the Disney ships Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
In addition to serving as the point of departure to exotic Caribbean locations, Port Canaveral also hosts Sterling and Sun Cruz Casino Lines, which offer Vegas-style excursions twice daily.
Cruise lines usually provide charter-bus transportation between the port and airports in Daytona, Melbourne and Orlando. Space Coast Transit also provides limited public bus service to the port area. But the buses don't stop at every terminal, and they have little room for luggage. Phone 321-633-1878 for fares and route information.
Taxis also provide service to the port from the Cape Canaveral area. Fares vary with the exact destination. Among the area taxi companies are AAA Taxi (phone 321-453-8294) and Yellow Cab (phone 321-636-1234).
If you plan to spend several days in the Cape Canaveral-Orlando area before or after your cruise, consider renting a car. Rental cars are available at the Orlando and Melbourne airports, at various Orlando hotels, and in the cities around Cape Canaveral. All of the major rental agencies are represented. Rental rates range US$20-$50 a day, depending on the car and time of year. (Expect to pay more November-May.) For passengers arriving at Orlando's airport and renting a car, it's a pleasant 35-mi/55-km drive east to the port on the Highway 528 toll road (also called the Beach Line Expressway). Follow the signs to Cape Canaveral/Port Canaveral and your terminal. North-south access is from Interstate 95, Highway 1, Highway 3 and Highway A1A.
Secured parking lots are available near each terminal. (Expect to pay about US$12 per day for parking.) You'll need transportation to get from the port to other attractions. It's about 5 mi/8 km from the port to the southern beaches and 15 mi/24 km to the space center to the north. Don't expect to do much sightseeing around the port—it's strictly a place to get on and off your ship. It's also a big cargo port, handling nearly 4 million tons of petroleum, cement, scrap steel, salt, cotton, bananas, newsprint, citrus, lumber and crushed rock annually.
The closest tourism office is the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island. Phone 321-454-2022. Open weekdays 9 am-5 pm. http://www.visitcocoabeach.com. Tourist brochures are available at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, Highway 520 at Highway A1A. (The shop is open 24 hours.)
Shore Excursions
Most cruise lines in Port Canaveral offer vacation packages that include accommodations for several days in Orlando and tickets to the various amusement parks and attractions. Since the Space Center is about 10 mi/16 km away, most cruise lines include a visit there, as well as a day or two in the Cape Canaveral area.
Disney will encourage its guests to stay at one of its resorts. The combined cruise and Orlando vacation packages may or may not be the least-expensive way to see the area, but they save you the hassle of making arrangements yourself. Check with your cruise line or travel agent for additional information.
