Photos are a great souvenir from any cruise vacation, from sail-away selfies to formal night portraits to classic gangway shots. Many cruise travelers enjoy creating gallery walls, collages, or otherwise showcasing their photos in fun ways to remember their amazing sailings.
One unique and fun way to show off cruise portraits is no longer available for Carnival Cruise Line guests, however.
“Has Carnival discontinued the [sale] of the portholes in the Pixels Gallery?”asked one commenter on John Heald’s popular Facebook page.
Heald is Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador. As such, he answers hundreds of questions nearly every day, covering everything from dining arrangements to ship questions to burials at sea.
The question of onboard photos and what items are available as souvenir purchases is not one of the more frequent inquiries Heald gets, but nevertheless, he does his best to always help concerned guests.
In this case, the guest uses the porthole-shaped photo frames to showcase photos from each cruise, capturing great moments from favorite sailings.
Unfortunately, the souvenirs – which include rivet detailing as well as “Carnival” at the bottom of the round frame – are no longer available.
“I did check and yes unfortunately you’re right, we have stopped selling them around the ships,”Heald confirmed.“[This is] sadly due to the fact that not too many people purchase them. There are no immediate plans to return them.”
Carnival Cruise Line does offer a variety of souvenir frames with the cruise line’s name and/or logo, such as laser-cut wooden frames, fun-themed frames, and elegant metal frames. Some of the frame designs include the ship name as well.
Photo frame supplies will naturally vary by ship, and may change periodically as manufacturers change designs.
The Pixels photo gallery also offers a variety of other souvenirs, including lanyards, photo albums of ship pictures, scrapbooks, and more.
Of course, the most popular souvenirs from Pixels are the photos themselves – formal portraits from backdrops around the ship, candid gangway and pier photos, dining room pictures, and other fun shots (don’t forget the iconic stairway photos on every ship!).
Both prints and digital photos are available, with fees varying based on the type of photo, print size, and any package or discount offerings.
Pixels also offers related photography supplies, such as SD memory cards, small digital cameras, and even underwater cameras to capture those fun snorkeling or scuba-diving moments.
All hope is not lost for the original commenter, however. While Carnival Cruise Line may have officially discontinued the porthole frames, online resellers such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace do occasionally have varieties of the frames available for sale.
Another option are more generic porthole frames, which while they lack the Carnival branding, do have the same general style.
More Onboard Carnival Changes Over Time
It should not be a surprise that souvenir options change, as this is common for any retailer. Even cruise lines regularly adjust merchandise offerings based on overall sales, guest feedback, manufacturer availability, and current trends.
Similar processes happen in every aspect of cruise vacations, in fact. Carnival Cruise Line has, for example, discontinued some Lido Deck activities – the Hairy Chest Contest, for one – because they are no longer considered as suitable as they may have been years ago.
Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise
Even further back in the cruise line’s history, activities such as skeet shooting from the ship were popular, but are have not been offered for decades due to safety, environmental regulations, and other factors.
Dining menus, entertainment offerings, and even ship venue options are also updated with changing times. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed just over a year ago, for instance, that libraries were being removed from ships due to decreasing popularity and a demand for better use of the available space.
High profile activities often make for great fundraisers, and it doesn’t get any higher than thousands of feet above Tampa Bay. That’s exactly where Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy was on Saturday afternoon, October 19, 2024, as she earned her wings with a tandem skydive to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts.
The fun event was done in coordination with the Round Canopy Parachute Team, a non-profit honoring the history of Allied Airborne Forces. Also on hand and facilitating the skydive were members of the USSOCOM Para-Commandos, the U.S. Special Operations Command’s premier aerial parachute demonstration team.
Appropriately enough, Duffy and her dive partner leapt from the Tico Belle, a WWII C-47 that served during the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
The fundraiser associated with the skydive ultimately raised more than $85,000 for the Gary Sinise Foundation and is earmarked to assist those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton – including right in the Tampa area.
Furthermore, the funds are being matched by the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation for an additional donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, another cause Carnival Cruise Line is proud to support.
“Jumping from a plane was a rush, but the real thrill is supporting a meaningful cause in one of our important homeport communities,”said Duffy.
“I thought my first-ever skydive would be a good fundraising opportunity, and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated to this effort. I’m proud we can deliver this significant donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a great organization supporting the work of military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts.”
Initially, the fundraising goal to “encourage” Duffy to jump was just $50,000, but was raised to $75,000 after the first goal was quickly surpassed.
The skydive was part of a full day of events at Port Tampa Bay and aboard Carnival Paradise, which has now set sail for the first ever Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band offered a special performance on the dock next to the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class ship, entertaining guests and special visitors alike.
As travelers boarded the ship – chartered for special forces alumni, Gold Star families, and their friends – signs with “Thank you for your service!” “You’re our heroes, it’s an honor to serve you” and “Welcome aboard Green Berets” were held by crew members for even more recognition and thanks.
Carnival Paradise was also decorated with appropriate emblems and flags to honor the veterans and ensure they feel welcome and at home with “America’s Cruise Line.”
Carnival Cruise Line President Skydive (Courtesy: Carnival)
The ship was escorted from the pier with a water cannon salute, with well-wishers – including Christine Duffy and Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald – waving as the ship departed.
The 5-night sailing is a voyage to the Bahamas, with port of call visits planned for Bimini on Monday, October 21, followed by Nassau on Tuesday, October 22. The ship will enjoy a day at sea on her way back to Tampa for debarkation on Thursday, October 24.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Charitable Support
Carnival Cruise Line heartily supports a variety of charities as well as organizations in different homeports and ports of call. Of course, every Carnival cruise fan is familiar with the cruise line’s support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, particularly through the “Groove for St. Jude” Lido Deck party held on every Carnival cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line President Skydive Team (Courtesy: Carnival)
“The unwavering devotion from our guests and team members is the reason we’re able to make an impact in supporting St. Jude’s important mission,”said Duffy.“Thanks to our crew and guests’ continued generosity, we’re able to raise our fundraising goal and extend that impact.”
Carnival Cruise Line also supports several military charities, including Operation Homefront and the Wounded Warrior Project. Special fundraisers are often held to further those connections, such as donations from every pint of Heroes American Pale Ale sold onboard in the the Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge venues throughout the fleet.
Another unique fundraiser Carnival Cruise Line has held recently was the cowboy boots auction associated with Carnival Jubilee‘s naming ceremony in February 2024, which ultimately raised $50,000 for Operation Homefront.
The peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season may have been a month ago, but storms continue to develop and impact ships, itineraries, and cruise ports.
At the moment, Hurricane Oscar is spinning near the Bahamas, with multiple cruise ships needing to adjust port visits even far from the storm’s center due to windy conditions and rough waters.
Nassau was strongly impacted by these conditions, and several ships from different cruise lines were forced to cancel port visits on Saturday, October 19 because of docking difficulties and safety concerns.
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, along with Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish all altered their itineraries due to excess wind, and instead offered sea days for guests to enjoy.
During the morning hours, when the ships were to have docked, recorded winds were at 15-20 miles per hour (mph) with gusts as high as 30-35 mph. This would make it exceptionally difficult for ships to maneuver safely alongside the piers, and could also make guest gangways unstable as ships would be rocking even while docked.
Utopia of the Seas is on a 3-night weekend getaway, having departed Port Canaveral on Friday, October 18. Disney Wish is on a similar weekend sailing from Port Canaveral. Both ships also have visits planned to private islands – CocoCay and Castaway Cay, respectively.
Carnival Glory is also on a 3-night sailing from Port Canaveral that left on Friday, while Carnival Sunshine is on a 4-night voyage from Charleston, South Carolina that departed on Thursday, October 17. For both ships, Saturday’s visit to Nassau was to have been the only port of call.
In addition to Nassau, other Bahamian ports may be likewise impacted by the effects of the storm, particularly private islands that may not have sheltered harbors or sufficient piers to operate in windy weather.
Things that make you go hmmmm 8AM Atlantic surface analysis…six hours later..HURRICANE! pic.twitter.com/BFkygV8Atp
Because the storm is located in the eastern Bahamas and forecast to stay in that region for the next several days, ports such as Grand Turk, Puerto Plata, and Amber Cove are also likely to have some impact with cancelled visits or adjusted itineraries.
By Wednesday, October 23, the storm will have moved out of the Bahamas, but may be en route to Bermuda if it maintains enough strength to stay fully developed.
Cruise travelers from any cruise line with itineraries in the Bahamas or nearby destinations over the next few days should be flexible with their vacation plans and expectations, as weather-related adjustments may be necessary.
Cruise lines will contact booked guests with details and options, if available, as any changes are confirmed.
Hurricane Oscar Update
Hurricane Oscar formed quickly in the eastern Bahamas on Saturday morning, October 19, and has continued to generate concern throughout the day.
As of Saturday evening, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) positioned the center of the storm at 35 miles west-southwest of Grand Turk with maximum sustained wind speeds of 85 miles per hour, making it a Category 1 storm.
While some strengthening is possible over the next 12-24 hours, most forecast models do not call for the storm to get significantly stronger.
“A little more strengthening is possible tonight, but gradual weakening is expected to begin by Sunday night and Monday,”said Forecaster Reinhart of the NHC.
Hurricane Oscar Track
The eye is moving west at 10 mph, but is expected to turn west-southwest into Sunday, followed by a sharp hook to the northeast by late Monday.
The storm is very small, with hurricane-force winds only felt 5 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds up to 45 miles from the center. Nevertheless, the impact on the ocean’s surface as well as slower but still significant winds can be felt much further away.
As with any hurricane, rainfall and storm surge are always concerns for coastal communities, including popular ports of call.
Such factors can easily disrupt planned port visits, but cruise lines always keep safety as the first priority and will make any changes necessary for guests and crew members to be as safe and comfortable as possible.
Even the most well-sailed, frequent cruisers often have “bucket-list” itineraries they hope to travel one day, whether those wishful sailings include dream destinations, lengthy voyages, or top cruise experiences. For many cruisers, sailing to Africa is one such dream vacation.
Imagine, then, receiving notification just a few weeks before sailing that nearly every port of call on that amazing itinerary has been adjusted, shifted, or even outright cancelled.
Such is the case with multiple sailings of the 92,250-gross-ton Norwegian Dawn for upcoming sailings between Port Louis, Mauritius and Cape Town, South Africa. The 12-night cruises include port visits in Madagascar and Reunion, but will not be going ahead as originally scheduled.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to notify them of the itinerary changes, which impact every port of call on at least two of the upcoming sailings.
While the exact changes vary for the different departure dates, the extreme degree of the changes is concerning to many travelers.
For example, on the ship’s November 26, 2024 departure from Cape Town to Port Louis, times in every single port of call are now adjusted. The individual changes – gaining 30 minutes in Mosselbay, arriving to Port Louis an hour later than scheduled, etc. – aren’t necessarily extreme, but the overall total of the changes is a lot.
Of special concern are the complete cancellation of the visit to Pointe des Galets on Reunion, which will now be a day at sea, as well as the loss of the overnight in Richard’s Bay, which will now just be a long day visit from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Furthermore, the shifts in times for other ports of call – such as visiting Nosy Be, Madagascar on Wednesday, December 4 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. instead of on Tuesday, December 3 from 1-9 p.m. – can have dramatic impacts if travelers have arranged independent shore tours.
Similar changes have been made for Norwegian Dawn‘s January 17, 2025 departure, which also has all port visits changed in some way, including some day shifts as well as time shifts. On that cruise, the visits to Maputo, Mozambique and Tolanaro, Madagascar have been completely cancelled, with alternative visits added for Nosy Be and Antsiranana.
On that particular sailing, even the ship’s departure from Cape Town is adjusted one hour earlier than the original itinerary, and likewise the arrival into Port Louis to end the sailing is two hours earlier.
Guests booked on any of Norwegian Dawn‘s similar itineraries between November 26, 2024 through March 1, 2025 will want to stay alert to email notifications of any changes impacting their specific cruise departure.
Why the Dramatic Changes?
Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for making small itinerary shifts and port time changes to “optimize itineraries for fuel efficiency” which is similar to the language being used to notify travelers of these Norwegian Dawn adjustments.
“[Norwegian Cruise Line] has the sole discretion and liberty to direct the movements of the vessel, including the rights to … deviate from the purchased voyage or the normal course for any purpose.”
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock)
The same section of the contract includes clauses that permit the cruise line to “cancel any scheduled call at any port for any reason and at any time before, during or after sailing of the vessel” as well as change port times.
With any of these changes, guests are not entitled to any compensation nor should any be expected.
Norwegian Cruise Line has, however, offered travelers some minimal compensation on these impacted cruises – a $50 onboard credit for the January 17, 2025 departure, for example – as a gesture of goodwill.
The small amount of credit, however, has some guests upset as it is an obvious acknowledgement of the inconvenience, but hardly enough to truly be a meaningful gesture, especially with so many ports impacted.
Fortunately, as the cruises are not cancelled, travelers should be able to put the onboard credit to good use as they enjoy what is still a unique and highly desirable African cruise itinerary.
Guests staying in elevated staterooms onboard Disney Cruise Line ships may be paying a bit more for the elite privilege as the cruise line has increased the recommended gratuity for concierge staterooms and suites.
Now, the suggested gratuity is $23.50 per person, per night, up from $15.50 just over a year ago. This is a significant 52% increase and can add substantial charges to a family’s cruise total.
For example, for a family of four on a 7-night sailing, the previous gratuity rate would mean $434 of gratuities for the cruise. The increased rate, however, is a total of $658 for the same cruise – $224 higher.
This increase only applies to concierge staterooms and onboard suites. For all other stateroom categories, the suggested gratuity rate remains at $14.50 per person, per day – the same as 2023 rates.
At this time, there is no indication that the other stateroom categories will be seeing an increased gratuity rate, but it is rather unusual for one type of stateroom to see such a dramatic increase without a corresponding increase for other gratuities.
Concierge level staterooms and suites do, however, receive additional services that standard staterooms do not have access to. This includes the assistant stateroom host, who helps service individual cabins, as well as the team for the concierge lounge, an exclusive space only available to guests in these concierge staterooms.
The gratuities for all staterooms are also divided amongst the regular stateroom host and the three-person serving team for the dining room. On Disney Cruise Line, the dining team moves with guests to each dining room on different nights for the rotational dining concept.
It is not at all unusual for more elite staterooms to have higher gratuity rates, no matter what cruise line. For example, on Carnival Cruise Line, daily gratuities for suites are $2 higher than for standard staterooms, while on Royal Caribbean – which just recently announced a gratuity rate increase – suites are $2.50 higher than other staterooms.
On cruise lines that have even more of an exclusive division between stateroom types, gratuity charges often reflect that division. On Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, gratuities for The Haven and suites are $5 higher than for other stateroom types.
Of course, all gratuity rates are per person, per day. Some cruise lines do not charge gratuities for very young travelers, but Disney Cruise Line does apply gratuities for all passengers, even infants and toddlers.
Can Gratuities Be Adjusted?
It is possible to adjust gratuities onboard Disney cruise ships if guests feel the service charges are not warranted. Gratuities are always considered optional, but are added to guests’ onboard accounts at the pre-determined amounts as a convenience.
Visiting the Guest Services desk onboard is necessary to remove or adjust gratuities after the charges have been added to individual accounts. It is not possible to do so through the cruise line’s app.
Photo Credit: Matt Stroshane / Disney
Travelers can pre-pay their gratuities before setting sail, which avoids the extra charge onboard. If pre-paid gratuities are asked to be refunded, that charge will be processed back to the original form of payment.
Of course, onboard staff will want to be sure nothing severe has happened to make a guest wish to remove the gratuities. If an incident has occurred or service is not as travelers expect, it is best to bring the matter to the attention of Guest Services so it can be remedied and the guest can continue to enjoy their cruise with the high level of service Disney Cruise Line provides.
Disney Cruise Line is renowned for offering exceptional service, with many small touches that have vanished from other major cruise lines in recent years. This includes twice-a-day stateroom service, chocolates on pillows, and extraordinary attention to detail.
This phenomenal service is designed to ensure that every traveler has a truly magical Disney cruise vacation, and believe me, Disney Cruise Line does not disappoint.
Located along Florida’s Space Coast, Port Canaveral Cruise Port welcomes around 7 million passengers annually, with many visitors relying on nearby airports for their journeys.
Of the dozen international airports in the state, there are four that are within driving distance of Port Canaveral: Orlando International Airport (45 miles away), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (27.5 miles away), Orlando Sanford International Airport (60.8 miles away), and Daytona Beach International Airport (73 miles away).
The Port Canaveral Cruise Port is along Florida’s east coast in Brevard County. It is roughly halfway between Miami and Jacksonville and about 45 miles east of Orlando.
Being along the Atlantic coast, the port is ideally situated to welcome cruise ships headed out for exciting voyages to destinations like the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean and even some transatlantic journeys to European countries.
Not only is the location ideal for hosting cruise ships, but Port Canaveral’s proximity to Orlando means it is close to some of the most exciting theme parks and attractions in the United States.
Plus, the port is just minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach, making it an ideal departure point for any vacation. There are plans to build a new high-speed rail network that will provide cruise passengers with direct transit to and from the port from nearby cities.
Port Canaveral Cruise Port Address:
Port Canaveral Cruise Port, 9500 Discovery Road, Cape Canaveral, FL32920
Airports Nearest to Port Canaveral Cruise Port
While Florida’s status as one of the busiest tourist destinations in the country means it has a network of over 140 airports, including 20 that provide regular passenger services outside the state, four major airports are within realistic driving distance of Port Canaveral.
Each airport offers its own advantages. We will provide an overview of the airports’ distances from Canaveral Cruise Port, basic driving directions, travel options to and from the airports, pricing, and airlines that have regular service to each airport.
Whether you’re looking for the shortest journey to the port or the most budget-friendly options, here are the details that will help you make the right decision.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
Not only is Orlando International Airport (MCO) one of the busiest and largest airports in the United States, but it is also one of the closest major airports to Port Canaveral. Serving over 50 million airline passengers annually, Orlando International Airport is the go-to option for cruise passengers hoping to take a domestic or international flight to the port.
The major airlines that operate from the airport include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines, British Airways, Air Canada, and Emirates.
Distance to Port Canaveral
Located approximately 45 miles away in central Florida, a drive from Orlando International Airport will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Since the airport is connected to the port via the FL-528 Highway (Beachline Expressway), transportation is pretty direct. Just keep in mind that traffic can be an issue during peak tourist season.
Driving Directions from MCO
Get on FL-528 E from MCO’s Cargo Road
Continue for 43 miles, then take the exit for George King Blvd in Cape Canaveral
Continue on George King Blvd and watch for signs for Port Canaveral
Turn left onto Discovery Road and arrive at your destination
Travel Options to Port Canaveral
If you arrive at MCO, you have plenty of transportation options that will take you directly to Port Canaveral Cruise Port:
While a one-way taxi ride to the port will usually run you about $120, it is convenient, as there is a dedicated taxi line just outside the arrival terminal at MCO. You don’t need to call a cab; instead, you can simply get in the quick-moving line.
Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are also available. Fares are similar, with most ranging between $80 and $120, but you get the flexibility to easily select a larger vehicle if you are traveling with a group.
Some of the bigger cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, offer complimentary shuttle services from Orlando International Airport for cruises that list Port Canaveral as their embarkation point, but you will have to check with your cruise line ahead of time.
Private shuttle providers, like Go Port and Contrans Shuttle Services, can provide transportation to the port. With rates between $25 and $55 per person, they can be an affordable option for individual travelers.
Just keep in mind that some have multiple pickup and drop-off points at Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals, which can add more time to your journey.
Given Orlando’s popularity as a major tourist destination, plenty of rental providers operate directly at the airport. Some major rental companies, like Enterprise and AVIS, allow you to drop your rented vehicle off at offices near the port, making it easy to drive to the port.
Rates vary between rental agencies and depending on the vehicle size, but you can usually secure a daily rate for as low as $45 per day for a basic compact vehicle.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Although it is a small regional airport, Melbourne International Airport happens to be the closest airport to the cruise port.
Delta and American Airlines also have regular services to MLB from several major U.S. cities, making it a convenient option for those looking to reduce travel time. Allegiant Air runs a daily direct service from Atlanta, making it the most convenient airport to fly into for those traveling from Georgia.
Major airlines that operate from the port include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Distance to Port Canaveral
Located about 27.5 miles south of the cruise port, you can drive from MLB to Port Canaveral in as little as 30 to 40 minutes.
Driving Directions from MLB
Exit Air Terminal Pkwy onto FL-508 E
Continue for 0.5 miles, then take the exit for Florida A1A North to George King Blvd
After 26 miles, take exit 54B and continue onto Glen Cheek Drive
Turn left onto Discovery Road and arrive at your destination
Travel Options to Port Canaveral
Given the proximity to Cape Canaveral, there are plenty of transportation options that will take you from MLB to the cruise port.
For smaller groups, taxis and rideshare vehicles are your best bet. With fares between $90 and $100, depending on the time of day and traffic, they offer an affordable, stress-free option for direct transportation to the port.
Several shuttle services connect Melbourne International Airport to the cruise port, including the Cocoa Beach Shuttle, which charges between $30 and $40 per person for a direct drop-off at your exact cruise terminal.
A wide range of private limo services also operate out of the airport, offering visiting cruise passengers private and direct transportation to the cruise port. Just keep in mind that they are more expensive than cabs, so you should expect to pay between $100 and $150.
Budget Car Rental and Enterprise agencies are located directly at the airport. For both, the rental counter is within the arrival terminal itself. The two rental providers also allow customers to drop their vehicles off at the cruise port.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Sanford International Airport (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another regional airport that serves Cape Canaveral and other cities in central Florida. Like Melbourne Orlando International Airport, SFB offers regular services from out of state.
While it is further away from the port than MLB and MCO, Orlando Sanford Airport is regularly visited by numerous low-cost airlines, making it a practical option for those hoping to reduce travel costs.
Major airlines that operate from SFB include Allegiant Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Interjet, and Miami Air.
Distance to Port Canaveral
Sanford International Airport is roughly 60.8 miles northwest of Port Canaveral Cruise Port, so travel between the two usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Driving Directions from SFB
From the airport, get on the I-95 South and continue for 29.5 miles
Take the exit for the FL-528 East
After 30.8 miles, take the exit for George King Blvd
Drive to Glen Cheek Drive, then take the left for Discovery Road
Travel Options to Port Canaveral
Since it is a smaller airport, direct transportation options to the port are limited, but they are still fairly easy to secure. The following are generally considered to be the best options available at SFB:
Since fewer taxis are available at SFB than at larger international airports, drivers tend to charge higher rates. Expect to pay around $150 for a direct drop-off at your cruise terminal. You also have the option to order an Uber or Lyft but keep in mind that they may reject the fare, so you could be waiting for quite a while.
While shuttle services are available from SFB to the port, they are far less frequent. To make sure a shuttle bus or private van can drive you to the port, you will want to pre-book your travel. The Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle is one of the most popular options, with rates of $40 for a one-way trip to any of the cruise terminals and an $80 rate for a pre-booked round-trip.
Seven different on-site rental companies offer vehicles directly at SFB. The larger providers, like Enterprise and Hertz, both offer the option to drop your vehicle at the cruise port for a nominal fee, which can be a great option for those who would prefer to drive themselves.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Daytona International Airport Sign (Photo Credit: 4kclips)
DAB may be another relatively small regional airport, but it is visited by several major airlines due to Daytona Beach’s popularity with tourists.
Although DAB is the furthest airport from the port out of the four, it is relatively quiet and much less crowded, making for a comfortable experience for visiting passengers. It is also an excellent option for those hoping to explore Daytona Beach or visit the Daytona International Speedway before or after their cruise. It is also a good option for those who want to secure an affordable flight.
Major airlines that fly out of the airport include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, WestJet, and Avelo Airlines.
Distance to Port Canaveral
Located 73 miles north of the cruise port, it usually takes most cruise passengers about an hour and a half to travel between DAB and Port Canaveral Cruise Port.
Driving Directions from DAB
Exit Airport Drive and merge onto Catalina Drive towards the I-95 South
Take the I-95 South for 67 miles, then merge onto the FL-528 East
Continue along the FL-528 E until you reach George King Blvd
After 0.5 miles, exit onto Glen Cheek Drive
Turn left onto Discovery Road and continue to your terminal
Travel Options to Port Canaveral
Transportation options are limited, but it is still reasonably easy to secure direct travel to the port from DAB.
Given the distance between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral, taxi rates can be quite expensive. Expect to pay between $150 and $170 for a cab. Uber and Lyft can be more affordable if you arrive during the off-season, but you should still anticipate paying over $100.
Regular shuttle services tend to be reserved for transportation from Daytona Beach to the major theme parks, but you can still book ahead of time to secure travel to the cruise port. Several options are available, but it is highly recommended that you book well in advance.
Alamo, AVIS, Hertz, and National Car Rental all operate directly inside the main terminal on the airport’s first floor. Rates vary between $50 and $80 per day, depending on the time of year and vehicle, but most will allow you to drop your vehicle off at the cruise port.
Which Is the Best Airport Near Port Canaveral?
Cruise Ships Docked in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Robert Michaud)
Now that you know how to get to Port Canaveral Cruise Port from the four closest international airports, it is time to decide which is the best option to fly into for your specific cruise vacation.
To help you decide, here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as a quick rundown of flight availability and pricing:
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
For most travelers, MCO is the best option. Not only is it just 45 miles away from the port, but Orlando International Airport handles over 850 flights per day. These daily flights include regular service to over 130 domestic and international destinations, so securing a direct flight to MCO from your closest airport is incredibly easy.
As we covered, transportation between this major airport and the cruise port is also affordable and easy to find, and in some cases, cruise lines will run complimentary shuttle services between the two.
Pros:
Largest selection of flights to and from the widest variety of destinations
Easy access to affordable shuttles and taxis
Serves the highest number of airlines
Incredible range of airport amenities, including dining, shopping, and hotels
Close to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and more
Cons:
Can be crowded, especially during Orlando’s peak tourism season (March to August)
Best For:
MCO is the best for both international and domestic travelers looking for a direct flight from a distant city. If you are flying from out of state or another country, you should be able to secure a flight to MCO that matches your travel dates and budget.
Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB)
Aerial View of Melbourne Orland Airport
Melbourne’s airport might be much smaller than MCO, but it is also just 27 miles away from the port. It also offers a far more relaxed atmosphere than Florida’s larger airports. Despite its relatively small size, MLB also serves some of the nation’s largest airlines, including American Airlines and Delta, which both offer direct flights to MLB from major travel hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte.
With affordable flights and budget-friendly transportation available to the port, it is a good option for those looking to cut travel costs.
Pros:
Close proximity to the cruise port
Much less crowded than larger airports
Serves major airlines that fly direct from other regional travel hubs
Cons:
Limited options for cross-country and international flights
Fairly limited airport amenities
Best For:
It is a great way to cut your vacation costs if you can secure a flight to MLB from your point of origin. Although the airport mostly serves those flying from southeastern cities, it is still a practical option for those traveling to Port Canaveral.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Check-In at Sanford Airport (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
SFB is probably the best budget-friendly airport to fly into. Mostly serving connecting flights from out of state and direct flights from other cities in Florida, the airport has plenty of low-cost flights and airlines arriving at it each day.
Pros:
Numerous low-cost airlines and flights arrive daily
Just over 60 miles from the cruise port
Cons:
Serves very few airlines
Finding direct shuttles to the port can be difficult
Somewhat far from major tourist attractions
Best For:
If you are traveling on a budget, looking into a flight that arrives at SFB could be a good option. Several low-cost airlines offer flights to SFB daily, which can help you cut down on airfare before and after your cruise.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
View of Daytona Airport in Florida
Although it is the furthest airport from the port, DAB serves some major airlines and is great for those looking to enjoy a quiet travel experience. Adding a few days in Daytona Beach can be a way to extend your cruise without dealing with the high hotel costs and enormous crowds of Orlando.
Pros:
Quiet airport with decent amenities
Ideal for regional travelers or those with connecting flights on American Airlines or Delta
Option to explore Daytona Beach before boarding
Cons:
Limited direct flights from other states
Direct International flights and international connecting flights are limited
Far from the cruise port with expensive travel options
Best For:
If you want a quiet, stress-free airport experience and an airport near you offers flights to DAB, it can be a great option.
Can I Drive to Port Canaveral Instead?
Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral, Florida
Yes, many budget-conscious travelers will choose to drive to Port Canaveral rather than fly there. The port is closely connected to major highways, like I-95 and FL-528, making it relatively easy to drive to from out-of-state and other parts of Florida.
With so many attractions in Florida, it is no wonder that taking a road trip to the Sunshine State is such a common family vacation. Not only can you drive your own vehicle to the port to save money, but having your own mode of transportation will allow you to explore other Florida attractions before and after your cruise easily.
Parking at the Cruise Port
Overnight passenger parking is also available directly at the cruise port, with an official lot outside each port’s terminals. The parking rate at the official lots is $17 per day, with an additional $10 surcharge for oversized vehicles and RVs.
If you cannot secure parking at one of the official lots, you can also park your vehicle at a nearby private lot called Park N Cruise Port Canaveral. This lot costs $10.95 per day and offers a complimentary shuttle service to your terminal.
Carnival Panorama sailed into Manila, on October 18, making Carnival Cruise Line history as the first ship in the fleet to visit the Philippines’ bustling capital city.
Once a key trade hub during the Spanish Colonial period, the city boasts one of the world’s largest and busiest ports. 4,008 passengers and 1,450 crew aboard the newly renovated vessel were greeted at the port by the lively brass sounds of the local Zamora marching band.
The arrival at the South Harbor’s Eva Macapagal Super Terminal set the stage for a memorable day ashore as part of the 133,500-gross-ton’s ships 25-day transpacific Carnival Journeys extended voyage that began in Singapore on October 12, 2024.
As passengers explored Manila’s vibrant streets, Captain Luca Lazzarino and the crew welcomed special guests onboard, including local dignitaries, media, and the families of Carnival Cruise Line’s 400 Filipino crew members.
A ceremonial plaque exchange, a maritime tradition honoring a ship’s first visit to a port, capped off the festivities, followed by a lunch to celebrate the momentous occasion.
John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, shared a video of Carnival Panorama’s arrival and said, “They were given quite the welcome.”
Heald mentioned the port only provided one useable gangway for the ship, causing a slight delay in disembarking, but did note the special day for crew members.
“I know there will be so much pride and so much joy from the crew and from their families as they see where their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, wives, and husbands, mothers, and fathers work, and from where they provide such a better life for them,” he said.
An Epic Transpacific Voyage
Carnival Panorama, which joined the fleet in 2019, recently emerged from a 24-day dry dock in Singapore on October 11, 2024. During which, it received several updates, most notably the application of Carnival Cruise Line’s signature red, white, and blue hull livery.
The final ship in the company’s fleet of 27 to get the new look, Carnival Panorama’s renovations included guest-facing additions like a new nonsmoking casino, a new Effy Fine Jewelry store, a new mini golf course, a new Carnival Adventures area, and a new Dream Studio portrait gallery.
Additionally, the 1,055-foot-long ship was outfitted with new carpeting, decking, and tiling, and it received technical updates.
The ship is now on a 25-day transpacific Carnival Journeys voyage through November 5, 2024. Beyond this historic visit to Manila, the journey began with an 11-hour call in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and a 10-hour visit in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.
Carnival Panorama will next spend three days at sea before arriving in Guam in the U.S. Mariana Islands on October 22. It will then enjoy six more sea days as it heads to Honolulu on Hawaii’s Oahu on October 29.
It will take an additional four days at sea before the vessel concludes the voyage on November 5 in Long Beach, California, outside of Los Angeles.
There, it will offer 5- to 7-night roundtrip cruises to the Mexican Riviera year-round, beginning with a November 10, 2024, cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Line, owned by Carnival Corporation, joins its sister cruise lines in calls to Manila. Holland America Line’s Noordam will next arrive on November 5, 2024, and Silversea will visit with Silver Dawn on December 30, 2024,
After some misinformation was spread online about the tram service at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean is finally setting the record straight.
For the convenience of cruise guests, the cruise line’s private island destination provides continuous tram service throughout the day, including from where the ships dock to the Arrivals Plaza.
However, an official statement that went out on the Royal Caribbean app not long ago stated that this helpful transportation service would be discontinued for most guests as of October 1, 2024 – the exception being guests with disabilities.
“Beginning October 1, 2024, tram service at CocoCay pier will be discontinued. Trams for guests with special needs, wheelchairs, scooters, etc. will still be available by the end of the pier,”read the update.
“The main tram service will continue operations next to the entrance of the Thrill Water Park,” continued the family friendly cruise line.
However, this news was not entirely correct. The tram service was temporarily limited to disabled guests for the week of October 1-8, 2024 – but this was not a permanent change.
But before the policy could be clarified, many fans of the exclusive Bahamas destination were thrown into a tizzy as they wondered what qualified as disabled enough to score a ride.
Many worried that invisible disabilities would prevent them from using the service even though they needed it.
“How do they categorize special needs? I have a bad knee but I don’t need a walker, scooter etc…? But the walk is a killer,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“My mom uses the tram. While she doesn’t have a scooter or wheelchair, she needs it because of a walking limitation since her stroke. If she was to walk all the way, then she would be extremely tired for the rest of the day. Not everyone’s disability is visible,”another cruiser commented.
Even if the service was going away, future cruisers could likely request a medical exemptionin advance if they were worried about being denied the service – or at least pack a doctor’s note just in case.
But luckily, Royal Caribbean cruisers can rest assured that the tram service isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Royal Caribbean Clarifies Tram Service Operations
In all the worry, multiple people within the cruise community reached out to Royal Caribbean for answers – and shared the replies they received online.
While it’s not clear why the tram service was temporarily limited, the responses from the cruise line make it clear that the limited operations during the week of October 1-8 was a rare, one-time situation.
Pier at CocoCay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
One frequent cruiser, who reached out to the office of Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley, received the following reply: “Unfortunately, we are aware of misinformation that has been shared online regarding the tram service in Coco Cay.”
“I spoke with our Leadership team on the island earlier today and can verify that our tram service runs every 15 minutes, all day, including continuous from the ship to the Arrivals Plaza with accessible trams available on regular rotation throughout the island,” continued the response.
However, if the original announcement had been accurate, it doesn’t mean that guests with disabilities couldn’t visit the exclusive destination – which is part of the Berry Islands in the center of the Bahamas archipelago.
In addition to the trams, the private island is designed to be accessible, and features complimentary beach-friendly wheelchairs and wheelchair accessible pools in the Oasis Lagoon and Thrill Waterpark.
For guests that would have had to walk from the pier to the heart of the island, or for those that choose to in order to avoid lines at the tram stops, the stroll usually only takes around 5-6 minutes.
Indeed, the island is on the smaller side at less than a mile wide and only about 200 yards long, covering a total of 125 acres.
Many cruise travelers choose voyages and itineraries that visit unique destinations, and it can be frustrating when glitches at those destinations can cause delays. This can mean less time to enjoy a port of call or feeling more rushed instead of the relaxed, enjoyable feel of a cruise vacation.
This was the case with the newly refreshed Carnival Panorama as the ship visited Manila, capital city of the Philippines, on Friday, October 18, 2024 during her one-way post-dry-dock sailing from Singapore back to her southern California homeport of Long Beach.
As the ship arrived in Manila, it became apparent that one of the two pier gangways available for the ship to use for guests was unsafe. This left just a single gangway for the more than 4,000 travelers to use in order to explore the port.
Some passengers noted waiting to debark the ship for three hours or longer due to the gangway issues, with some of the crowded stairs and hallways being uncomfortably warm at the same time.
Heald responded to explain the situation in the hopes of alleviating some frustration, and urged travelers not to take their disappointment out on the ship’s crew members.
“Today in the Philippines the ship arrived to find the gangway the port was unsafe to use. This resulted in only one gangway being safe enough for guests. This has meant some delays in disembarking and the frustration of this has been felt by a few screamers on board and a lot of you writing to me,”Heald explained.
“I spoke with the senior officers who explained that the second gangway that was offered was unsafe. I saw the photos, it was and there was no way the ship would allow guests to use it. It was a safety decision and the right one.”
The photos of the second gangway clearly show extensive rust and decay, which could have made the gangway unstable and dangerous.
One guest also wrote to Heald, noting that the pier had other gangways available, but Heald clarified why they could not be substituted.
“The port had at least 7 gangways on the dock, plus Carnival has internal gangways, so Carnival needs to stop blaming ports and take responsibility,”the guest remarked.
“The gangways you saw would not fit. Plus the one other gangway we could have used was unsafe,” Heald responded.“It was a difficult day and I know the crew did all they could but this was not safe for you or any guest to use.”
Carnival Panorama returns to service with a new signature livery. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
As for “internal gangways” the ship may carry, they are not intended for guest use and may not be able to be used on specific piers depending on size, harbor water depth, safety features, and other factors.
The ship was able to request a second gangway while in Manila, which was delivered and made available later in the day as guests were returning to the ship. This permitted faster embarkation and fewer delays, and Carnival Panorama was able to depart as planned.
The ship’s transpacific cruise is continuing with the next stop being Guam, then Honolulu, before she will arrive in California on Tuesday, November 5.
Always Treat the Crew Respectfully
Guests who are faced with these types of delays during any cruise vacation may understandably be upset, but it is never acceptable to yell at crew members about the situation.
“I know the wait was unacceptable but seeing the reports of people screaming at the crew, well, that is not acceptable, it really isn’t,”Heald said.“I hope the people who screamed and swore at the crew are reading this and realize they were wrong to do so.”
@CarnivalCruise 2 1/2 hours past the supposed disembarkation time. Excuse? Carnival has never docked here. Like the Philippines has never had a ship come to Manilla and don’t know how to disembark a cruise ship. An excursion refund would be nice. pic.twitter.com/Y0Y35AR7cI
If passengers are truly troubled by a situation, it is best to visit the Guest Services desk to see about a resolution. In this type of case, however, the cruise line did all that was possible to alleviate the lines as soon as safely possible.
Furthermore, guests should never expect any sort of compensation for such an inconvenience. While it can be a disruption to one’s plans for a day in port, ultimately, it is a simply a part of international travel that glitches can occur.
What is the biggest glitch you’ve faced in a port of call? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
