What happens onboard, stays onboard – unless your vengeful ex-fiancé decides otherwise.
Picture this: you’ve finally booked your first ever cruise with your spouse, a well earned vacation away from work and the kids. Everything is falling into place – the flights are booked, the nanny is confirmed, and everything is paid for.
It is all smooth sailing until the storm hits all at once – the cruise line issues a refund and cancels the booking.
On February 17th, 2025 an excited soon-to-be cruise-goer posted about her cruise getting cancelled unexpectedly – and through the help of the comments was able to figure out what happened.
The initial post outlined how the cruise had been booked on January 3, 2025, with reservations for the CarnivalHorizonmade for June. At 133,500 gross tons, this vessel has a double occupancy of 3,974.
No email or contact was made about the cancellation – but an unexpected refund of $1900 was issued by Carnival Cruise Line. Leave it to a credit card statement to tip you off that something had gone wrong.
Upon checking their Carnival account, the reservation for the upcoming cruise was cancelled. Becoming frustrated lead to the decision to seek help by calling Carnival Cruise Line on February 17 to try to get some answers.
“I called this morning and they said our cruise was cancelled directly from our account at 9:30am on Thursday February 13th,”complained the poster.
The woman and her husband were at work during that time – and neither of them wanted to cancel the cruise. While attempting to re-book their original room, customer support provided some less-than stellar service.
“We informed carnival of this and they refuse to give us back our original room at the original price we paid,”the poster further explained.
During the first call with Carnival’s customer service, the only information provided about the cancellation was that the couple had cancelled the trips themselves, with the representative eventually hanging up out of frustration.
“So far I am NOT impressed with carnival cruise lines,” ended the post.
Since the cruise line could not re-book their initial room at the original price, they had to go with a downgrade to an interior cabin. The whole experience was turning sour – that was until one response changed everything.
“Maybe it was your ex. This does not seem like something carnival would do,”commented one user.
Upon reaching out to Carnival Cruise Line later in the day on February 17, a bizarre discovery was made about the cancellation.
The husband’s ex-fiancé – who had formerly been on one Carnival Cruise with him – was the emergency contact on their account. Somehow, she had been able to sign into the account with her email and cancelled the cruise.
After hours on the phone with the cruise line, the representative on the phone gifted the couple a room upgrade and a $300 on board credit that they are now planning to use on a snorkeling excursion.
Carnival’s Cancellation Policy
When it comes to Carnival Cruise Line’s reservations, emergency contacts have limited access and capabilities to alter anything – leaving one to wonder how this happened.
Carnival’s cancellation policy is pretty straightforward: if you cancel your booking prior to your final payment there is no penalty – unless you booked a specific promotion with a non-refundable deposit and/or cruise price.
CarnivalHorizon only does 6+ day cruises, so final payments are due 91 days prior to sailing per Carnival’s policy. This Vista-class cruise ship does round-trip voyages out of PortMiami.
The post does not specify the exact date, but rather the month of June, 2025. The first cruise CarnivalHorizon leaves for that month is on June 1, 90 days prior to March 3.
Carnival Horizon Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Though the cancellation was not made purposefully, it did fall outside of the range of penalty. It is important to take note of the penalty periods – which directly affect refund amounts.
From the final payment date to 56 days prior to the cruise, the penalty is the standard deposit amount.
Then from 55 days to 30 prior to the cruise, the penalty is 50% of the Total Fare or the standard deposit amount, whichever is greater. This jumps to 75% 29 to 15 days prior – and 100% 14 days to 1 day prior.
Finally, if you do not show up or cancel while the cruise has begun, no refund will be issued.
So is your emergency contact going to cancel your cruise? Probably not. Emergency contacts are added during passenger check-in for their cruise, which happens within 14 days prior to boarding.
The reason that Carnival needs emergency contact information is to be in a better position to help passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Carnival’s policies do outlinethat they may communicate any person contacting them from the provided contact information concerning a guest’s reservation – regardless of it being the guest’s personal contact information or not.
It is important to make sure that your account has the most up to date contact information to avoid situations like this one.
If your ex is your emergency contact for cruises, you might just want to replace them with someone more trustworthy. After all, they are an ex for a reason!
Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming exclusive private destination, Celebration Key, is exciting many cruise passengers and today marks just five months before the first ship, Carnival Vista, will visit the Bahamian port.
Now, the cruise line is offering a behind-the-scenes look at Celebration Key with unique insights and special reveals about what guests will be able to enjoy when they visit.
In a two-minute video, guests get a unique look that compares the original renderings of the new destination’s five main “portals” to real footage of the construction process and key milestones as the art becomes a reality.
From Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy embedding a golden key in the centerpiece “Suncastle” in Paradise Plaza to filling the water in Calypso Lagoon to building the storefronts at Lokono Cove, Celebration Key is shaping up nicely.
“Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with The Bahamas, so seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible,”said Duffy.
You can watch the full video below of a behind-the-scenes look at Celebration Key:
Approximately 500 construction workers are involved with the site daily as progress continues, and 28 Bahamian companies have thus far had roles in the project. This underscores Carnival Cruise Line’s strong commitment to local development and involvement while honoring Bahamian heritage.
“This destination will serve as a tribute to the rich Bahamian culture and Grand Bahama’s natural environment,”said Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation & plc’s Chief Executive Officer.
From the beginning, planning for the destination has emphasized sustainability and conservation. In fact, about 1,000 sabal palms were saved during the early phases of construction and are now being replanted across the property.
Even the freshwater lagoons are designed with sustainability in mind, using a desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. Together, the destination’s two expansive lagoons cover more than seven acres and use more than seven million gallons of water.
“It’s clear Celebration Key will be a game-changer for our flagship brand and its loyal guests, with endless options for relaxation and recreation, but it’s also truly great to see firsthand how we’re implementing our company’s robust sustainability initiatives on land,”said Weinstein.
Visiting Celebration Key
Carnival Vista will be the first ship to visit the new destination. The memorable port visit will be on the ship’s July 12, 2025 departure, an 8-night Southern Caribbean voyage from Port Canaveral that will first visit Bonaire and Aruba. Carnival Vista will arrive at Celebration Key on Saturday, July 19, in what is sure to be a spectacular event.
“We broke ground on this site less than three years ago, and now in five short months we’ll see our first guests enjoy the many experiences we created just for them to celebrate and enjoy this gorgeous place on Grand Bahama,”said Duffy.
Under Construction Celebration Key (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Awaiting those first guests will be Paradise Plaza with the 10-story Suncastle, a gateway to the other themed areas of the destination and home to the racing waterslides of the family-oriented Starfish Lagoon.
Adults who want a quiet space to enjoy can head for Calypso Lagoon with its swim-up bar and DJ island. For even more adults-only vibes, Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer a premium experience with a soothing 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, beachfront cabanas, relaxing daybeds, and exclusive Super Villas with open bar service.
Celebrating Bahamian culture will be Lokono Cove, with local art and handmade goods for retail purchase in a colorful and festive atmosphere all ages will enjoy.
Bookings are now available from 10 US homeports on 20 different ships in the Carnival fleet that will visit Celebration Key. Sailings of all lengths and itineraries will include the new port, giving eager Carnival guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate the new destination.
MSC Cruises’ newest World-class ship, MSC World America, has concluded her final sea trials with success and is undergoing her final outfitting before handover to the cruise line in late March 2025.
The 216,638-gross ton ship under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, was put through her paces during the series of sea trials.
The trials test and evaluate a vessel’s seaworthiness, including engine performance, propulsion and speed, maneuverability, safety systems, and navigation equipment.
The conclusion of her final set of trials, focused on the ship’s deep-water intensive systems, was announced by the cruise line on February 19, 2025. MSC Cruises is due to take delivery of the 6,700-guest mega-ship on March 27, 2025.
Construction began on MSC World America in 2022, the same year that the cruise line’s first World-class ship, MSC World Europa, entered service. (Click here to read Cruise Hive’s insider report about the building of MSC World America from a shipyard visit.)
Like MSC World Europa, MSC World America is an environmentally advanced cruise ship, powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), equipped for shore power connectivity, and with wastewater treatment and recycling plants onboard.
Two more World-class ships are planned: MSC World Asia, slated to debut in 2026, and another un-named ship set to enter service in 2027.
Designed specifically for the North American market, MSC World America has seven distinct zones, or themed areas, plus 19 dining venues and 18 bars and lounges. There are six specialty restaurants, and two additional venues in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club luxury accommodations area.
New dining options include Paxos, serving Greek cuisine, and Eataly, offering Italian dishes. New lounge concepts are All-Stars Sports Bar and The Loft, where comedy and karaoke shows will be offered.
The ship also will entertain guests with multiple pools and thrill rides, including the new Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride that propels adventurous guests over the side of the ship 160 feet above the water.
MSC World America Sea Trials
World Cruise America offers multiple suite and stateroom categories. Within the MSC Yacht Club, guests can select from six suites, including Owner’s Suite, Royal Suite, and Duplex Suite, all with private whirlpool baths, plus Duplex, Deluxe, and Interior Suites.
An additional 19 stateroom categories are offered, from a Studio Interior to the Grand Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool Bath. All together, the ship will have 2,614 suites and cabins.
MSC World America to Be Named at PortMiami
MSC World America will be the first of the line’s ships to be christened at MSC Cruises’ just-opened cruise terminal at PortMiami on April 9, 2025. The terminal, which opened in early February 2025, can welcome three ships simultaneously and handle up to 36,000 cruise passengers a day.
Following her naming ceremony, MSC World America will set sail from PortMiami on April 12, 2025, operating a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage with calls at the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the cruise line’s private destination, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
The 22-deck ship will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, and 14-night voyages that combine both regions. Port calls on the longer cruises include Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the private marine reserve.
A great deal can seem too good to turn down, but Virgin Voyages is reaching out to guests to alert them to new fraud and scam problems that appear to be targeting the cruise line’s “Sailors.”
The cruise line has emailed Sailors with tips for how to avoid such schemes and protect their bookings.
“We’ve become aware that some Sailors are being targeted by scammers and fraudsters,”the email read.“As part of our commitment to keeping you safe and secure when you sail with us, we ask that you read the below tips to help avoid these schemes and protect your personal information.”
First, prospective guests should be aware that anyone offering to resell their reservation – typically with a steep discount or a sob story about how they can no longer take the voyage – is likely a scam.
Virgin Voyages only offers sailings directly through their website, registered travel advisors (called “First Mates”) or via the Sailor Services team.
Guests should also verify that anyone they are booking a Virgin Voyages cruise with is an authorized cruise line partner. This can help avoid third-party scams and false bookings.
“Special offers” through social media sites are also often scams. To avoid those too-tempting offers, look for misspellings, lack of detailed information, or suspicious names and always double-check for authenticity.
“Treat your reservation ID as confidential,”Virgin Voyages said.“Do not share it with others or post it on social media.”
The cruise line notes that they will not call booked guests to ask for payments or personal information over the phone. If guests receive such calls, they should hang up immediately and instead contact Virgin Voyages through the official website or call the Sailor Services team for confirmation.
Do People Fall for Cruise Scams?
While the tips offered may seem like common sense, scammers are always getting more clever and realistic, fooling even the most vigilant travelers.
Such scams might arrive as emails that look official due to stolen graphics, false email addresses, and spoofed names or contact numbers.
Another tactic is for scammers to call booked travelers and either ask for payment information or offer upgrades or add-ons that require immediate payment to take advantage of so-called special deals.
The most vigilant travelers will always research their cruises and ensure they have secure bookings, avoiding too-good-to-be-true upsells and add-ons that come from unauthorized sources.
Checking email addresses and phone numbers for authenticity as well as keeping copies of emails and notifications can help protect travelers.
Always be sure to book a cruise through authorized agents or directly with the cruise line for the most security, and do not offer payment information in any way except through secure sites.
Once booked, guests should take a variety of precautions to protect their booking information, including not forwarding reservation emails to others, keeping details off social media, and avoiding mentioning exact sailing dates or ships that scammers could use to uncover more reservation information.
Following several last-minute delays for inspections and weather complications, the SS United States has left her berth in Philadelphia and begun her 2,000-mile journey from the City of Brotherly Love south to Mobile, Alabama.
On her last night in Philly, she was appropriately lit up in red, white, and blue as a final farewell.
The departure is a bittersweet one for fans of the aged ocean liner who had hoped for some alternative solution instead of the plan for the ship to be sunk as what will be the world’s largest artificial coral reef.
While it is amazing to witness the SS United States underway again after decades of stillness, even with tugs providing the propulsion, the maneuvering of the ship must be handled very carefully to preserve her integrity and ensure there are no complications.
The ship’s route is being updated every six hours based on fresh data to ensure the safest, smoothest, and most efficient move. The tow along the eastern seaboard all the way to Mobile is expected to take approximately two weeks, though the exact timing is still subject to any further changes en route.
Fans of the ship can tune in to live route tracking of the vessel’s movements. It is hoped that as the SS United States makes her way south, select viewing opportunities may become available so more fans and supporters can enjoy seeing the ship on the move once more.
Once she reaches Mobile, the ship will undergo extensive preparation for scuttling. All hazardous materials must be removed to ensure there is no environmental risk in the new reef, and the hull will be reinforced in such a way that she will land upright on the ocean floor once she is sunk.
This positioning will make her a safe and attractive diving attraction just off the coast of Destin-Fort Worth Beach, though the exact location where the ship will be sunk has not yet been confirmed.
Could the Ship Have Been Saved?
The multiple delays in the last days of the ship’s time in Philadelphia spawned some false hope that there might be an alternative for her to be saved.
This was further exacerbated by an unaffiliated “coalition” rising up in the final weeks, claiming the ship could be saved but without a solid and legal plan to do so.
So powerful was the message – urging hope and appealing to the sentimentality of those who support the conservation of the vessel – that the SS United States Conservancy was compelled to thoroughly explain exactly why the ship could no longer be saved.
The coalition had cited a variety of outdated public laws that were initially enacted in the 1970s to preserve the vessel, but that have since been overruled by later laws that now take precedence.
SS United States Departs (Photo Credit: SS United States Conservancy – Hampton Roads Chapter)
“In essence, the earlier public laws no longer have practical authority over the vessel’s fate,”the Conservancy stated.
“Any actions taken with the SS United States, such as its ownership by Okaloosa County and pending conversion into an artificial reef, must adhere to today’s stringent maritime and environmental regulations, which have effectively replaced the outdated provisions of the 1970s laws.”
To be clear, the Conservancy noted that should the ship not be able to be deployed as an artificial reef, the only other possible course of action would be the complete scrapping of the vessel. If that were to happen, the entire ship’s legacy would be lost.
While moving the SS United States beneath the waves may not be the outcome that had been hoped for over the past few years, the nearby land-based museum that is planned will help preserve the ship and ensure future generations can appreciate her as the testament to ingenuity, engineering, and perseverance she has been.
With no nearby airport, most cruisers embarking from the Port of Galveston choose to drive there — and when they get there, they need to park somewhere. Luckily, parking at the Galveston port is easy and affordable.
There are eight official parking lots and one garage at the port, near the terminals and/or with free shuttle service to the terminals. There are also at least four nearby, third-party parking lots and garages that provide shuttle service to the port.
Here’s what you’ll need to know before you arrive or make parking reservations.
The nearest commercial airport to the Port of Galveston is the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston. The cruise port is about a 45-minute drive away from the airport.
As such, you can’t just fly into the Houston airport and then take an Uber or taxi to the port, like you might in Fort Lauderdale (unless, of course, you have a really big travel budget).
Many cruisers who absolutely must fly into the airport (such as if they’re coming from a few states away) to take a cruise opt to rent a car at the airport and then drive from the airport to the cruise port and park.
The airport offers a robust number of car rental providers, on-site, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Car Rental, Easirent, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty.
Port Galveston Parking Lots and Garages
Galveston Parking Lot (Photo Credit: Port of Galveston)
There are myriad Galveston cruise parking lot and garage options, and which you choose to park in will depend on what cruise terminal you’re departing from.
To make booking the correct, most convenient parking option easy, when you pre-book your parking on the Galveston port website, a form will ask you to select the ship you’re sailing on, such as Carnival Jubilee or Carnival Dream, and then it will direct you to the correct lots or garages for booking.
If you’re cruising out of Cruise Terminal 25 or 28, there are two parking lots with a free shuttle, at 160 33rd Street and 224 33rd Street; a parking lot with no shuttle, at 2702 Harborside Drive; and a parking garage at 150 Rosenberg.
If you’re cruising out of Cruise Terminal 10, there are three parking lots with a free shuttle, at 1152 Royal Caribbean Way, 1201 Royal Caribbean Way and 1390 Royal Caribbean Way.
There’s a Pier 12 Parking Lot on Royal Caribbean Circle that does not have its own free shuttle pick-up spot, but it is within walking distance of some. A covered, “premium” parking lot is on Royal Caribbean Circle, with no shuttle service.
Port of Galveston parking lots are police-patrolled 24/7. ADA handicap-accessible parking is available in all lots. As mentioned, once you’ve parked, shuttle buses are available to transport you and your baggage to and from the cruise terminal.
However, shuttle service is not available at the parking garage or lots that are within walking distance of the terminal.
Port of Galveston parking lot and garage rates are based on availability, but it’s not impossible to find parking for $20–$30 per day, which would put your cost at around $175–$230 total, depending on your cruise length.
Unofficial Port of Galveston Parking Options
EZ Cruise Parking Lot
You don’t have to park directly at the port if you would prefer to shop around. Here are a few other options.
EZ Cruise Parking provides a variety of parking options, including lot parking, covered parking, handicap parking and electric vehicle parking, with shuttle service to and from the port. However, the business does not provide pricing online and you have to request a reservation in order to receive a quote.
Port Parking also offers parking options in Galveston, with indoor and outdoor parking, and prices starting at as little as $10 per day. This service provider also offers RV parking, electric vehicle parking/charging and shuttle services.
Discount Cruise Parking provides shuttle service to the port that runs every 15 minutes or so. Helpful staff are available if you need help moving your luggage. Depending on the cruise and length of time you’ll be gone, you can expect rates starting at under $100 total.
Falstaff Cruise Parkingprovides indoor and gated parking facilities, with a 24/7 shuttle. At the time of publish, the online reservation system is not available, though, so you may need to call for quotes.
Whichever third-party parking provider you book with, look out for additional surcharges before signing the bottom line. Particularly look at info regarding cancellations and any cancellation fee.
Options if You Don’t Want to Park
Carnival Ship Docked in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Port of Galveston)
It is possible to find shuttles that will take you directly between the cruise port and the Houston airport.
Galveston Express is one such service. It offers round-trip shuttle service seven days a week starting at $40 per person, with discounts for seniors and children.
Another is Island Breeze Shuttle, with rates starting at $105 one way, with prices increasing based on your number of passengers, as well as your time of arrival.
You may also be able to find transportation via your cruise line. For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers airport-to-pier and vice versa transportation (but there are some time restrictions and your flight must arrive between certain time periods to use the shuttle).
You can purchase this service through My Cruise Manager. Other cruise lines that provide transport between the airport and the port include Royal Caribbean and Disney.
I, however, do not recommend this option, as it may put you under a bit of a time crunch, particularly if your flight is delayed or canceled.
Parking at Nearby Hotels
View of Galveston Near the Port (Photo Credit: Marathon Media)
Lastly, many hotels in popular port cities offer free parking for the duration of your cruise, if you have a hotel booking at the start of your cruise, the night before your departure date.
I personally find this option very desirable, particularly because I always advise, if you’re flying into a city for a cruise, that you arrive a day before the cruise embarks.
This ensures you actually make the ship. (I’ve heard way too many horror stories about cruisers not making their ship simply because their flight was just an hour or two delayed!)
Plus, I like being able to settle in and relax a bit before the cruise leaves the next day. You can go out in the afternoon or evening and experience the port city and its entertainment and dining, and get your vacation started a little earlier, and relax before your cruise leaves (versus reaching the cruise ship in a totally stressed state, because you were hurrying to get there).
There are plenty of car rental options in Cape Canaveral, and at the nearby Orlando airport. Some car rental offices are even conveniently located within just a half-mile of the cruise port. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Really Need a Rental Car When Cruising From Port Canaveral?
Why would you need to purchase a rental car from these various rental companies ahead of your Port Canaveral cruise?
Well, if you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral and not driving your own transportation directly from home, to the port, you’re probably flying into the Orlando Airport (MCO) in Florida. However, the Orlando airport is about a 45-minute drive away from the port. As such, you’ll need to rent a car to drive between the two.
Likewise, if you decide to stick around for a few days and explore Cape Canaveral either before or after your cruise (which I highly recommend, as there’s so much in the vicinity to do and see), you’ll need a rental car, as it’ll be the easiest way to get around the area.
Ready to explore your options? Here are some of the area rental providers with the best rates, customer care and quantity of vehicles.
Orlando International Airport Rental Cars
Car Rental Sign at Orlando International Airport (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)
Renting a car at the airport is a very convenient option, as you can go straight from the plane and baggage area to your rental car, and then drive on to Cape Canaveral.
Once there, you can park at one of the many options at or near the port, for the duration of your cruise. After your cruise is over, you can pick up your car, drive back to the airport, drop off the vehicle at the rental office and fly home.
If you rent a car at Orlando International Airport, you’ll have a few options. The following providers host car rental counters at the airport:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar Car Rental
Enterprise
Hertz
Sixt
National
Payless
Thrifty
Depending on the car rental provider you choose, the car rental counter will be located either on Level 1 of Terminal A or B, or on Level 4 of Terminal C. When booking, pay close attention to the location of your chosen provider’s car rental counter.
While the price of renting your car at the Orlando airport will differ heavily depending on how long you rent the car for, your pick-up date, what kind of car you rent and which rental provider you choose.
It’s entirely possible to rent a car from the airport for an entire week for under $100, if you use a third-party booking provider like Kayak, which allows you to compare and contrast similar rates from all of the airport-based providers.
Car Rental Providers at Other Nearby Airports
While the Orlando Airport (MCO) is definitely the busiest, most popular spot to fly in for a Port Canaveral cruise, there are other options if you want to fly in elsewhere.
If you do choose one of these other airports, here are the best rental providers for cruise ship passengers, at those airports, that you’ll find.
Sanford Airport
Check-In at Sanford Airport (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Sanford Airport (SFB) is about an hour’s drive away from the port. Much like MCO, Sanford offers on-site rentals from a range of providers, including:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Hertz
National
If you compare and contrast prices from the various providers, you can easily find car rental rates starting at around $55 per day. Again, though, exact price will depend on vehicle availability, the type of car you rent, how long you rent it for, rental date and which rental provider you choose.
If you do not like the options at the airport terminal, there are also some car rental locations around Sanford Airport that will pick you up at the airport and ferry you to their office, where you can then pick up your car.
Just be sure to check out the pick-up service policies and allowable pick-up distance of any off-airport location, to verify availability.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Then, there’s the Melbourne airport (MLB), which is only about 30 miles from the port, but you won’t find as many commercial flights flying in here. Still, if you find yourself at MLB, you can rent cars from the following providers, thanks to a central rental car counter near the airport’s baggage claim:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Hertz
National
Thrifty
Across these various providers, you can find rentals going for as little as $45 per day.
Car Rental Providers Near Port Canaveral
Budget Car Rental in Cape Canaveral (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
However, you may want to book a car with a rental location closer to the terminal. This is a particularly good option if you, say, don’t want to just go straight from the airport to the cruise ship, and back again.
Maybe you want to, instead, as I suggested above, stay a few days in the area before or after your cruise.
If you get your rental car from a provider’s office near the port, you’ll be able to take a rideshare service from the airport, to the rental car office, pick up your car and drive around with ease for a few days. Then, on embarkation day, you can drop the car off and, in some cases, even walk right to the port from the rental office.
In contrast, if you want to explore Port Canaveral after your cruise, you can walk from the port to your chosen rental car office, pick up your car, and then head to your hotel. When you’re ready to go home, you can drop the rental car off and take a rideshare to the airport.
If you don’t feel like walking, many of these rental car providers also offer shuttle services.
So, what are your options if you want to make an advance reservation with a provider with nearby locations close to the port?
Enterprise, National and Alamo – 0.5 miles from Port Canaveral
All three of these providers share an office just half a mile from the port (710 Mullet Road), and they do offer a shuttle service that runs about every half an hour, starting in the morning and running until mid-afternoon.
Alamo offers midsize and standard SUVs, economy vehicles, compact vehicles, full-size vehicles, and minivans, and you can find rental prices starting at around $60 per day. The Alamo office is closed on Tuesdays, but after-hours returns are offered, as is accelerated check-in.
With prices starting at around $75 per day, National offers economy vehicles, compact vehicles, midsize vehicles, full-size vehicles, SUVs, and minivans. National is closed at this location on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but after-hours returns are available.
Enterprise is likewise closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at this location, with after-hours returns available. With prices starting at around $60 per day, this office offers midsize SUVs, economy vehicles, compact vehicles, midsize vehicles, cargo vans, pickup trucks and minivans.
Hertz (8963 Astronaut Boulevard) – 1 mile from Port Canaveral
Another nearby office, this Hertz location, is open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. every day except Tuesday and Wednesday (as such, if these days and hours of operation do not work with your cruise, you may want to choose another provider that’s open Mon – Fri).
You can find cars as cheap as $70 per day. Vehicle options include SUVs, cars, trucks, and vans. There is a shuttle that runs between the office and the port.
Budget (8401 Astronaut Boulevard) – 1.6 miles from Port Canaveral
One of the closest Budget locations, this office offers a free Budget shuttle and free pick-up service to and from the port. It’s open every day of the week.
You can find pretty good deals at this office, with rentals available at around $40 per day. Pick from electric vehicles, economy cars, compact cars, full-size vehicles, sports cars, pick-up trucks, SUVS and more.
Avis (6650 North Atlantic Ave) – 2.6 miles from Port Canaveral
Also, open every day of the week and offering a shuttle to ferry you and your luggage to and from the port, this Avis office offers SUVS, electric vehicles, sedans, luxury cars, convertibles, trucks and vans. Much like the nearby Budget office, you can find vehicles here starting at about $40 per day.
Tips for Saving Money on a Rental Car Before Your Cruise
Cruise Ships Docked at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
Before finalizing your reservation with any of the above car rental providers, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible (and thus saving the most money possible, so you can spend it on your actual cruise!).
Check the Rental Agreement
Always check your rental agreements’ terms of service and, if you have further queries, contact customer service and ask to speak with someone from the provider’s customer service center. If you don’t, you may find that you rack up penalty and excess fees related to your booking.
For example, some providers require a minimum length for your rental, like a minimum three-day rental, so even if you thought you were getting a two-day rental, you may end up paying for three days. Or, you may incur mileage charges if you drive the car more than permitted.
If you’ve already booked your rental, you can usually view the agreement online, when you view your upcoming reservations. Use your reservation reference number to look up any valid info, if you do not have an account with a password.
Avoid Extra, Unnecessary Fees
There are a variety of renters fees that you might end up paying unnecessarily, when renting a car in the United States.
For example, if you want to put both your drivers license and a family members’ driver’s license on the rental agreement, you’ll pay more for any and all additional drivers (and when you’re using the car for such a short period of time, having two drivers on the agreement isn’t really necessary).
Additionally, you may also face extra fines if you bring the vehicle back without filling up the gas tank. While this is an extra step in your travel day, filling up the rental car before returning it can save you cash and help you avoid surcharges.
Likewise, you’ll pay extra for one-way rentals as well. While a one-way rental may seem like it makes more sense than paying for parking for the rental car during your cruise, compare and contrast the prices before your time of reservation. You may find that parking the car is indeed more affordable than a one-way rental.
Look for Coupons and Extra Deals
Car Rental Directions at Orlando Airport (Photo Credit: Craig Russell)
You can sometimes find a coupon code and extra deals by joining the rental car provider’s loyalty program ahead of time. Make sure you do this before you make your reservation and receive a reservation confirmation.
You’ll typically receive deals, a best rate guarantee or a discount code in your email inbox, so be sure to check your junk e-mail folder in addition to your inbox.
Even if you don’t receive a discount, you may be able to receive other extra perks through your loyalty program, such as a free bonus rental day or a free upgrade.
No news of a promotion, upgrade offers or rental deals in your inbox? You may also find them when you log into the provider’s website using a profile number, valid membership number or valid membership ID.
Additionally, if you’re a frequent renter, being a loyalty program member can help you accrue points (like Avis Preferred Points) that you can use for discounts and upgrades like a free day with future rentals.
Rethink Modifications and Optional Items
Lastly, most car rental providers will offer you some extra items that you might not actually need. Rethink purchasing GPS services (your phone will suffice) or cars with fancy entertainment systems.
You might likewise choose a less-extravagant vehicle. While the sports car or convertible might be tempting, you’ll definitely pay more than you would for a small sedan.
The only optional items that might be 100% necessary are safety or size-related necessities such as booster seats or child car seats, or a larger car to fit all your luggage.
With the first ever Comic-Con Cruise only just wrapping up as a huge success, the organizers behind the event have announced that the fan event will be returning to the high seas in 2026.
The masterminds behind the themed sailings, San Diego Comic Convention and Entertainment Cruise Productions, have titled the second rendition of this voyage as Comic-Con: The Cruise Vol. 2: The Ultimate Fan Adventure.
The first Comic-Con Cruise, or Volume 1 as comic books fans would call it, was hosted onboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas from February 5 to February 9, 2025.
Next time, the convention at sea will be held onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation – which is a cruise line owned by Royal Caribbean.
The 4-night cruise will sail round-trip from Tampa, Florida – embarking on January 30, 2026, and concluding on February 3, 2026.
The itinerary will only feature one port of call, which is on Nassau, Bahamas, leaving the up to 2,170 guests plenty of time to enjoy the exclusive events and all the amenities the Millennium-class ship has to offer.
As Comic-Con events are famous for selling out quickly – especially the annual convention in San Diego – interested cruisers will want to reserve their spot quickly.
Comic-Con: The Cruise Vol. 1 also nearly sold out – and Serenade of the Seas had a slightly greater capacity with room for up to 2,490 passengers.
Bookings have already opened on the official website for Comic-Con: The Cruise and start at $1,100 per person (USD) on a double occupancy rate – with payment plans available.
The cruise fare also includes all performances, interviews, parties, events, and meals in the main dining facilities onboard the 90,940-gross ton ship.
A Celebration of Big Franchise Anniversaries
As with the 2025 sailing, next year’s voyage will feature an array of talent– with actress and singer Felicia Day returning as the official host.
But the second Comic-Con Cruise will be extra special because it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of both “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
First Comic-Con Cruise (Photo Courtesy: Entertainment Cruise Productions)
“Comic-Con: The Cruise Vol. 2, The Ultimate Fan Adventure™, will bring fandom and fantasy together to celebrate the 25th anniversaries of both The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2026,” reads a press release.
“Actors from the legendary films, including Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings, Lost, Star Wars, X-Men), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings, Outlander, Master and Commander) and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Star Trek, The Dark Crystal, The OA) will headline the cruise, joining host Felicia Day for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” continues the release.
Dominic Monaghan is famous for playing Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, while Billy Boyd played Peregrin “Pippin” Took – both of which helped to make hobbits a household name.
Meanwhile, Jason Isaacs is famous for playing Lucius Malfoy – the sinister father of Draco Malfoy – in the eight “Harry Potter” films.
These stars, along with more big names that are yet to be announced, will take part in unique experiences like group panels, Q&A sessions, meet and greets, special screenings, and autograph and photography opportunities.
Other elements of the Comic-Con conventions on land will also be present at sea, including plenty of cosplay opportunities (with themed parties and nightly entertainment) and lots of shopping from popular exhibitors.
There will also be an Artist’s Alley onboard, where independent artists can market their original artwork, crafts, and commissions.
Even the most popular social media stars aren’t immune from cruel backlash on social media – including Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald.
While Heald’s public Facebook pageis supposed to be a place of positivity where he celebrates cruising and answers questions for his followers, a recent post regarding his dinner onboard Carnival Magic got cooked in the comments section.
The post in question included a photo of barbecue spare ribs and chips (or french fries), which Heald said was “one of the most popular dishes tonight.”
Apparently the answer was a resounding “no,” as one cruiser noticed the post was soon taken down – allegedly due to the negativity it received.
The cruiser said: “The comments started rolling in, and let’s just say they weren’t exactly flattering. People were roasting the dish left and right, with comments like ‘What’s that supposed to be?’, ‘Looks like something I’d find in a school cafeteria’, and ‘Is that a fossilized chicken nugget?’”
“Needless to say, John Heald didn’t take too kindly to the criticism. In a move that can only be described as ‘social media panic’, he deleted the post altogether,” they continued.
Ultimately, the cruise fan thought the social media faux pas was hilarious, and even admitted that almost everyone has been in situations where the only solution was to hit the delete button.
“Anyway, I just thought this was a funny story that highlights the perils of social media. Even the big guys can have an off day (or an off meal, in this case),”they said.
“I should add that I’m not trying to bash John Heald or Carnival Cruise Line here. We’ve all had our share of social media mishaps, and this one just happened to be particularly entertaining,” they added later for clarity.
Heald has not directly addressed this situation, but did recently post a reminder on his Facebook page that “foul language and rude comments will not be tolerated.”
Where in the World is John Heald?
While Heald frequently answers questions and engages with his followers from the comfort of his home in the UK, he is currently onboard the3,690-guest Carnival Magicfor the seventh annual “For Fun’s Sake” cruise.
While the cruise personality usually sails several times per year, he hosts these specific voyages annually to connect with his fans.
The 6-night Eastern Caribbean voyage embarked from Miami, Florida, on February 16, 2025, and features calls on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which is Carnival’s private island destination in the Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
Along the way, Heald has been keeping his followers at home updated on the sailing. As part of this, he has been sharing the daily menus in the main dining rooms – and seemed to have received a mostly positive reception until this recent post.
While the photo was admittedly not the most appetizing, with some saying the spare ribs looked more like a “brownie” or a “Kid Cuisine” microwave meal, it’s possible that it tasted better than it looked.
“I just saw the same post in my feed and thought ‘dang that looks terrible, what are the comments saying’ and when I tried to open them it showed that the post had been removed. I’m sure as a Brit, he probably thought this qualified as good looking barbecue,” another one of Heald’s followers said on Reddit.
From my own (admittedly limited) experiencesailing with Carnival Cruise Line, I can attest that the meals I had in the main dining room were often hit or miss.
That said, I did have plenty of meals I enjoyed – especially from other eateries onboard like Guy’s Burger Joint and while partaking in specialty dining at the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
