Cruises From Port Canaveral: Best Cruises From Orlando

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Orlando (Port Canaveral) Cruise Port Guide

While Orlando is best known for the thrills of its spectacular theme parks, there’s much more to this arty, energetic city, which encompasses long, tree-lined avenues, serene lakes, world-class museums, and an inventive culinary scene. Cruises from Port Canaveral offer an easy and convenient chance to spend time here and to explore Florida’s 72-mile-long Space Coast, where you’ll find uncrowded beaches, fragrant citrus groves, golf courses, and extraordinary wildlife. Another highlight is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can meet astronauts, marvel at moon rockets, and immerse yourself in space exploration.

Cruises from Orlando take you south to the dreamy tropical islands of The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and beyond. Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, or the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic. Absorb both Dutch and French culture in St. Maarten, try river rafting in mountainous Jamaica, and unwind on Grand Cayman’s blissful Seven Mile Beach. A world of adventure awaits on your exciting Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral.

Featured Destinations on Cruises From Port Canaveral

Key West, Florida

Bohemian, fun-loving Key West lies off the tip of South Florida and is known for its lively downtown scene and pristine coral reefs. Discover teeming marine wildlife during a snorkeling excursion, or kayak through lush mangroves, where you’ll see stingrays, crabs, and other tropical fish. Explore the shops and pubs along Duval Street, visit the villa where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote, and make time for a slice of tangy Key lime pie.

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Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is surrounded by powdery white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons that invite swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm water, where there’s abundant marine life. Head for Blue Lagoon Island for a day of blissful relaxation on a palm-fringed beach, or visit Atlantis for the adrenaline rush of the waterslides at Aquaventure. Browse local handicrafts at the colorful Straw Market, and sample delicious conch fritters, the local specialty.

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Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata lies between long, golden beaches and forested mountains. This colorful, historic port is the gateway to adventure, whether you want to fly over the trees on a zipline, paddleboard through peaceful mangroves in search of manatees, or head for the hills on an off-road driving safari. At the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, slide down natural rock channels into freshwater pools as you follow the course of the 27 waterfalls.

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Why Sail From Port Canaveral With Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s cruises on the luxurious Celebrity Equinox take you to the heart of the Caribbean. Enjoy blissful days at sea as you head south, where culture, adventure, and exquisite beaches await. Swim with wild dolphins, snorkel over dazzling reefs, zipline over rainforests, taste local rum, and discover the fascinating history of each island.

On board, enjoy accommodation rivaling the world’s finest hotels and delicious meals from menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. Relax at The Lawn Club, inhaling the aroma of fresh, living grass, or treat yourself to a massage or facial in The Spa. Lie back in a comfortable lounge chair beside the shimmering pool, and dig into made-to-order burgers and salads at the Mast Grill in the sunshine. As the day draws to a close, head for the Sunset Bar for cocktails with sweeping views of the ocean. Elevate your experience even further with The Retreat®, staying in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat restaurant.

Port Canaveral Cruise Port Facilities & Location

Port Canaveral is located in East Central Florida, some 45 miles from Orlando and just south of the Kennedy Space Center. There are multiple cruise ship docks here, with parking available for each terminal. The terminals themselves have some amenities, such as restrooms, but The Cove, close to the port, is the place to go for bars, waterfront restaurants, shops, and views of the ships coming and going.

Top Sights & Attractions in Port Canaveral & Orlando

Kennedy Space Center

Anybody with an interest in space exploration will be wowed by the spectacular Kennedy Space Center. Talk to working astronauts and admire mind-blowing exhibits such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed in a multi-million dollar exhibition space with immersive interactive activities. See artifacts and objects from former space missions, learn how astronauts are preparing to fly to Mars, and watch beautiful IMAX films detailing the Earth from space.

Orlando’s Theme Parks

In Orlando’s famous theme parks, you can ride some of the world’s most intricate and adrenaline-boosting roller coasters, or make a splash on wild water slides and lazy river rides. Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of Hollywood and the movies, or meet some of your favorite cartoon characters. Spot gorillas, giraffes, and elephants, or spend your time learning about anything from science to world cultures.

Downtown Orlando

Orlando’s downtown area is a delight to explore, with tranquil Lake Eola at its heart. You’ll find an impressive array of classy bars, restaurants, and shops here. Stop by Wall Street Plaza for a day of retail therapy. Learn about 12,000 years of history at the Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square Park. Explore lush Thornton Park, home to hip cafés, and CityArts, which houses seven galleries. If you’re overnighting, catch a show or concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

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Top Things to Do in Port Canaveral & Orlando

Relax on Cocoa Beach

With such gorgeous beaches stretching away in every direction, a day by the seaside beckons. Head to Cocoa Beach, just 15 minutes’ drive from Port Canaveral. Here, the classic 1960s pier, which is lined with shops and restaurants, extends 800 feet out into the warm Atlantic, with street entertainers providing a backdrop of music and art. The beach itself is a hotspot for surfers, with lifeguards, umbrellas and beach chairs to rent, and volleyball courts.

Spot Manatees on a Kayak Tour

Cocoa Beach is part of the Thousand Islands Conservation Area, which extends along the Banana River to the west of the beach town and consists of shady green mangrove tunnels, saltwater marshes, and lagoons. Wild manatees as well as numerous wading birds can often be spotted in this 338-acre preserve. The best way to see them is on a guided kayak tour. Eagle-eyed naturalists will help you spot these gentle, endangered creatures as you paddle the serene waterways.

Browse Orlando’s Malls

If you love retail, you’ll be in heaven in Orlando, where there are numerous gleaming malls to explore, offering everything from bargain-packed outlet stores to high-end designer fashion. Try The Mall at Millenia for designer labels or The Florida Mall for more mainstream items. Bargain-hunters should head to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, the location of dozens of designer outlet shops, as well as a handy location close to the theme parks.