Best Way from Orlando Airport to Cruise in Port Canaveral with Your Child

Going on a cruise with your kid will not only be a fun experience for kids. It can also be an educational one. But it can be quite challenging for you, especially the part where you have to deal with the child’s reaction during the trip to the Orlando International Airport then to Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral is home to Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise, and Disney Cruise Line. Every year, it welcomes 4 million cruise passengers. Many of these passengers come from the Orlando International Airport, too, so imagine the challenges that would arise while taking your kid from the airport to the cruise port.

While you may have succeeded taking your kid to the airport, there is one last major thing to do before you can sail away on your beautiful cruise. You have to find ways to conveniently take your kid from the airport to the cruise’s home port in Port Canaveral, which is 45 miles east of the airport. Consider the cost, time, number of companions, and convenience when comparing several options getting from the airport to Port Canaveral. After making that decision, you can then book what needs to be booked so everything will run smoothly before getting on your cruise ship.

1. Rental car

You can find lots of car rental agencies at the Orlando International Airport, with rental fees varying based on the size of the vehicle and the length which you’re planning to rent the car. If you want more control about where to go, especially if you have stopovers between the airport and the cruise port, this is the best option for you. However, the control you gain over your transportation also means that it can be more expensive than your other options, mainly due to the cost of parking or the one-way rental fee.

While taking into consideration the cost of this kind of transport, don’t forget about the nominal toll that you’d have to pay for the Beachline Expressway, SR 528, that you’d have to pass to get to Port Canaveral. You would also be required to pay parking fees in the cruise terminal, the cost of which will depend on how long your cruise is.

2. Cruise line transfer

Some cruise lines offer cruise shuttles to fetch their passengers from the airport to Port Canaveral and vice versa. Since these shuttles usually follow a schedule, you would have to wait for the next ride. The upside to this is that when you arrive at the airport, a cruise line staff member may meet up with you at baggage claim and assist you in handling your luggage until you reach the waiting area. You will get on the shuttle, get to the cruise terminal, and the staff will take your luggage to the ship, usually right outside your room.

Worried about being late to your cruise? If the delay is the cruise shuttle’s fault, your ship won’t leave on the set schedule until you’ve arrived.

The shuttle charges each person for a certain amount, so the bigger your group is, the more you’ll have to pay for the ride. It may not be the most practical mode of transportation, but it pays in the form of door to door service and proper luggage handling.

3. Private shuttle transfer

Private shuttle services are available to cruise passengers who need to get from the airport to Port Canaveral and back. Rates vary from one provider to another. When comparing private shuttles, make sure to consider their schedule, if they follow one, or what amenities they provide, such as onboard videos, Wi-Fi, or driver. The onboard video is ideal if you’re traveling with kids, who need to be entertained during the ride. At least, this should give you little space for relaxation before embarking on a cruise with them.

The only downside to this is that there is no guarantee as to the promptness of the service. You run the risk of not catching up with your cruise, especially if you’re already running a little late. Pay attention to the cruise company’s advised time of arrival at the cruise terminal. Consider than when booking a private shuttle straight off the airport. If you feel like you can’t catch up with your cruise ship, call them and inform them about your situation.

4. Taxi

There are plenty of taxis you can flag down at the airport and even at Port Canaveral when you get off your cruise ship. A one-way ride on a taxi may cost you a little over $100. Another option would be to take an Uber or Lyft.

You may also consider Kidmoto if you want to prioritize the safety of your child during the car ride. A Kidmoto taxi, just like an Uber or Lyft, has to be booked ahead of time online, either through their mobile app or web form. It comes with a pre-installed and pre-harnessed child car seat to ensure their safety, regardless of whether they need it facing forward or the rear. The car seats are of high quality and all Kidmoto drivers are required to undergo training in installing these car seats properly. And even before you’ve completed your cruise, you can already book a Kidmoto ride and enjoy the same peace of mind that you had when you put your kid in a Kidmoto taxi straight from the airport.

Unlike other mode of transportation, you can be assured of arriving on time at your cruise terminal and getting driven to your cruise ship by an experienced driver with defense driving training. What’s more is that you don’t have to worry about bringing along your kid’s bulky, heavy car seat with you. If you’re traveling with more than one kid, Kidmoto can still take you on up to four kids, although you’d have to book an even bigger car, not a sedan, but a minivan or SUV.

Start your cruise ship break right. Avoid dealing with tantrums even before your ship starts sailing. Prepare for a comfortable ride from the Orlando International Airport to your designated cruise terminal at Port Canaveral by choosing the right airport transport.