Double the fun when you pair an Orlando getaway with a cruise from Port Canaveral.
Score two vacations in one when you add an Orlando getaway to your next Port Canaveral cruise. We’re just one hour away from the port, with plenty to do and see before and after you set sail. You can even create your own excursions if your cruise is just passing through. Read on for more, and make your plans today.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
Whether you’re cruising to or from Port Canaveral, you’ll find plenty of cruise lines and itineraries to suit your traveling style. Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International all sail in and out of Port Canaveral on a regular basis.
Other cruise lines stop in Port Canaveral before continuing on their way, including sailings departing from the Bahamas, Baltimore, England, New York, San Diego, Spain and more. Try Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Princess Cruises for additional cruise options through Port Canaveral.
Pre- or Post-Cruise Orlando Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary
Before You Set Sail: Just like you’d explore in port while cruising, spend one day exploring Orlando’s local sights, flavors and curiosities. We have museums, outdoor adventures, public art, MICHELIN Guide restaurants, thrilling live arts and more. Use our handy neighborhood guide to narrow down your search, or take this foodie quiz to discover the perfect home base for your stay.
Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods
If you prefer a preset itinerary, join a Wandering Palm Food Tour, United Arts art tour, downtown Orlando historic walking tour, Winter Park scenic boat tour and more guided expeditions. Or, use our 24-Hour Foodie Guide to create your own adventure.
Post-Cruise: If you’re sticking around after your cruise, explore our neighborhoods or seek serenity at one of our luxurious resort pools. Unwind with spa treatments, lazy rivers, waterslides, waterfalls, underwater sound systems and more cool pool features. If you’re not spending the night, try booking a Resort Pass instead to enjoy some of Orlando’s most enchanting resort amenities.
Discover: Cool Orlando Pools
2-Day Itinerary
If you have a little more time to play, spend your second day in Orlando exploring our exciting attractions. Relax in our beautiful springs, take a night glow paddle tour, pick your own citrus, zip line over gators and captain your own catamaran. You can also luxuriate at Orlando’s Beer Spa, see how chocolate is made, puzzle your way through immersive escape rooms, explore over 15 mini-golf courses, and discover indoor and outdoor thrills for all ages.
Discover: Orlando Attractions
3+ Day Itinerary
If you’re spending three or more days in Orlando before or after your cruise, the options are limitless! Once you’ve explored our vibrant neighborhoods, sampled our award-winning dining, and filled up on fun attractions, venture out to Orlando’s theme parks and water parks for more world-class fun. Come see why Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World with a visit to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando or LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Discover: Orlando Theme Parks
You’ll find many of the same things that you love about cruising right here in Orlando’s theme parks, including immersive lounges, delicious food, enchanting rides and more. You can even travel to new worlds like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort, or visit eleven countries in one go at EPCOT®’s World Showcase.
Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks & Attractions
DIY Cruise Excursions From Port Canaveral
If your ship is stopping in Port Canaveral, hop aboard a ship-planned excursion or design your own getaway using our handy recommendations. Just be sure to keep an eye on traffic and be back onboard well before your scheduled departure time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Adapt our 1-day itinerary to suit your timetable by booking your choice of food, art, history or nature tours.
- Spend the day at Disney Springs®, ICON Park®, Pointe Orlando or Universal CityWalk. These sprawling entertainment complexes boast shopping, dining, attractions and more in one location, making it easy to get in, have a ball, and get back to the ship in time.
- Explore Dezerland Park, the largest indoor attraction in Florida, where you’ll find vintage cars, bowling, mini golf, virtual reality theatre, karting and more.
- Book a timed escape room experience for a good time and peace of mind. Most escape rooms clock in at one hour, but you can find longer options to suit your schedule if you prefer. Grab lunch or check out another nearby attraction before you head back to the ship.
- Rent a bike, kayak or paddleboard to explore Orlando’s natural beauty.
- Spend a few hours exploring mid-sized attractions like Gatorland, Fun Spot Orlando or Madame Tussauds Orlando for a full day of fun.
Transportation Tips: How to Get From Port Canaveral to Orlando
Many cruise lines offer paid transportation options from Port Canaveral to the airport, and vice versa. Check with your cruise operator for up-to-date air transfer details, including whether you should fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to begin your journey.
Discover: Orlando Transportation Resources
Additional transportation options between MCO and Port Canaveral include taxi, limo and Mears Luxe Car Service options from Mears Transportation and private shuttle service from Around the Clock Transportation or Destination MCO Transportation Logistics & Management. You can also inquire about drop-off options outside of MCO rent a car for the Orlando portion of your trip if you prefer.
Free or Low-Cost Things to Do in Orlando
Planning for one vacation can be expensive, never mind planning for two! By combining your cruise with an Orlando getaway, you’re already saving on one of the biggest costs: transportation to the Central Florida area. Stay and save with budget-friendly hotels, then add some of these free or budget-friendly must-do’s to your vacation-within-a-vacation. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Discover: Free Things to Do in Orlando
- Free Galleries, Museums & Sculpture Gardens: City Arts, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, Rollins Museum of Art, Snap! Orlando, Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, Winter Garden Heritage Museum, Winter Park History Museum, Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
- Low-Cost Museums: Art & History Museums of Maitland, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square Park
- Low-Cost Attractions: Harry P. Leu Gardens, Kings Dining & Entertainment, Lake Eola Park Swan Boat Rentals, Orlando StarFlyer, SAK Comedy Lab
Discover: 29 Things to Do For $29 Or Less
Stay Connected to Orlando
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