Located on Florida’s eastern coast, Port Canaveral serves as the launchpad for many cruise line’s Caribbean cruise itineraries. As you can imagine, finding a nice, comfortable place to stay before you set sail can really kick-start your vacation.
That’s why hotels with shuttle service to the cruise port offer a blend of comfort and convenience that can’t be beaten and are always the first to sell out.
You’ll enjoy savings by snagging a room bundle that includes parking for the duration of your cruise, as well as a shuttle ride, and you’ll rest easy knowing the journey to your cruise terminal is sorted.
In this article, we’ll of course consider the best hotels with cruise shuttle service near Port Canaveral, but we will also consider your overall cruise vacation budget.
We’ll cover whether the complimentary cruise shuttle transfer is truly “complimentary” and if they offer additional benefits like a cheaper cruise parking rate than parking at the port.
I’ll also let you know where we stayed the last time we sailed from Port Canaveral and tell you the pros and cons of staying at that particular venue.
So here’s what we are going to cover:
The 10 Best Post Canaveral Hotels With Shuttle Service To Cruise Port
Why Should You Choose Port Canaveral Hotels with Shuttle Service to Cruise Port?
When you’re looking forward to your cruise departing from Port Canaveral, the last thing you want is the stress of worry about any potential travel delays.
Benefits of Shuttle Services and What To Be Aware Of When Driving To Port Canaveral
Let me tell you from personal experience. Florida traffic can be insane!
We spend 6 months of the year at our home in Florida and we genuinely see a car smash every second or third day. All it needs is one snarl-up on a major highway on your way to the port and you could be stuck in traffic for hours.
Port Canaveral is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, so a lot of cruise passengers will be heading in that direction on cruise embarkation day.
Opting for an overnight stay at one of the many hotels that include shuttle service is like giving your vacation a head start—no panicking about any traffic delays and no worries about parking either.
When researching an overnight stay, look for hotels with ‘Park and Cruise’ or ‘Snooze and Cruise’ packages, where your pre-cruise snooze at the hotel is bundled with a free shuttle service to the port.
Key Benefits:
- Stress-Free Trip to the Port: Avoid navigating unfamiliar roads or wondering what terminal the ship will be at.
- Time-Saving: Maximizes your pre-cruise leisure time.
- Baggage Handling: Leave the heavy lifting to the shuttle service.
Cost-Effective Travel Tips
Now at first glance, it might seem that adding an overnight stay to your vacation is adding cost. Well it is, but you can get that back and more with the savings you can make on parking at the cruise terminal. Or worst case – losing the cost of your vacation because you missed the departure time due to a traffic delay.
How to Save:
- Bundle Deals: Look for hotels that offer combined parking and shuttle deals.
- Early Booking: Snag the juiciest deals with some early bird action or watch out for the classic sale periods like Black Friday, 4th of July, President’s Day etc.
- Consider Budget Hotels: It’s only one night, so perhaps consider a lower-budget hotel than you might normally.
Selecting the Right Hotel Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port
Picking the right hotel that includes a shuttle can make a real difference to how smoothly your embarkation day goes.
Proximity to Port Canaveral
Let’s talk location, location, location!
I know you’re itching to swap your suitcase for a sunhat and get on that lido deck, but first, we need to find that overnight stay as close to the port as possible. So you’ll want to be in the Port Canaveral area.
Remember, the closer you are, the less likely you are to encounter last-minute hitches that can make you wish you’d packed an extra dose of patience.
Top Hotels Offering Cruise Packages or Shuttle To Port Canaveral
The following hotels not only offer comfort close to the pier but also include perks like free parking with their special Park and Cruise packages.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral
One of the best hotels close to the cruise port is Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral. It’s really nice with lots of space to spread out and relax the night before your cruise. They even have a nice outside pool area to get you into the cruise relaxation more.
When it’s time to head to the ship, a complimentary shuttle will carry you straight to Port Canaveral.
- Shuttle Service: Shuttle transfer to Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is available with their $10 per day parking facility
- Extended Parking: Book their “Park Stay and Go” rate which includes parking for up to 7 nights
- Breakfast: A free breakfast is included in your room rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral
Your stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott promises more than just a comfy bed. They really get you in the cruise mood with their fitness center, outside pool, and hot tub!
If you have an electric car, they have a convenient EV charging station on-site.
With Port Canaveral just a mile away, you can be sure of a seamless transition from land to sea with their Park and Cruise package.
- Shuttle Service: Be aware that their shuttle to the cruise port is only twice per day – 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.
- Extended Parking: Book their “Park and Cruise” package saving you $15 per day on the cost of parking at the cruise port itself.
- Breakfast: A hot breakfast is included in your room rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL
At Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, your countdown to cruise bliss begins. They have lovely walk-in showers, large 50 inch screen TV’s and lots of space to relax. The outside pool is described as “seasonal”, so I suspect that means it’s not heated.
The downside to this hotel is that they Cruise and Stay rates are not properly publicized.
- Shuttle service: Yes – call the hotel to check if rate includes cost of shuttle
- Extended Parking: Call hotel to check rates
- Breakfast: A hot breakfast is included in your room rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Exploring Added Perks at Hotels
When you’re gearing up for a cruise from Port Canaveral, the hotel you pick can have some pretty neat extras that turn a simple stay into an experience. It’s not just about a place to crash before you sail; it’s about beginning your vacation the moment you drop your bags.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations with Shuttle To Cape Canaveral Cruise Port
When you’re looking to save some cash but still want the convenience of a shuttle to whisk you off to your cruise, it makes sense to consider budget-friendly hotel chains.
Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel
The Best Western Cocoa Beach is practically a stone’s throw from the beach, with a fabulous view of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. The hotel also benefits from not one but two heated pools. Take advantage of a garden-view room for even lower rates. They even have FREE electric vehicle charging on site.
- Shuttle service: Yes – choose their “Stay and Cruise” Promo rate
- Extended Parking: Call hotel to check rates
- Breakfast: A hot breakfast is included in your room rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach
Now, let’s talk about the Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach. This was the best value we found. You’ll be saving enough to consider splurging on those extra poolside cocktails!
- Shuttle service: Book the “Cruise and Stay” rate
- Extended Parking: Yes. Included in the “Cruise and Stay” rate
- Breakfast: A hot breakfast is included in your room rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Both of these hotels give you the convenience of a shuttle service to Port Canaveral and a cozy bed, without breaking the bank.
Best Hotels near Port Canaveral for the Discerning Traveler Who Wants Something More Luxurious
If you’re all about indulgence and you want your vacation to start the moment you arrive, some hotels in Port Canaveral pull out all the stops.
From plush suites to top-notch dining, these hotels add that touch of luxury to the pre-cruise experience. They also offer a shuttle to the port.
Radisson Resort at the Port
Imagine yourself lounging by a tropical waterfall pool, sipping on a cool drink before your cruise has even set sail!
The Radisson Resort at the Port has a tropical-themed pool area that will make you think you are already in the Caribbean.
They also offer on-site charging for electric cars.
- Shuttle service: Yes, but call the hotel directly for details
- Extended Parking: Yes. Cost is $12 per day
- Breakfast: Not included in the standard rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Four Points by Sheraton
Another popular choice for a more upscale experience is the Four Points by Sheraton at Cocoa Beach.
When it comes to staying a stone’s throw from your cruise departure, this place knows how to deliver a first-class experience. You are also right on the beach – what’s not to like!
- Shuttle service: Yes, book their “Fly Snooze and Cruise” rate
- Extended Parking: Yes. Cost is $10 per day
- Breakfast: Included in the “Fly Snooze and Cruise” rate
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Family-Friendly Port Canaveral Hotels Near the Cruise Terminals
These family-friendly hotels cater to all ages with amenities that keep both you and the youngsters happy and relaxed. Not to mention, they’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from the cruise terminals!
Home2 Suites by Hilton
This cozy nest, Home2 Suites by Hilton, is more than just a place to lay your head. It’s a home away from home with spacious suites that have separate living and sleeping areas, giving you plenty of space for the whole family.
They also have a nice pool area for the kids to enjoy while you enjoy a drink at the poolside Tiki Bar. They also have a fitness center if you want to tone yourself up ready for the race to the cruise buffet.
The hotel has an electric vehicle charging station.
- Shuttle service: Yes, book their “Park Stay and Go” rate
- Extended Parking: Yes. However cost is $25 per day if not booked via their “Park Stay and Go” rate
- Breakfast: Free Hot Breakfast
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Beachside Hotel & Suites
At Beachside Hotel & Suites, you’re in for a real treat. They’ve got a laid-back beach vibe that’s just perfect for building pre-cruise excitement. Palm trees swaying in the breeze and a pool that even has a lazy river – how cool is that!
They also offer free bike and beach equipment rentals – this hotel really goes the extra mile in terms of customer service.
- Shuttle service: Yes, call the hotel on (321) 783-2221 to discuss the Cruise Packages available
- Extended Parking: Yes.
- Breakfast: Free Hot Breakfast
- Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is available
Remember, there’s nothing like starting your cruise stress-free. These hotels with their family-focused amenities and proximity to Port Canaveral help ensure your holiday begins on a high note.
Remember There is No Such Thing As a Free Shuttle
Selecting a Port Canaveral hotel offering shuttle service to the cruise port can make the travel logistics go smoother. These are some of the closest hotels to Port Canaveral, so the chance of any last-minute traffic snags is minimized.
However, remember that just as in like there is no such thing as a free lunch, it also goes that there is no such thing as a free shuttle either.
The cost of the shuttle is included in your rate and believe me, you will be paying for it in your snooze and cruise package price.
Sometimes it can be worthwhile comparing the cost of the hotel cruise package with the cost of a one-night stay and then adding parking at one of the many off-site cruise parking facilities.
That’s what we did on our September 2023 cruise on the Wonder of the Seas. (Read our Wonder of the Seas Cruise Ship Review)
We stayed at the Hyatt Place in Titusville and just booked their standard one-night rate. It included free parking for that one night and cost us $155 including tax.
It was also less expensive than any of the hotels we listed earlier. The reason for that is due to its location. It’s about 13 miles from the cruise port – so if you want something closer, this would not work for you.
We thought the hotel was great – lots of room to spread out and the onsite bar and restaurant were very reasonably priced.
For parking, we booked our car into Park Port Canaveral. It was really reasonable at just $9 per day with a shuttle service to the cruise port included in the cost.
So our total cost for the one-night pre-cruise stay, 7 days car parking package, and shuttle cost us a total of $218.
Remember, do your own research and check the hotel reviews on places like TripAdvisor before booking.
It’s also wise to check the rates on different websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com as well as the hotel chain’s own website. You might be surprised at the different rates available!
Have you stayed at any of these hotels? We’d love to get your feedback on them in the comments. Also please let us know if you have any specific favorite cruise hotels with shuttle service to the port. We’d love to share your tips with our readers!
I live a few miles from the streetPort Canaveral. My favorite hotel is the Raddison, expensive yes. Food however, there is a MacDonalds across the street (Please use the light and not jaywalk.) There is also a great Italian place next door called Kelsey’s. Parking next to the ship in the port authority garages is expensive and like you I recommend Park Port Canaveral.