Cruise Ship Spotlight

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Arrived at Port Canaveral: What You Need to Know

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Royal Caribbean’s brand‑new Icon Class megaship, Star of the Seas, has officially arrived in Port Canaveral, delivering an unforgettable cruising experience for families and thrill‑seekers alike. Whether you’re a cruise fanatic or planning your first trip, everything you need to know about one of the biggest cruise ship in the world, is right below. MAKING FIRST WAVES The development of the Star of the Seas was no easy feat; after nearly two years of construction, the massive vacation vessel was admitted into the Royal Caribbean fleet, comparing in size to the popular Icon of the Seas. The process began in February of 2023, when the first piece of steel was cut. As the ship was slowly built, the next milestone was the AquaDome – a 55-foot waterfall in the center of the AquaTheatre, where divers can plunge over 60 feet from above. The assembly was completed in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and first floated in September of 2024, shortly after the completion of the AquaDome. Star of the Seas was officially handed over in July 2025. The ship didn’t have a straight shot to Port Canaveral you all know and love so well, however. Instead, it took a stop in Cadiz, Spain, and Ponce, Puerto Rico to gain provisions and board crew members. Finally, on August 16th, the largest cruise ship ever built, was welcomed to the port in Florida. What makes it so special? Besides being one of the largest cruise ships on the water, there’s something for everyone onboard that makes it such a memorable experience. If you just enjoy the simplicity of relaxation and sitting by the pool – Star of the Seas has seven different ones for you to enjoy. More of a thrill-seeker? Royal Caribbean has supplied you with the largest water park at sea, sky-walking rope courses, surf simulators, and many more attractions! Every age group has their own area just for them, as well. You can find the adults-only Hideaway, next-level experiences exclusive to teens, and family-friendly play zones for all ages. The list can go on forever, but rest assured, this ship has everything you need to make the most out of your vacation. Destinations and beyond As of right now, the Star of the Seas has two main routes that it’s going on. Both leave from Port Canaveral in Florida for a 7-night adventure, but one reaches the Eastern Caribbean, while the other tackles the Western. Eastern Schedule Western Schedule Parking and Travel Tips for cruise guests Whether you’re sailing with Star of the Seas, or any of the major Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, MSC, or Celebrity Cruises, we got you covered. Not only are we cheaper than booking at the actual port, but we offer free shuttles that take you directly to the ship – no walking those extra steps from the parking garage to the port with your luggage. You’ll be able to park stress-free, knowing your car is in safe hands with our top-class customer service, security, and covered parking options. Don’t miss out on signing up for our newsletter when you finish booking, either. We have plenty of great promotions we give out to our loyal customers, so you can worry less about parking fees and more about enjoying your next big vacation.

Your Guide to Cruises Out of Port Canaveral: 2022

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Your Guide to Cruises Out of Port Canaveral: 2022 Let’s be honest: Port Canaveral cruises are awesome. We have some of the most popular cruise lines and top cruise destinations in North America. It’s no surprise that the Port of Orlando is the number one cruise port around! But while we talk about the beautiful beaches you can visit and what you can do before you sail (like Kennedy Space Center, the Exploration Tower, and Universal Studios), we haven’t spent much time on the cruises leaving from Port Canaveral this year. With so many options to choose from, we figured it was time for a guide to each cruise line that calls Port Canaveral home! Not sure which cruise line is the right one for you? Our cruise experts have outlined the perks of each cruise line sailing from Port Canaveral Florida in 2022. Cruise Lines Sailing from Orlando & Port Canaveral, Florida in 2022 Disney Cruise Line Royal Caribbean International Norwegian Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line MSC Cruises Disney Cruise Lines Disney is one of the highest ranked cruise lines at Port Canaveral. In fact, the Fantasy and Dream are in the top five cruises from Port Canaveral. These cruises are perfect for families with kids of all ages, with entertainment and areas for family-focused fun. You don’t have to be a kid to cruise Disney. There are plenty of adult-only areas, and anyone who loves Disney theme parks can find loads to enjoy. Disney is known for it’s meet-and-greets, top-rated dining options, and incredible cabin arrangements. However, if you don’t love Mickey, you might want to set sail with another ship. Disney cruises aren’t for a budget traveler either, with fees, food, cabin arrangements, and attractions all coming at a premium for families. Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean cruise line is all about being big. And their big ships are designed to accommodate a wide range of guests. Royal Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral are great for families with older kids and college students, groups of friends, and even solo vacationers. Every megaresort-style ship in the Royal Caribbean cruise fleet offers a huge variety for entertainment and activities so that you’re never at a loss for what to do. When you’re sailing with RCI, more is better. Looking for a cabin with lots of luxury? Royal’s ships are known for their incredible designs and layouts, from their balcony cabin to their suites. If you want fresh and luxurious rooms, RCI has cabin options you won’t be able to pass up. However, the large-scale theme of these ships isn’t for everyone. If you’re not looking to recreate a theme parks-level of scale on your way to the Bahamas, then you might want to consider a different ship. Plus, things can feel crowded. More rooms means way more passengers on sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line Looking for Las Vegas on the high seas? Norwegian Cruise Line is the Florida cruise line for you. A vacation with NCL offers a casual vibe paired with incredible attractions and late-night activities, from casinos to Broadway shows. Get upscale excitement without strict meal times or dress codes (all at a great price). Just like RCI, Norwegian offers stunning big-ship vacations to the Bahamas when you cruise from Port Canaveral. As a megaresort cruise line, you can expect to see go-karts, gaming stations, comedy shows, waterslides, and more onboard as you travel the seas of the Caribbean. Good news: you’ll never get bored with NCL. And with off-season promotions and short trip discounts, these can be the best deal when sailing from Port Canaveral, FL. However, if you’re not into huge ships then you might want to reconsider an NCL reservation. Carnival Cruise Line Carnival is one of the most popular cruise lines around, whether you’re taking a cruise from Port Canaveral or not. One in five cruisers chooses Carnival when looking for an amazing time at sea, and it’s no wonder why. Most people would describe Carnival as the king of affordable fun. With short cruises that are packed with awesome activities across the Caribbean seas and Bahamas, there is something for every traveler onboard. They offer a flashy, lively adventure at a price that can’t be beat. Don’t worry about missing out while watching your budget. Carnival’s ships are just as big and beautiful as their competitors, with great food and comforts. Just don’t expect anything fancy while you explore the Bahamas and swim in the crystal clear waters of Cozumel. Carnival may not be your scene if you’re looking for a long cruise, fancy food options, and other expensive accommodations. Carnival is definitely affordable and a great option for first-timers. However, keep in mind that discounts come with downgrades when you sail. MSC Cruises MSC Cruise Lines has come to Port Canaveral, Florida, bringing the magic of European-style cruises to Orlando and Cocoa Beach. These new ships bring a glamorous atmosphere to Florida cruising, catering to those looking for a stylish getaway packed with fine dining, lounges, spas, and fancy artwork. In particular, 2022 offers a guarantee for low prices through MSC as they try to draw vacationers to their new cruises from Port Canaveral. With incredible price drops, the availability and affordability of MSC is eye catching. There have been a few hiccups as MSC moves from Europe to America. Catering to a wide variety of nationalities has led to some people complaining about long announcements in multiple languages and customer service that can sometimes feel a little awkward to Americans. Park and Cruise from Port Canaveral in 2022 Planning to cruise from Port Canaveral this year? It’s time to reserve your parking spot! You deserve a perfect start to your cruise no matter who you’re sailing with. Discover the difference of amazing service, fast shuttles, and low prices with Port Canaveral Parking. Park and cruise with ease! Contact us today to reserve your cruise parking spot with the number one facility in Port Canaveral!

carnival mardi gras in port canaveral fl

Cruise Ship Spotlight on Carnival’s Mardi Gras

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Cruise Ship Spotlight: Carnival Mardi Gras The maiden voyage of Carnival’s Excel-class Mardi Gras was a big way to step back into cruising after the pandemic, and so far the reviews are stellar. From it’s rollercoaster-ringed top to the limitless food options, Mardi Gras is just the thing we need after being cooped up inside through 2020! Need something to look forward to this fall? Don’t worry. The Mardi Gras is making waves in Port Canaveral with Zones, environmentally-friendly LNG power, and resort-style stateroom.  Join us as we cover the magic of the Mardi Gras in our Cruise Ship Spotlight! Or, if you’re already sold on this awesome cruise vacation, go ahead and check out the current cruise destinations. (And don’t forget your Port Canaveral parking!) Getting to Know the Mardi Gras Everything about the Mardi Gras says “BIG fun“. In fact, to accommodate the Mardi Gras‘s 19 decks, 6,500 passengers, and 181,000 tons, Port Canaveral totally revamped Cruise Terminal 3 in 2018. Now, we’re proud to be the homeport for this awesome ship! The Mardi Gras has been making waves in cruising. Not only is it the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet, but it is also the first cruise ship in North America that is fueled by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)! Though the Mardi Gras was supposed to debut in 2020, it’s first sailing in 2021 marked Carnival’s return to cruising at Port Canaveral after COVID. But what exactly can passengers expect from their Caribbean cruises on the Mardi Gras? Let’s take a peek! Enjoy a Celebration at Sea with Zones With the Mardi Gras, Carnival has introduced a brand-new way to enjoy their ships. Now there are six different Zones to explore – each with it’s own theme, food, and fun-filled adventures!  Grand Central boasts an incredible atrium with an ocean view – alongside shows, bars, and great food! Keep the New Orleans-style show going with the French Quarter, where hot jazz, cool bars, and voodoo vibes go hand-in-hand. If soft serve, BBQ, and poolside lounging is more your style, then Summer Landing is your spot! Discover the music and magic of Italy with pizza, espresso, and paninis in La Piazza! Lido is a fan-favorite for Carnival cruisers – and it’s no surprise! Time to kick back with your favorite food selections, poolside. The Ultimate Playground certainly lives up to its name, with the first rollercoaster at sea, a ropes course, mini golf, and three water slides! Every Zone has dining, drinking, and endless fun. Carnival has brought back some long-standing favorites as well as several brand-new experiences. Try it all on your next cruise! Taking Staterooms to Another Level At launch, Carnival hyped the Mardi Gras’s staterooms and suites – and now we totally see why. Turns out, luxury comes in all shapes, sizes, and décor. The launch of the Mardi Gras marked the introduction of better comfort, storage, and lighting in their rooms. Snooze with Exclusive Benefits – step it up a notch when you reserve your resort-style stay on the Mardi Gras. The Havana, Cloud 9 Spa, and Family Harbor staterooms and suites offer exclusive amenities, unique designs, and quick access to amazing discounts and locations like the (Havana Pool & Bar). Interior Staterooms – Love the affordability that inside cabins bring? The Interior Staterooms don’t cut corners on comfort, even while saving you money! Ocean View & Balcony Staterooms – Get a little more space and a way better view with these rooms. You’ll love the breathing room after a big day of fun in the sun. Suites – Ready to feel like a VIP? Then you’ll definitely want a suite on the Mardi Gras. Not only are these rooms the best on board, they also come packed with perks. Oh, the Places You’ll Cruise When you cruise from Port Canaveral, you know that you’re going to be soaking up sunshine in the Caribbean. And the Mardi Gras offers all of the best places to go. Currently on the schedule are 6-day, 7-day, and 8-day cruises to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. You can plan to enjoy the beautiful island beaches and serene sights at Nassau, San Juan, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Cozumel, Aruba, and even more popular locales! Is the Mardi Gras travelling to your favorite Caribbean destinations?  Cruise with Carnival at Port Canaveral Getting back to cruising? Then it’s time to check the Mardi Gras off your bucket list.  Whether you’re a Carnival Cruise Line aficionado or taking your first cruise, the Mardi Gras has something for everyone – and we’re not even counting the off-ship excursions. Cruising is one of the most fun, relaxing, and enjoyable ways to vacation, and the latest addition to the Carnival fleet really shows us why. Bring fabulous food, fantastic entertainment, and around-the-clock fun to your next cruise trip with the Mardi Gras! CRUISING soon? While you’re scoping out your next cruise vacation, don’t forget to plan ahead and reserve your Port Canaveral cruise parking! Whether you’re sailing on the Mardi Gras or another fantastic cruise ship, parking is the last thing you want to worry about at the start of vacation. With just a few clicks, you can get all set up with Port Canaveral Parking, the best off-site cruise parking on the block! We offer free shuttles, great rates, friendly service, and top-level security for you and your family. So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your Port Canaveral cruise parking with us today!