Cruise Tips

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.

cruise ship in port canaveral

How to See the Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral Today

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How to See the Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral Today Whether you’re checking up on a loved one’s cruise ship or you’re just a cruise enthusiast, there are plenty of reasons (and ways!) to look up which cruises are in Port Canaveral, Florida today. From free webcams to online port itineraries, we’re going to take you through a few of our favorite ways to see what major cruise lines are visiting our shores! Port Canaveral, Florida, based in Cape Canaveral, is the world’s second-largest cruise port, offering sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Cozumel, and beyond. Visitors can see ships and sail on cruises offered by Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and MSC Cruises. Online Ship Tracking If you spend your days on the water, work at a port, or like getting tons of information and data on local ships, then you’re probably familiar with online ship tracking through the internet or an app. You can visit MarineTraffic, a site designed for ship tracking, to get info on all kinds of vessels in ports across the world, displaying live data about current vessels in port, expected arrivals and departures, and more. You can also look at ports beyond Port Canaveral. Across the USA, and even the world, vessel info is available under the local time and date. In addition, sites list content about the ports themselves and the current weather conditions. Use ship tracking if you’re looking for a lot of day-to-day detail! Canaveral’s Webcam Website The Port Canaveral Webcam located at Fishlips is one of the most popular ways to check in on Port Canaveral, Florida, and see what cruises have arrived. This site, operated by PTZtv, live streams a video of the cruise port all the time! They also have webcams at several other ports across the United States. You won’t be able to see every cruise ship or cruise line in Canaveral, but you’ll be able to watch the docked Royal Caribbean cruise ship as well as enjoy a lovely view of the cruises setting sail. (Plus, it’s an awesome way to check on the Cocoa Beach weather to see if today is a good beach opportunity!) Are you a local? Then don’t bother with a webcam! Pop on out to the waterfront yourself and relax in the sunshine. You can watch a Carnival cruise head out to sea while grabbing a bite at a restaurant or climbing the Exploration Tower! Official Arrival and Departure Dates You can find the official itinerary for all the arrival and departure dates for every cruise line (and visiting ships). Where? Right on the Canaveral Port Authority’s site!  Currently, they are only releasing select months at once, but you can still check out when your favorite cruise ship will be around town by looking at the official calendar for the year. Cruising This Year? Taking a cruise this year? Booking your Port Canaveral parking is the first step to saving while you sail. Begin your cruise the best way by starting your vacation at Port Canaveral Parking, the number one off-site cruise parking lot in the area (if not the state!). We offer the perfect shuttle and parking options for families, friends, and couples cruising this season. Contact us today or go ahead and book online so you won’t miss out on great rates, outstanding customer service, and a 5-star cruise experience!

Guide to Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Parking

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The Traveler’s Guide to Port Canaveral Cruise terminal parking Port Canaveral is a popular spot. Cape Canaveral is home to the Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches, and it takes second place in the list of busiest cruise ports.  Did you know? After the Port of Miami, we see more cruise passengers than anywhere else in the whole world (over 4 million every year)! But being one of the busiest ports also means that we need some place to put all of those traveling cars throughout the year.  That’s where our local Port Canaveral cruise parking facilities come in. At Port Canaveral Parking, we offer the best in off-site parking for parties hoping to save while they sail. With secure parking and complimentary shuttles for your cruise vacation, it’s easy to save money while getting the best off-site cruise parking. But what about on-site options? Today we’re going to be going over the pros and cons of parking at the cruise ship terminal in our guide to on-site parking at Port Canaveral. Navigating Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals Our six cruise terminals are 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10. Cruise Terminal A is home to terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10, while 1 and 3 are located in Cruise Terminal B. The split can be a little confusing for travelers, especially if you can’t remember where the cruise lines are docking at. Cruise Terminal B is where you can also go for a bite to eat, to see the port at the Exploration Tower, or check out CT-3, our brand-new multi-million dollar spot for the largest ships. Terminal A is less exciting, but it hosts more ships as well as the cargo piers. Official Port Canaveral Parking Every cruise terminal has it’s own official parking facility (although some terminals share parking spots). The port runs these locations, which include covered garage parking as well as uncovered parking lots located near the terminal entrance. The parking spots are first-come, first-served, meaning there’s no reservations and no pre-pay. You can also splurge and pay a little extra for “preferred parking”, which some terminals offer for those who want to park even closer to the ship. While convenient, we do have some bad news: it’s $17.00 per day for the basic parking at the port. That means that for a four-night cruise, you’ll be paying $85 in parking fees alone. Here’s a short breakdown of the pros and cons of on-site port parking. Pros of parking at the ship Spots are right at the ship. It’s true, you wouldn’t be able to park closer to the ship unless they let you bring your car on the boat. Many say it’s more convenient. When you embark and disembark, you never have to worry about getting to your car. It’s pretty easy. Unlike other parking facilities, you only get one option. You won’t have to choose between locations. At the port, you get what you get. The port terminals offer free cruise parking for vehicles that need parking options for disabled passengers with special equipment, for those with a Florida Toll Exemption Permit, and for those who have a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate. However, this is the only free parking option from the Canaveral Port Authority.  Cons of Parking at the Cruise Port Being next to the cruise ships is great – but the covered parking lot is not just a short walk from the ship. There’s no free shuttle service, so you’ll be toting your stuff from the luggage drop-off on debarkation day. There are no reservations. If the cruise parking lots are full for your cruise line, you’ll have to find other arrangements. Prices are subject to change, according to the website for the Port Canaveral terminals. While the base price is $17 per day, you may end up paying even more for your cruise parking. Traffic can be terrible, congested, and complicated for visitors. If you’re driving yourself, be prepared for wrong turns and sitting in Port Canaveral traffic. Alternate Port Canaveral Parking options When it comes to finding places to park, Port Canaveral has other parking deals for your cruise adventure. We always recommend that parties park off-site. Not only do you get access to free shuttles that drop you off right at the cruise port, many places (like Port Canaveral Parking) offer security and top-notch customer service that doesn’t come with a sky-high price tag. All of our cruise packages for parking involve no transportation fees (your shuttle ride is complimentary!) and parking rates that are nearly half of the terminal parking. We go to all Port Canaveral cruise lines, including Disney, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, and Carnival. Make same-day reservations or plan months ahead to guarantee your Port Canaveral parking spot! Port Canaveral Hotel Cruise PArking If you’re staying in Cocoa Beach, there are some locations that offer Port Canaveral cruise parking. The Holiday Inn Express, Country Inn, Radisson Resort, and other hotels will let you leave your vehicle during your vacation. However, these packages are often much more expensive than leaving your car at a cruisetime parking facility. If you’re cruising on a budget or want to save up for some souvenirs, hotel parking is NOT the way to go.

family at the beach during winter

Get the Most Out of Cruising the Caribbean This Winter

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Get the Most Out of Cruising the Caribbean this Winter The Caribbean is the perfect place to enjoy your winter break! Cruises are a great way to experience new cultures, eat delicious food, and take in the natural beauty of the Bahamas. The winter may be the “slow season” for cruising, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of seasonal savings (and smaller crowds) this winter when planning your dream vacation. However, sailing in winter means putting a few extra items on your vacation prep list. To help you out, we’ve put together our top three tips to for cruising the Caribbean this winter. Setting sail from Port Canaveral? Don’t forget to reserve your Port Canaveral cruise parking ahead of time! While you’re taking advantage of seasonal savings with the cruise lines, get the best rates in town with Port Canaveral Parking. No matter when you’re cruising, we’re always here to bring you top-quality service, great discounts, and security that can’t be beat. Book today to save tomorrow! bring a homeport outfit In the summer, the weather is absolutely gorgeous in Florida. But in winter, our beautiful weather doesn’t quite match the Caribbean. When you’re living it up in the Bahamas, it will be warm and sunny (obviously!), but at both ends of your trip there might be some chilly weather. If you’re setting sail from Port Canaveral, remember that our moderate winter temperatures can still get as low as 50 degrees – meaning you’ll want to pack a warmer outfit for the start and end of your vacation! What to Pack for Your Homeport As professional Floridians, we always have a cold-weather outfit on hand for this time of year. Some items that you might want to include in your homeport suitcase are: Light Jacket or Coat Warm Socks Scarf Long Pants Boots Dress for comfort on day one, and be sure to bring items that you can pair with outfits on your trip. A light jacket might be a lifesaver on a chilly evening in Nassau! Packing for your cruise? Remember your passport! doublecheck your beach weather Before you pack your bags for your long-awaited cruise, make sure that you pop open your favorite Weather app. While the Bahamas are beautiful all year long, northern cold fronts can pop temperatures down into the 70s, especially at night.  This is the perfect time to pack your favorite sweater, pants, and boots in case of a little chill. Did you know? The coldest month of the year in the Bahamas is January – with an average temperature of 72 degrees. If you’re considering fleeing those mid-winter freezes, January in the Bahamas could be the answer! no holiday trips Looking for a relaxing, calm, and laidback winter vacation? Then we’ve got one big tip for you – don’t cruise during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Years.  The Caribbean is one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas, which means you should expect higher prices for your cabin and more people on board. Big family trips are super popular when kids are out of school, and plenty of folks take advantage of celebrating during the two weeks that their little ones are out of school.  But don’t worry – there are plenty of other weeks of winter where you won’t have to worry about crowds. A great part of cruising during the off-season is the deals and discounts that cruise lines offer to entice people back to the boat. If you don’t mind taking a light jacket to paradise, then this is the perfect time for you to set sail! Planning a Cruise? Cruising in the winter can be a real treat, especially if you do it right.  There’s nothing better than cruising the Caribbean – and yes, you can do it all year long! With the right jacket, a little planning, and some quick tips, you can be a Caribbean cruise expert (even in winter). Celebrate the holidays, get away from the northern cold fronts, or just take advantage of the seasonal discounts this year by sailing from Port Canaveral this winter!

Cruising for the First Time? These 5 Tips are a Must!

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5 Tips for your first cruise: get ready to sail! The best part about cruising is that you get to relax in style, without having to lift a finger. With all the hard work done for you, it’s easy to find yourself getting into vacation mode before even leaving home. But what if you haven’t sailed before? Your first cruise should be unforgettable, and we want to help make sure that you love every minute of it. To get ready for your voyage, take a look at these five tips that will help you sail smoothly from start to finish. From saving money to boarding faster, we cover a little bit of everything to help you feel like an old pro when you take your first Port Canaveral cruise! Setting sail soon? We have a ton of great tips and tricks for making the most out of your vacation, including ship guides and parking secrets. Check out our other blogs for more awesome Port Canaveral cruise articles! the best things to know for your first cruise When you’re setting sail for the first time from Port Canaveral (or any other cruise port), it’s good to know a few things before you set out on your adventure. Cruises are tons of fun, but you can have some not-so-fun times if you don’t do a little bit of reading beforehand. The right tip can save you hundreds of dollars or make sure that you have everything you need to keep from getting stranded at port (yes, that’s a real thing).  Take a look at these five tips we’ve put together from the experts! Do You Have All Your Boarding Documents? Make sure you have all your documents together before departing for the cruise terminal. Depending on the cruise line and destination, you’ll need to bring certain documents with you to board. Every cruise, someone won’t be able to board because they didn’t bring a birth certificate, passport, or visa. Make sure that you have every piece of paperwork you need to sail! Check out the list of travel documents from each of Port Canaveral’s cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line Royal Caribbean International MSC Cruises Make sure you bring your passport and other travel documents! Take Advantage of the “Bring Your Own Beverage” Policies While you’ll have access to drink packages, onboard restaurants, and shoreside bars, you can also save during your cruise when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks. Passengers can bring their own beverages onto their cruise to save money. Different cruise lines have different “Bring Your Own Beverages” policies, but the guidelines are typically the same. Cruisers can bring a pack of sodas, sparkling water, energy drinks, milk, and other non-alcoholic drinks as long as they are in cans or cartons (no glass or plastic bottles!). Typically, cruise lines require that beverages be included in carry-on luggage, and guests who are of drinking age can bring an unopened bottle of wine onboard. If you want to bring beer or liquor with you, you’re out of luck – those drinks have to be purchased after boarding for most cruises! Bonus Tip: Watch Out for Prohibited Items -Before you get to the cruise terminal, make sure that nothing illegal is in your luggage. This includes weapons (like knives and firearms), drugs, candles, hot plates, and perishable foods. You can check with your cruise line ahead of time about what exactly they don’t allow onboard their ships so you’re well prepared before getting there! board later to board faster If you’re not in a hurry to get onto the ship, we suggest boarding later to avoid the crowds and the big lines. Because most people are rushing to get onto the ship as early as possible, the rush dies down during later boarding times. An afternoon boarding time can actually save you the hassle and stress of a busy embarkation! Take Advantage of different cruise lengths Did you know that long and short cruise lengths have distinct atmospheres? Cruise lines offer different styles of on-board activities, but different lengths also bring something new to guests! If you’re interested in a cruise that has plenty of younger crowds and high-energy moments, then a short cruise is better for you. Why? Less expensive, short cruises attract a rowdier crowd (especially during vacation months). For those looking for a laidback, relaxed experience, you’re looking to spend a week or longer on a NCL or Royal Caribbean ship.  SPend Less with Off-site cruise parking If you don’t already know, you’ll find out when you get to your cruise parking garage: On-site parking is expensive. While parking at the port can be convenient (sometimes), it’s never affordable. At Port Canaveral, parking directly at the cruise ship terminal means paying at least $17 per day. So, what’s the alternative? Save those extra dollars for souvenirs and park at an off-site cruise parking lot like Port Canaveral Parking. Not only is off-site parking easier (no more port traffic!), it is nearly half the price and offers a more personal experience with friendly staff and easy drop-off. Plus, it’s even more secure!  Planning a Cruise? We hope that these five tips will make your first cruise a breeze, with easy sailing and easier savings. From parking to boarding to beverages, we’ve covered a little bit of everything in this blog. Stay tuned for more great tips from Port Canaveral’s cruising experts – or check out our other blogs to read more cruise news and guides right now!