Hotel Orlando Cruise terminal

Question

Flying into MCO the day before the cruise leaves from Port Canaveral. I'm looking for advice on a hotel to stay in for 2 people, including an economic way to get from airport to hotel, hotel to cruise port etc. I know it's quite a distance from MCO to the cruise terminal so a taxi seems to be expensive. All help appreciated and thanks in advance.

Answer

When planning a one-night stay before a cruise from Port Canaveral, you have several practical options for hotels near the cruise terminal, as well as cost-effective transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Hotel options near Port Canaveral:

Radisson Resort at the Port – Very close to the cruise terminal, offers shuttle services to the ships, comfortable rooms, and some resort amenities. Convenient for early embarkation.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral – Offers suites with kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, and shuttle service to the cruise port.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral – Affordable, clean, and reliable, with a shuttle to the cruise ships.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cape Canaveral – Another budget-friendly option with shuttle service and breakfast included.

Transportation from MCO to your hotel:

Shuttle services: Companies like Go Port Canaveral or Cruise Express provide shared shuttle vans that pick you up from MCO and drop you at your hotel near the port. This is much cheaper than a taxi or rideshare.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Convenient for direct travel, but can be expensive (roughly $90–$120 depending on surge pricing and luggage).
Car rental: Renting a car for one night may be cost-effective if you plan to explore or return to Orlando after the cruise. Many hotels offer free or low-cost parking for cruise passengers.

Transportation from hotel to cruise terminal:

Most hotels near Port Canaveral include complimentary shuttle service to the cruise terminal. Shuttles typically start early in the morning and run on a schedule to align with cruise embarkation times.
Confirm with your hotel in advance to reserve your spot on the shuttle.
If you prefer flexibility, a short Uber/Lyft ride from your hotel to the port is possible and generally costs $10–$20.

Tips:

Book hotels that specifically mention cruise shuttle service; it saves both time and money.
If flying into MCO, aim for a hotel that is closer to Port Canaveral rather than staying in Orlando for the night to reduce morning stress.
Consider the total travel time: MCO to Port Canaveral is about 60–75 minutes depending on traffic, so plan accordingly for flight arrival and cruise check-in times.

By selecting a hotel near the port and using hotel shuttles or shared shuttle services from MCO, you can minimize costs and make the pre-cruise experience smooth and stress-free.