Celebrity Cruises

After spending three fast-paced days on Icon of the Seas, I found there were several things about the ship that surprised me.   And no, they weren’t anything to do with the size of the ship.

I was an invited guest on Icon of the Seas and was able to attend the Naming Ceremony with soccer legend Lionel Messi as the “Icon of the Icon”.   The inaugural sailing for Icon is this Saturday.

After the excitement of the ceremony and festivities I was really able to explore the ship deck by deck and get a certain vibe from the vessel.

Anyone who has heard of this ship already knows it’s the largest cruise ship in the world.  That was no surprise.  Although, it didn’t feel any bigger than any of the other Oasis-class vessels I’ve sailed on.  In fact, it felt a little smaller and more intimate than the previous largest ship class in the world.

More on this later.

Here are the elements of Icon of the Seas that surprised me the most.  And I think upcoming Royal Caribbean passengers will agree on most points.

1. The seamless navigation and flow

I was amazed at how well-connected various neighborhoods and spaces were on the ship.  Navigating from neighborhood to neighborhood was simple and flowed easily.

For instance, I’m writing this from Central Park on the ship right now.  And if I wanted to head down to the iconic Pearl on the Royal Promenade just a couple decks below, there is a set of elegant stairs with access right in the middle of the park.

There is even a large, curved wall of glass in Central Park that allows passengers to see the outside of the pearl, but more importantly they can see the ocean itself.  This was never possible in Central Park on any other Royal Caribbean ship.

The connection to the sea from even interior parts of the vessel is very apparent throughout Icon.

From the Surfside neighborhood there is a set of stairs going up to Central Park and going down to the Royal Promenade, all clearly marked and easy to navigate.

Even after a day of walking around the ship I found it very easy to get from point A to point B with less tine and effort than even smaller ships with the cruise line.

2. The vibrant colors of the ship

Royal Caribbean broke out the color palette with Icon of the Seas.  You don’t have to look around very long before you see pops of color that are bold, bright, and sometimes pastel.  This is most noticeable on the pool decks, where everything from the bright blue and green loungers to the interior curves of the walls are splashed with colors that remind you of vacation in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

The artwork, décor, and overall vibe is one of color.   From the onboard cabanas, wicker chairs, bamboo plated walls, and shutters along the interior facing cabins, there are hues aplenty.

Sponsored Links

3. How unlike an Oasis-class ship this is

I know this is an entirely new ship class.  But ever since the idea of Icon of the Seas was introduced it led to comparisons to the successful Oasis-class vessels.   And in terms of size, it’s much more comparable to Oasis than any other class.

But I was surprised at just how different this ship is from Oasis.  The Royal Promenade and its iconic Pearl, the completely redesigned ice-skating rink at Absolute Zero, the entirely transformed and family-friendly Surfside, and the contrasts of Thrill Island and Chill Island make Icon of the Seas a completely new cruise ship for certain.

And sometimes the changes were subtle, like how the huge sports court was moved above a casual dining venue at Basecamp to open up the areas below a lot more.  And how Cloud 17 is an extra deck above the busier pool deck while still having easy access to the largest water park at sea.

Of course, a concept like The Hideaway are completely new.  The aft-facing infinity pool with it’s cozy daybeds and great views is going to be a very popular spot.  Add in the fact that the entire space is adult-only, has padded loungers and two large hot tubs, and this space will be an attractive allure for guests over 18.

But the biggest difference is the incredible AquaDome and Overlook at the front of the ship.  There is no solarium on the ship, but The Overlook quickly became my favorite spot on the ship which I will talk about in the last point.  By the way, I absolutely loved the AquaDome Market with its variety of foods and floor to ceiling windows.  If you’re in the mood for crepes, macaroni and cheese, Asian food, or a panini, this is the place to be.

4. The quality of entertainment

By calling this a surprise I don’t mean it as a slight.  What I mean is that the attention to detail, level of technology and craftsmanship that go into each production – it all exceeded my expectations.

The production of the Wizard of Oz was spectacular in its quality of acting, props, and tech.  But the cherry on top is the live orchestra of 16+ instrumentalists that add so much to the whole production.  Hearing Dorothy sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with live strings in the Royal Theater is not something you want to miss.

I also attended an ice-skating show at Absolute Zero that was absolutely stunning in its lighting, effects, and talent of the performers.   And having guest star and juggler extraordinaire Viktor Kee was just the icing on the cake.

On the last night of the 3-day sailing I was able to attend a show in the AquaDome.   Needless to say, it was the most unique performance I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship.  This was just a sneak peek of the shows to come on the ship as this sailing was pre-inaugural, but I think cruise passengers are going to really love the AquaTheater shows in this space.

Sponsored Links

Once again, the quality of the technology and performance was unparalleled at sea.   The usage of light projecting onto the canvas of the dome and robots to add lighting effects, and powerful water fountains, along with talented divers, made it a very entertaining experience.  The backless seats of the AquaDome worked out since most people were on the edge of their seats anyway.

5. How beautiful and relaxing many spaces were

Sometimes we get lost in the statistics of a ship.  And while Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, it’s also one of the most beautiful.  The Overlook is one of the most stunning, relaxing, and calming spaces I’ve seen on a ship.  Much like a solarium, the entire area is sun-soaked, but the seating is so cozy and inviting as there are numerous spots to nestle in and enjoy the view from the peaceful quietness.

I can see myself spending hours in this area on a sea day.  Pictures don’t do it justice.   But it’s conveniently located right next to the Rye and Bean which as some great coffee options that I enjoyed during the sailing.  And the AquaDome Market is right next to it as well, which was often less busy than the Windjammer buffet area.

Another beautiful spot was the Pearl Café.   You can find this dining and beverage venue at the top of the steps of the Pearl.  There is a huge window that overlooks the ocean and plenty of plush couches and chairs to take in the view.   A lovely artwork piece of a Humpback whale hangs over the area, and it’s just a wonderful spot to charge your phone, meet with family and friends, or just enjoy the ocean.

And if you want another beautiful space to enjoy from the Pearl Café, you can just walk up the steps right into the heart of Central Park.  As I mentioned in the first point, everything on this ship is connected so seamlessly that it makes navigating a 250,800 gross ton vessel a breeze.

We will be posting many more pictures, videos, and articles on Icon of the Seas in the coming days and weeks.  We posted a lot of pictures from our social media accounts this past week, so check them out if you’d like to get up to speed as well.

See Icon of the Seas images and videos on X (formerly Twitter) here.

I am currently on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built. It’s a three night preview cruise for members of the media and travel agents before the ship’s inaugural voyage this weekend.

After spending a few nights onboard, here are my first impressions of Icon of the Seas.

One of the first things that stood out to be about the Icon of the Seas is the amount of space on the ship. The Royal Promenade is so much more open that other Royal Caribbean cruise ships and all of the venues have open facades instead of a doorway to get in them.

While Icon of the Seas is a brand new class of ships, those who have sailed on an Oasis class vessel will find the basic layout of the ship semi-familiar but with one key difference. The cruise line connected the neighborhoods and it’s much easier to get from one to another now.

There’s a stairway to get from the Royal Promenade to Central Park.  From Surfside, which is located where Boardwalk is on Oasis class ships, you can go straight to Central Park or the Royal Promenade from it. I believe this will greatly improve the flow of traffic around the ship for those who are concerned with the number of passengers the ship carries.

Another pain point that Royal Caribbean looks to have fixed is the elevators.  The hallway where the elevators are located is huge and there’s 10 in each one. They are smart elevators, you push the floor you are going to and it tells you which elevator to get in.

At a press briefing yesterday, the cruise line said that they are using AI with the elevators to move people around the ship faster.  Even though the new system is already faster than the old one, they said in a few months that they will be able to tweak it for optimal performance based on data from the first few cruises.

Icon of the Seas is very colorful, from the shutters in Central Park to the main pool deck. Since the ship is sailing to the Caribbean, it instantly puts you in vacation mode.

There are more than 40 dining and drink venues on Icon of the Seas. I’m been attempting to try as many of them as possible on this three day cruise. We will have a complete rundown of everywhere to eat on this ship when the cruise is over.  So far, it’s been great.

Royal Caribbean has replaced Cafe Promenade with the Pearl Cafe and it’s one of the best changes Royal Caribbean did on this ship. There’s a 25-30 foot glass window which provides a great view of the ocean while you’re sailing. I am actually sitting there right now writing this first impressions article.

Under all of the couches, there are 110 outlets and USB, including USB-C, so you can plug in laptops and phones and work in this space. More people than ever are working while on cruises and this area is going to be popular for that.

Royal Caribbean has really raised the bar on entertainment on Icon of the Seas.  Yesterday, I was able to view STARBURST: Elemental Beauty in Absolute Zero, the cruise line’s new oval ice rink.  For those who know me, you know I’m usually not into most cruise entertainment. However, this show was phenomenal and loved how they brought in Viktor Kee as a guest star in it.  I remember watching him make it into the top 10 on America’s Got Talent and he’s the most incredible juggler I’ve ever seen.

The biggest headliner show on Icon of the Seas is a full stage production of The Wizard of Oz. I was able to catch the first half of the show yesterday (had dinner so missed the second half) but plan on watching the rest of it today as it will have two more performances. Anyone who is a fan of the classic movie is going to love this show.

The AquaDome is something you have to see and experience. It’s also a great lounge during the day with incredible views over the ship’s bow.

The Dueling Pianos venue is a hit and standing room only.

Sponsored Links

We are staying in an ocean view balcony cabin on deck 8. It has a decent size shower, plenty of power outlets, a couch, and a good size balcony. It has everything you need for a cruise.

The crew have been awesome as always. When I was getting a Coke on CocoCay, the bartender saw me and said, you came into the Schooner Bar the other day and also ordered a Coke. I didn’t remember him but he remembered me. Royal Caribbean does have some of the best crew members in the industry.

For those who have young children, you’re going to love Surfside. I have a three year old boy and wish he was here with me. He will never want to leave Surfside and it’s such a great space for kids.

Located where Boardwalk is on Oasis class ship, Surfside takes up this entire area and has everything from a waterpark to restaurants. It’s far and away the best area at sea for families with young children.

I have not seen Rover yet, the resident dog on Icon of the Seas. She’s a Golden Retriever and I heard she will spend a lot of time in Surfside with the kids.

In an effort to connect guests to the sea as much as possible, you can now see the ocean from Central Park.

I am going to go and experience more of Icon of the Seas.  There’s the world’s largest cruise ship waterpark on the top deck calling my name and other features that I need to check out before I get off the ship tomorrow.

Cruise Fever will have more about this brand new cruise ship once the cruise is over so stay tuned for those articles. You can follow along on our cruise on Icon of the Seas on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok (Username: @CruiseFever).

Last week, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, arrived in Miami for the first time. The ship is scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise next weekend after being christened by soccer great Lionel Messi.

Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship to ever cross the 250,000 gross ton mark. Cruise ships are measured in size by gross tonnage, not the actually weight of the vessel. It’s about 7% larger than the previous largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be powered by LNG. The cruise line stated that it’s expected to reduce sulfur emissions by almost 100% and carbon emissions by around 30%. It’s the cruise line’s greenest and most environmentally friendly ship to date.

Here is a look at energy management, water management, and waste management on Icon of the Seas and the different things that Royal Caribbean is doing to make it their most environmentally friendly cruise ship.

Energy Management

Icon of the Seas is powered by six duel-fuel engines with the ability to use liquified natural gas (LNG).  When a port is equipped with shore power, the ship will plug into the grid and  will be able to operate without using the engines.

Royal Caribbean is using AI based technologies to optimize the ship’s routes for maximum efficiency.

An air lubrication system will send microscopic air bubbles under the hull that will reduce friction and allow the ship to use less fuel when sailing from port to port. This helps reduce CO2 emissions by 5-10%.

Excess heat produced by the ship’s six engines will be captured, harnessed, and repurposed instead of being wasted.

Water Management

Icon of the Seas is equipped with a wastewater management system that treats every drop of water above regulatory standards.

The ship has its own environmental officer who tests the water daily and overseas all initiatives and training.

More than 93% of the ship’s freshwater is produced on board using a reverse osmosis/desalination plant.

The cruise ship also has ballast water treatment that prevents non-native species from being transported from port to port.

Waste Management

Icon of the Seas has a waste-to-energy system that uses Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis technology that turns trash into energy that the ship can use.

The ship has a strict recycling program to ensure that 90% of trash on board never reaches a landfill. It has a state-of-the-art waste management room that is fully equipped to manage a single-stream recycling process.

Sponsored Links

Royal Caribbean has a dedicated team on board that will use a custom-built app to reduce food waste.

Icon of the Seas will sail week long cruises from Terminal A in PortMiami to the Caribbean each week. Every cruise will visit the cruise line’s popular private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The ship is the first of three Icon class ships from Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line.

Some activities and traditions on cruise ships are just – well, weird to some people.  But there’s no judgement here.  Everyone has a different style of cruising.

We at Cruise Fever, feel that’s one of the best parts of taking a cruise.  People with all kinds of tastes and ideas of the perfect vacation can have an amazing time on the same ship.

Still, we thought it would be fun to look at some “cruise things” that just don’t make sense to everyone.  This ideas were inspired by a topic posted on Reddit this week.

You might identify with some of these, but the point is to take a lighthearted look at the cruise industry that we all love and know.

Love or hate them, any regular cruiser can identify with most of these.

Related: 23 changes cruisers want to see in 2024

1. Art auctions

You can find art galleries and art auctions on any mainstream cruise line.    And while some art connoisseurs love to admire and even buy various paintings on board, not everyone has the same appreciation.

In fact, — and let’s be real here – some show up just for the free beverages that are often served at art auctions.  But if you’re an art lover, you can enjoy pieces of some the latest and greatest, and the cruise line will ship the painting to your home.  After all, who wants to explain that huge box to customs.

2. Buying gold by the inch

Purchasing a 14k gold-plated chain by the inch is a tradition for some.  Any regular cruiser has walked by the promenade or shops and has seen these rolls of gold necklaces that come in various thicknesses.   While its quality has been called into question, buying it by the inch is certainly an interesting concept.

3. Overly competitive trivia players

As a cruise trivia lover myself, I’ve seen some aggressive trivia players on cruise ships.  You can often find trivia topics that run the gamut when you look at the daily planner, but some passengers take it to another level.  You know the ones.  They are combative about every answer and debate its accuracy while attempting to cheat for the grand prize of a cruise line branded foam cup sleeve.

4. Just lounging on deck

The feeling of just doing nothing while soaking in the sun in a deck chair or lounger is a favorite pastime for many cruise-goers.  But not everyone gets it.  “Why lay in the hot sun and get sun -burned so you can be miserable for the rest of the trip?” is a common thought.  And while using sunscreen could prevent this kind of problem, some prefer to either be more active on a ship, or at least find a shady spot to enjoy a good book.  The main conflict for some is often that they want to relax but the pool deck is on the noisy side.

Read more: 12 tips for avoiding crowds on a cruise ship

5. Door decorations

Not everyone feels the intense need to decorate their cabin door.  But those that do will typically go all out.  Decking out the stateroom door with a personal, festive touch is a great way for passengers to find their own cabin on those days they’re not in complete control of their faculties.  It’s also just a fun way to let every passerby know a little about you.  Still, it’s a strange concept for some cruisers and definitely not something you see so often on land.

6. Spending all day in the casino

What I often call “the donation center” on a cruise ship, the casino is almost always full of passengers – as soon as the ship leaves port and the area can open, that is.  Some passengers will spend most of a sea day here.  They will sit at the slots until they need physical therapy from the onboard fitness specialist for repeated wrist or elbow movements.  And while it’s baffling to me, you can always find someone hoping to strike it rich while on vacation.  For those who don’t want a casino on board there’s always a Viking ship, which has no casino at all.

Sponsored Links

7. The overcrowded main pool

On a busy sea day the main pool on a cruise ship can get a little crowded.  Ok, it can get completely packed, depending on the cruise line and how the cruise ship is designed.  For some reason, some passengers don’t seem to mind this.  It reminds me of the old Yogi Berra axiom, “No one goes there anymore because it’s too crowded.”

By the way, pools aren’t always jam packed on a cruise ship, and much of it depends on the time of day, demographic on board, and how many other pools are available elsewhere.

Read more: 10 things you should never do on the pool deck of a cruise

8. Photo packages

In a day when everyone has an amazing camera in their pockets, it’s hard for some to fathom paying so much money for pictures on a cruise.  I totally get this.  But every few cruises I will buy on board photos when I want something a little more professional.  And the cruise photographers I have worked with have done such an amazing job.  It’s a high stress-job for sure, and something I would not want to do myself.  But I do wonder if the trend of the photo paparazzi on mainstream lines will morph into something else down the road.

9. Cruise ducks

With more cruise lines talking about banning rubber ducks, this fad may have its days numbered.   The trend of hiding rubber ducks on a ship and letting other people find them to either keep or hide again began in 2018 or earlier.  Now the colorful duckies can be found on ships across the world.  While a fun thing for kids –and kids at heart who want to hoard them–, these ducks are often used for marketing personal and business social media accounts as well.    Whatever the fate of these rubber bath toys may be, I’m sure you will be able to find people on both sides of the issue.

10. Having to be back on the ship by a certain time

Cruise ships offer a fantastic way to see many places in the world, all while sleeping in the same bed each night.  But it’s difficult to have a truly immersive experience when you only get 6-7 hours to see the city around a cruise port and have to be back before supper.  When you are really enjoying a destination and want to stay a little longer, the pull of having to get back on the ship is one filled with mixed emotions.

Read more: How to never miss your cruise ship and get left behind

11. Only being in the cabin to sleep and shower

Not everyone has this viewpoint. But some cruisers will say they don’t care what kind of cabin they book because they will only be in it to sleep and freshen up.   These must be some very active cruisers, because personally, I like to take a nap, read a book, or enjoy a private balcony in my stateroom now and then as well.  While it can save a lot of money by booking an interior cabin you will only use for sleep, it’s hard for others to comprehend how this can be enjoyable.

Read more: 14 tips for making the most of an interior cabin

12. Onboard shopping

There are plenty of places to enjoy the day on a cruise ship if you’re a shopaholic.   And there’s always a sale going on at one of the shops on board.  But after spending a good deal of money to book a cruise it’s strange to some that a cruise-goer would want to hit the shops like their at the mall.  Sure, there’s the duty-free aspect of it, but the onboard spending can get out of hand very quickly.

Sponsored Links

13. Dressing up for formal nights

This is a topic that often divides cruisers.  And some cruise lines have done away with formal nights altogether.  But for those who love to dress their best and experience the tradition of maritime formality at dinner, there are still many cruise ships that will gladly oblige on certain nights.

Whether you dress up or not, just be sure to be respectful of other passengers.  If you dress up, don’t look down on those who don’t.  And if you wear a hoodie to the MDR, let the guy in the fancy tuxedo feel like James Bond for the night.

14. Overly zealous cruise loyalists

We’ve all seen the posts on social media.  People love to brag about their favorite cruise line.   And why not?  I love it when a cruiser finds just the right cruise line for them.   But some take it to a level that is a tad overzealous.   I prefer to let the cruise lines be competitive with each other while the cruisers themselves all get along and book wherever works best for them.  A Carnival cruiser can still be friends with a Royal Caribbean loyalist, right?

Read more: Why I’d rather cruise with multiple cruise lines than stay loyal to one

15. Towel animals

Cruise lines have cut down on towel animals in the last few years, but it’s still a cruise tradition that’s hard to let go.  On my last MSC cruise I was surprised to see so many towel animals in my stateroom.  I admire the time, patience, and expertise it takes to fold a piece of cotton into hundreds of different creatures.  But with cruise lines wanting to streamline their costs, the days of towel animals may be fading as well.

16. Planning a day around food

Some find it odd that a person would book a 7-day cruise and then be completely consumed by what they want to consume.  But a cruise has a funny way of turning even the average person into a foodie.  It’s the best time to try new foods, broaden the horizons of your taste buds, and indulge in amazing foods you might never even think about on land.

Read more: 10 cruise buffet rules to follow

17. Hot tubs in the heat

Especially for those Caribbean cruises in the summer, the idea of sitting in a hot tub when it’s 99 degrees Fahrenheit on the pool deck seems a little crazy.  Maybe it is, but cruisers still love to do it.

18. Bellyflop competitions

This competition, among many others, has been a cruise tradition for many years as well.  Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have phased out the bellyflop competition and the hairy chest competition for more family-friendly activities on the pool deck.    Still, the bellyflop poolside pastime is always one of those things you love to watch but would hate to take part in.    Like a car accident or bad karaoke it’s just hard to look away.

19. Elevator rush hour

You don’t need to rush into an elevator on a cruise ship, especially before those inside had a chance to get out first.   Cruise ship elevators get a bad wrap for being small and sometimes full of inconsiderate passengers, this is definitely not always the case.  But feel free to read our cruise ship elevator survival guide if you’re interested.

20. Eating with strangers

You don’t have to eat with strangers if you don’t want to on most cruise ships.  But the idea of going to the main dining room and eating with a total stranger boggles the minds of those who have never been on a cruise before.  And while many regular cruisers still prefer to eat by themselves or with their own group, first-time cruisers often benefit from the experience of veteran cruisers at the table.    But yes, it’s a little strange, since most of the time when you go to a restaurant on land you only get a table for your party.

21. Lounge chair hogs

I’d like to wave a magic wand and ban all aspects of lounge chair hogging on cruise ships.  Many passengers are disappointed to find a row of 20 deck chairs “saved” with towels clipping them in place.  I can understand wanting to have a lounger when you get out of the pool, but there’s really no good reason to hog a lounger for hours on end.  It’s a practice many cruise lines have tried to tackle, but I’m not sure this is a battle that’s being won just yet.

Read more: 9 best ways to reserve a lounger on a cruise

22. Exercise classes

You’re on vacation.  So why on earth would you hit the gym and beat yourself up?  Well, for many cruisers, fitness is something that makes them happy.  And since they know they will be making regular trips to the buffet it helps to stay on track by burning off those calories.   Again, it’s another case of different aspects of cruising appealing to different passengers.

23. Paying for Wi-Fi

If you’re on a cruise to get away from work and the hassles of technology, then paying for Wi-Fi probably seems crazy.   But in a world that is so connected, some find it almost impossible to not be in touch back home or to their social media accounts to share their vacation with family and friends.

Read more: 5 ways to save money on cruise ship Wi-Fi

24. Shopping seminars

I went to a couple of these when I was a complete newbie to cruising.  For some reason I thought, “How will I know what to buy in this foreign port if no one is going to guide me?”.  Now, you may be someone who loves these shopping seminars, but they are not for everyone.  After being to enough Diamonds International and Del Sol store fronts, I pass on these myself.  But I know some who love to get the coupon books and free trinkets and gifts.

25. The newly wed gameshow

Another right of passage on a cruise ship is to at least attend the newly wed game show that most cruise ships offer.  Sometimes the questions get repetitive if you’ve been to enough of these, but a good cruise director knows how to liven things up.

Final Thoughts

A cruise vacation is a unique experience.  There are things you will see on a cruise ship that just don’t happen in any other setting.  This post captures just a few of them, but the list could extend to 100 things if we wanted to keep going.  The main point is that you don’t have to enjoy every single thing on the ship.  Just find what you do like and run with it.  Once you have Cruise Fever, you never want to get over it.

When flying into the Orlando International Airport (MCO), there are several shuttle service options available to take you to Port Canaveral. Since Port Canaveral is the world’s busiest cruise port and the closest major airport (MCO) is 45 miles away, shuttle service provides a valuable service for cruise passengers.

Shuttle services from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the port can be arranged with a variety of companies that offer door-to-port transportation.

Most of these companies provide shared rides, private vans, and luxury vehicles for your convenience. Here is a guide to some of the best Port Canaveral shuttle service from the airport.

MCO may be the closest airport to the popular cruise port, but it is still almost an hour drive to get to your cruise ship. If you haven’t already booked your flight, make sure you take that into account.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of shuttle and car services available in Orlando that will take you from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral’s cruise terminal.

The first half of the list we’ve provided are budget-friendly options that are great for solo travelers, or perhaps groups of only two or three people.

For those who prefer to travel in style, there are also plenty of private transportation and luxury options for a higher price point.

Luxury services are also ideal if you are traveling with a large group and want to save. For example, if your group has 10 people, at $15-$20 per person, shuttle transportation will run you about $150-$200. Meanwhile, you may be able to book a van for your group for roughly $125 (depending on what company you go with).

(Reminder: Prices are subject to change and are for reference only)

Related: Find the best parking options at Port Canaveral

Budget-friendly Shuttle Options

Go Port Canaveral

Book a one way or round trip shuttle ticket with Go Port Canaveral, one of the cheapest shuttle options available. Their coach is clean and air conditioned, and luggage assistance is included.

After your plane lands and you pick up your luggage, you can find Go Port Canaveral’s counter in Terminal A near the car rentals. You can pickup your shuttle anywhere between 10 AM and 12:30 PM.

I’ve used this service a couple times and they remain one of my go-to airport to Port Canaveral shuttle services.  They have always been on-time for me and very professional in my experience.

Sponsored Links

If you go to their website, be sure to check out their private transportation packages, which can take you to various places or theme parks in the Cape Canaveral area.

Cortrans Shuttle Service

If you have a strict travel budget and don’t have a lot to spend on transportation, Cortrans Shuttle Service is a great option to consider. They provide one way and round trip service from the Orlando Airport to the Port Canaveral.

You’ll be sharing your ride with other passengers in a climate controlled minibus that allows 80 inches of headroom and cloth seats.

If you happen to be staying at a hotel the night before your trip, you can also book a shuttle to your hotel the day you arrive, and another shuttle from the hotel to the cruise port. Find a list of hotels on their website that they provide service to and from before booking your hotel stay.

Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle

This shuttle company provides shuttle service from both the Orlando International Airport and Sanford International Airport. They can take you to the Port Canaveral or any of the surrounding hotels, including those in the Cocoa Beach area.

If you book and pre-pay online, you’ll receive a discount on the cost of your shuttle.

Port Canaveral Shuttle Service

If you are traveling in a large group with a lot of luggage to transport, this family owned business is a great option to consider. Though a little pricier than some of our other budget-friendly options, their rates include round trip shuttle service complete with luggage assistance.

Prices vary depending on how many passengers are in your group, so be sure you know how many people you’ll be traveling with before you book your spot. The more people in your group, the cheaper it is.

• Price:
  • 2-3 passengers: $55 per person
  • 4-5 passengers: $50 per person
  • 6-7 passengers: $45 per person
  • 8 or more passengers: $40 per person
• Website: http://www.portcanaveralshuttleservice.com/
• Phone number: 407-301-7390

Orlando Express Shuttle

Another budget-friendly option to consider is Orlando Express Shuttle. They offer affordable shuttle service to and from Orlando airports and Port Canaveral. Book and pre-pay online and you’ll be able to lock in their lowest rate.

They also have a few luxury options with varying prices depending on where you’re going and how large your group is. Check out their website for more information on their private luxury vehicles.

Sponsored Links

Atlantic Transportation Group

They offer shuttles from the Orlando area to Port Canaveral. They have cars, vans, limousines, minibuses, and motor coaches depending on how many people they are transporting at once.

U-Cruise Orlando Shuttle

Book your shuttle from the airport to the cruise port with U-Cruise Orlando Shuttle. They have been in operation for over 20 years and provide safe and reliable transportation between either Orlando airport, the Port Canaveral, and surrounding hotels.

They also provide private luxury options for larger groups who wish to save money. Information regarding private transportation can be found on their website.

Cocoa Beach Shuttle

Cocoa Beach Shuttle is one of a few companies that offers 24-hour shuttle service. Late-night trips will cost more than standard rates, so you will need to call them to book your late-night reservation.

If you book your shuttle online, choose the round trip option and put in promo code roundtripdiscount to get a 20% discount on your cost.

Cocoa Beach Shuttle also offers options for large groups or private vehicles at really affordable prices (for instance, a 10 passenger van will cost $145). For more information visit their website below.

If you plan to stay in one of the Cocoa Beach Area Hotels, shuttle service from the hotel to the cruise port is only $6 per person.

• Prices: Shared shuttle prices depend on the number of people traveling in your group. For just once person the cost is $45 (round-trip), 2 people is $65. After that prices go up in increments of $10 per person.
• Website: https://cbshuttle.com/port-canaveral/
• Phone number: 321-631-4144

Disney Cruise Line Transfer

If you and your family are going on a Disney cruise, Disney offers a transport bus from the airport directly to the Disney terminal at Port Canaveral. There’s a special pickup location at the airport called Disney’s Magical Express.

Service begins around 9 AM, but the first shuttle leaves the airport at approximately 9:30 AM. Make sure that your flight gets in before 1:30 PM, as the shuttle won’t be available after that time.

Reservations must be booked online at least 3 days before your cruise via your Disney Cruise check-in.

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be picked up by DCL Transfer there instead. Your hotel room at the resort will have a letter with instructions regarding luggage and pickup. Just follow those instructions on cruise day so you don’t miss your shuttle.

Cruise Control Transportation

As many shuttle services in the Orlando area, Cruise Control Transportation is family owned and operated, and friendly and dependable service to their passengers. While on your hour-long drive from the airport to Port Canaveral, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and cell phone chargers. All vehicles are 2016 or newer.

Passengers with little children need not worry as Cruise Control will provide a free car seat for the little one (while other companies charge extra or make you bring your own). They will also keep track of your flight so they know exactly when to pick you up and will even send you a text message when they’re on the way to get you.

With a 100% money back guarantee, taking a chance on Cruise Control should be an easy choice.

Luxury Transportation & Shuttle Options

Orlando Shuttle Service

Orlando Shuttle Service offers professional transportation services to anywhere you need to go when flying into Orlando. Whether your need to go directly to the cruise port, a hotel, or anywhere in between, they are more than happy to help.

Their website offers a very easy quote feature so you can know how much your transportation with them will cost before you even book your trip. They’ll give you options like shared shuttle, and private cars in the economy, business, and first class & limousines categories.

You can also book a round trip ticket with them, so you never need to worry about having transportation when you need it.

The Black Car Service

In business since 1999, The Black Car Service strives to offer limo services to incoming Orlando travelers that is both affordable, safe, and pleasurable. Their website even includes a flight tracking feature so you can always know the status of your flight’s arrival and departure.

Additionally, if there are any delays regarding your flight, simply contact Black Car Service and they will adjust your pickup time accordingly.

When booking your transportation, you get to choose the type of vehicle depending on budget and how many people are travelling with you. They also offer a free 20 minute grocery store stop, provided you book a round trip.

However, we didn’t see a way to book a round trip service online, so we recommend calling them if that’s what you need.

SuperShuttle

This is another great way to get transportation to and from the cruise port when you fly into Orlando. They offer your choice of travel: shared ride shuttle, non-stop shuttle (literally means no stops between the airport and your destination), and black car services (provided through ExecuCar).

You can choose one-way travel, but they recommend that you opt for round trip as it’ll save you money. Also keep in mind that a shared ride, though cheaper, is only going to be available if other people have booked transportation for the same route for around the same timeframe.

One of the things we like most about SuperShuttle is the mobile app, which makes it super easy to manage your account and any trips you have booked.

You can also get airline rewards every time you book shuttle service through them. You just choose your preferred program: American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Frontier EarlyReturns, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, or United MileagePlus. It’s as easy as connecting your SuperShuttle account with your airline rewards number.

Sponsored Links

Port Canaveral Transportation

This company specializes in offering transportation to and from the cruise port, the airport, and anywhere in between. They provide the best in luxury transportation with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, all depending on budget and the size of your group.

They have base rates each vehicle type, and they provide an idea of cost based on where you’re traveling to. Still, the best way to get an accurate rate is to input your details on the website and choose a vehicle or give them a call.

They also have an app that you can download for the fastest bookings. It is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Ace Luxury Transportation

Whenever you’re traveling with a large group of people, it’s always best to pay for the vehicle you’ll be traveling in, as some of the per person rates can add up with a large group. Ace Luxury Transportation is another company that lets you book your choice of vehicle, depending on the size of your group.

Their cheapest car for traveling from the Orlando International Airport (or Orlando hotels) to the Port Canaveral seats 1-4 people, and you can go up as high as a coach bus that seats 50-54. Luggage assistance is included in all prices as well.

A 20% driver gratuity fee is added to your cost when you book your car, but you won’t have to worry about any other hidden charges or fees.

• Price: $125 for a Luxury Sedan (1-4 people). Does not include driver gratuity.
• Website: https://www.aceluxury.com/
• Phone number: 407-292-4444

How much does Uber/Lyft cost from MCO to Port Canaveral?

The cost of an Uber/Lyft ride from MCO to Port Canaveral varies based on the type of vehicle you select, the time of day and traffic conditions. You can estimate the fare using your rideshare’s app before booking your ride.

We don’t recommend this option as the cost can range from $75 to $150 depending on traffic conditions and other factors. With the services above you can get transportation to the cruise port for much cheaper. But this option is always available if you forget to book a service a head of time.

Does Amtrak go to Port Canaveral from Orlando airport?

Amtrak does not go directly from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. However, there are a few options available for travelers who wish to make the journey.

The main convenient option is to take the Lynx bus from Orlando International Airport to the Amtrak station in Sanford, Florida. From there, you can take the Silver Service train to Cocoa Beach and then transfer to a shuttle service that will take you directly to Port Canaveral.

Since this route takes approximately two hours and requires multiple transfers, it’s not the most viable option. Also, Brightline does not have a station near Port Canaveral at this time.

Does Enterprise have a shuttle to Port Canaveral?

Yes, Enterprise does have a shuttle to Port Canaveral. They offer a variety of car rental options, including shuttles to the port. The shuttle service is available from the Enterprise location at the Orlando International Airport and provides transportation to the cruise terminal.

The shuttle runs on a regular schedule and can be booked in advance or on arrival at the airport. Passengers will be picked up at their designated pick-up location and dropped off directly at their cruise terminal.

The shuttle service is convenient and reliable, making it an ideal option for those who want to get to the port quickly and efficiently. Additionally, Enterprise offers competitive rates for their rental services, so you can rest assured that you’re getting great value for your money when renting with them.

Conclusion

With so many options available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a way to get to Port Canaveral from the Orlando International Airport. Remember to allow for enough time to land, getting your luggage, and the hour drive from the airport. Try to also account for any flight delays that may occur. We don’t want you to miss your cruise due to poor planning.

If you’re flying into Orlando to go on a cruise you need transportation to get to the port. Fortunately, service to Port Canaveral is readily available. Finding the right transportation company that provides the best shuttle transfers depends largely on the size of your party and your budget for the shuttle ride.

We hope you have a fun and safe trip to Orlando and that you enjoy your cruise.

This guest post was written by Justin Stewart.  It was last updated on January 19, 2024

The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is already set to sail out of PortMiami this year, but it’s not the only new ship to call the Sunshine State home in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s sixth and last Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will also debut in July, offering sailings out of Port Canaveral.

Over the next couple months at least 75 different cruise ships will be departing from ports in Florida.

Fast forward to the last two months in 2024 and that number jumps to 94 cruise ships.

As cruise demand continues to thrive, Florida cruise ports will be homeporting more cruise ships than ever before.

In addition to new ships debuting in Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades, other ships are being repositioned to Florida, giving passengers even more vacation options heading into the new year.

New Ships Coming to Florida Ports

• Icon of the Seas – PortMiami, January 27^th, 2024
• Utopia of the Seas – Port Canaveral, July 22^nd, 2024
• Disney Treasure – Port Canaveral, December of 2024
• Sun Princess – Port Everglades, October of 2024

Some Rebranded Ships Homeporting in Florida

A couple revitalized cruise ships that are being or have been transferred to new cruise lines will be offering sailings out of the state as well.

Carnival Venezia, original sailing for another Carnival Corp. brand, Costa Cruises, is now part of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.  The “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship will move from New York to Port Canaveral in December of 2024.

Additionally, Margaritaville at Sea is adding a newly acquired ship to Port Tampa Bay.  The cruise line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, is set to debut in June of 2024 and offer 4- and 5-night sailings to the Caribbean.

Other Ships Debuting in Florida Cruise Ports

Port Canaveral will also be welcoming cruise ships from other ports, two being the first from their respective cruise lines.

Celebrity Equinox, which will offer sailings out of the Space Coast port beginning on December 3^rd, 2024, will be Celebrity Cruises’ first ship to homeport there.

Princess Cruises will also send their first ship to homeport from the busiest cruise port in the world, when Caribbean Princess sets sail in November of 2024.

Change of plans

Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have caused some cruise lines to rearrange ships and homeports for the season as well.  Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas was originally planning to offer itineraries in the Middle East and in Haifa.  Instead, the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet will continue to offer cruises to the Caribbean and will reposition from Miami to Tampa in April of this year.

Additionally, Norwegian Epic will remain in Port Canaveral instead of following the previous plan of offering sailings in Europe for the winter.

Read more: Cruise Ports in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

Sponsored Links

Viking has announced three new cruise itineraries that will provide exclusive access to China later this year and will range from 10 to 20 days in length.

Not only will these new cruises visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but they will visit ports in China that only Viking has access to. The sailings will take place on Chinese flagged Viking Yi Dun, the cruise ship formerly known as Viking Sun. It’s the first ship to offer domestic cruises in China to foreign travelers.

“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers. Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their mind—and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall, to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation. We introduced the real China to our guests, and visiting local school children was always a particular highlight. Now, we are delighted to offer such encounters once again with new voyages to a destination that never ceases to capture the imagination.”

Wonders of China is a 20 day roundtrip cruisetour from Beijing. Guests will be able to walk on the Great Wall of China, visit a Tibetan family in their home, and explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 15 day Classic China & the Coast will start in Beijing and end in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). Guests will be able to visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. The cruise portion is a 10 day China Discovery itinerary along China’s coastline.

For those who only want to visit China by sea, the 10 Day China Discovery cruise starts in Shanghai and ends in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). It will offer guests to experience the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

Viking Yi Dun is specifically dedicated to explore China and is a sister ship to Viking’s award winning fleet of ocean cruise ships.

For the rest of the month, the cruise line is offering free international airfare, $25 deposits, and special cruise fares and all voyages. While space is limited for 2024, this cruise deal includes the new coastal China itineraries.

Did you know there are perks for owning stock in a publicly traded cruise line?  How does some onboard credit sound?

With 3 cruise companies to choose from you can lock in some onboard credit just for owning a certain amount of shares in one of these companies.

*This article has been updated from its original publishing date to reflect recent changes.

In this post we will cover what perks you get for owning stock in these cruise companies and the slight differences in each program.

While the price of a stock will fluctuate throughout the year, one advantage to owning stock in a cruise line is the onboard credit value stays relatively constant.

I say “relatively” because cruise lines do tend to change their shareholder benefits from time to time and there may even be restrictions added to certain situations.

Note: This is not financial advice and we are not investment advisors.  You should talk with your own financial advisor and assess the risks of buying or owning stock in any company.

What 3 cruise companies offer onboard credit perks?

Not every cruise line is publicly traded in the U.S. stock market.  Some, like MSC Cruises, are privately owned.

But, the majority of cruise ships in the world, sail under one of these 3 parent companies that ARE publicly traded and invest-able:

• Carnival Corporation & PLC
• Royal Caribbean Group
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

If you don’t see your favorite cruise line in this list above, not to worry.   Many cruise lines are owned by these “big 3” parent companies and we have detailed this below.  In fact, a large majority of all cruise lines fall under one of these brands.

• Carnival Corporation & PLC – owns the following brands
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Seabourn
  • P&O Cruises
  • P&O Cruises (Australia)
  • Costa Cruises
  • AIDA Cruises
  • Cunard
• Royal Caribbean Group – owns the following brands
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Silversea Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd – owns the following brands
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Note: Not every cruise brand may qualify for the perks of its parent company, and it’s important to check with your cruise line first.  For instance, currently passengers on Silversea cannot benefit from the ownership of Royal Caribbean stock (RCL).

How many shares do you have to own to get the perks?

The perks and requirements for each of these cruise companies is very similar.  For each of them you must own 100 shares of stock in the company to get onboard credit benefits.

Related: What cruise line is best for you: 25 compared

Benefits of cruise stock ownership compared

Now, let’s dig a little deeper and see exactly how much onboard credit you receive for each cruise company.  The requirements for each company are only slight different based on the duration of itineraries.

Also, keep in mind that these offers can change or updated at any time at the discretion of the cruise companies.

Sponsored Links

Carnival Corporation & PLC

Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:CCL)

• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 14 days or longer: $250
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 13 days: $100
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less:  $50

In order to receive the onboard credit you have to ask for it and prove you own shares in the company.

I just did this for my Carnival Celebration cruise recently.  Just request proof of stock ownership from your brokerage company and send it to the email address on this page.

According to Carnival’s shareholder document, requests for the onboard credit must be made at least 3 weeks before a sailing date.  If using a travel agent you should do this at least 4 weeks before.

Restrictions:  Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, interline rates, tour
conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer.

Also, the onboard credit is not transferable.  In other words, once you prove you own the stock in Carnival the onboard credit is applied to the cabin you are staying in.

The credit cannot be exchanged for cash and cannot be used in casinos or applied to gratuities onboard.

Read more about the stock ownership onboard credit program or learn how to apply with Carnival here.

Read more: How much it takes to get a free cruise through loyalty benefits

Sponsored Links

Royal Caribbean Group

Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:RCL)

• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings 14 or more nights: $250
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 to 13 nights: $100
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 5 nights or less: $50
• Onboard credit per stateroom on a World Cruise: $1,000

These onboard credits can be made on two Royal Caribbean brands including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

Royal Caribbean stipulates that your request for onboard credit must be in their office between 2-3 weeks before your sailing date.  This means you should make the request 3-4 weeks before your cruise just in case.

Restrictions:  All Galapagos sailings are excluded from this onboard credit program.

Also, the onboard credit  cannot be redeemed for chartered sailings or complimentary sailings.

The perk applies only to the cabin in which a shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. The credit is applied per cabin, assuming double occupancy. Only one credit can be claimed per cabin on any given voyage. If shares are jointly held, 100 shares are required for each credit request on any one voyage.

Credit given at the start of the voyage cannot be used for charges incurred on the voyage or for activities booked in advance. Any credit remaining after the final night of the voyage will be forfeited and cannot be exchanged for cash.

If you own at least 100 shares of stock in NYSE:RCL you can request your onboard credit with Royal Caribbean here.

Read more: Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: Loyalty Perks Compared

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:NCL)

• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 15 days or more: $250
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 14 days: $100
• Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less: $50

Currently this offer can be used on sailings with all 3 of NCL’s cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Proof of stock ownership must be provided to Norwegian at least 15 days prior to the sailing date and this can be done through mail or email.  See the link below to start this process.

Restrictions: This offer cannot be applied to chartered sailings.

If you’re looking to get onboard credit for booking multiple staterooms or suites and you hold shares jointly, you’ll need to have at least 100 shares per room booked.

If you’re a single traveler paying 200% of the fare, you’ll be able to get the full value of the credit. Just keep in mind that any unused credit won’t be refunded and can’t be exchanged for cash. This benefit can’t be transferred to others and doesn’t apply to certain special rates, like employee discounts or cruises booked through travel agents.

If you own at least 100 shares of NYSE:NCL stock and would like to make a request for onboard credit in your upcoming cruise you can use the Shareholder Benefit Request Form here.

What’s the biggest perk of onboard credit through stock ownership?

If you’re a long term investor and you go on a lot of cruises, this should be a pretty simple decision.

The biggest perk is that you can get the onboard credit for every cruise you take in the future (provided the program remains in place).  If you take 4 cruises a year that can easily amount to $400 total on 7-night sailings.

The stock price of cruise lines has dropped dramatically over the last few years but is still fairly volatile, and we aren’t here to predict the future about where the price could go.

At the time of the writing of this article it would cost just over $1,700 to buy 100 shares of Carnival Corp. stock.

I just looked up some prices for Carnival cruises out of Miami and found a few deals on Carnival Magic in 2024 for about $384 per person without taxes and fees.  This is a 7-night cruise and would be eligible for $100 of onboard credit.

That’s not a bad perk in my book.

What can you use your OBC (Onboard Credit) for?

You can use that onboard credit for just about anything you can pay for on a cruise ship.  Things like spa treatments, massages, facials, and hair treatments can quality.  Or you can use it for specialty dining restaurants or even for a purchase in the gift shop.

Sponsored Links

Some things you cannot use your onboard credit for would be things like gratuities and gambling in the casino.

Again, none of this is financial advice and you really should talk with your financial advisor before buying stock in a cruise company just to take advantage of onboard credit.

If you do take a lot of cruises throughout the year and would like to find a way to supplement some of your onboard spending, this might be something worth looking into.

Also, keep in mind that cruise companies were hit hard by shutdowns over the last couple years and their financial stability is in question.  We don’t know how long programs like this will be in effect.

Read more: 7 ways to avoid spending a single extra penny onboard your cruise