Port Canaveral

We're cruising in November on the Breakaway with our 3 and 5 year olds. Last time we did Disney at Port Canaveral, but we're only there from 12-9 this time so I don't think it's enough time. We're deciding between the excursion called Cocoa Beach and Village Shuttle. It's $46 for the 4 of us, $37 if we don't pay for the 3 year old, I can't tell if we'd have to pay extra to get on the beach. We're also considering Gatorland. The site says the park starts closing at 5 though, so maybe it won't be worth it. I'm not sure how far it is from the cruise terminal. It would be almost $300 for the 4 of us. I'm good with hanging out on the boat, but my husband is set on getting off.

I'm pretty set on Blue Lagoon for Nassau, although my husband would like to try Atlantis, which just seems to be way too much.

Any thoughts?

Cocoa Beach is within walking distance of the cruise terminal (maybe a bit far for small kids though). Jetty Park is at the end of Cocoa Beach and we stood on the dock there to watch the ships as they sailed out of Port Canaveral.

Can't imagine paying for an excursion when the beach is right there unless they provide lunch, a guided tour and shopping stops. Sounds like they take you to one of the on beach resorts where you hang out for the allotted time.

A taxi would be cheaper.

If you're looking at that kind of money, what about renting a car and driving to Jetty Beach for a while and then going to Cocoa Village, that way if the little ones get antsy you can always do a change of plan. On the plus side you get to do things at your own pace and don't have to worry about catching a shuttle.

We took the Cocoa Beach shuttle and felt it was a waste of money and time. They drop you off a shop. We walked to the beach, but did not see anywhere to change. We were went to a few shops and went back to enjoy the ship. If you decide to take the shuttle wait at least 1 hour after everyone starts to get off or you just stand in line waiting. I wish I had known as we wasted more time standing in line than we actually spent at Cocoa Beach. We would never do that again.

Cocoa Beach is within walking distance of the cruise terminal (maybe a bit far for small kids though).

The pier, which is the very North end of Cocoa Beach is 3.5 miles and if you want to go to RJs, it is another mile. That is a pretty good walk, even without small kids, especially if your walking back.

How far is Coco Beach Village Shopping? What would a cost of a taxi or shuttle be? Don't want to do the Beach that day so the excursion from the ship doesn't make sense to me to do..

Cocoa Beach is within walking distance of the cruise terminal (maybe a bit far for small kids though). Jetty Park is at the end of Cocoa Beach and we stood on the dock there to watch the ships as they sailed out of Port Canaveral.

Can't imagine paying for an excursion when the beach is right there unless they provide lunch, a guided tour and shopping stops. Sounds like they take you to one of the on beach resorts where you hang out for the allotted time.

A taxi would be cheaper.

I don't understand this post. There is nothing within walking distance. Even the terminal closest to Jetty is fenced off.

I agree with ^^^

Its 3-4 miles to the Pier. You could hike over to Jetty Park. But you need to exit the port to get there.

Having spent a bit of my life living in Orlando and surfing many times at Cocoa beach, I would suggest taking a cab to the Cocoa Beach pier. This was about 5-7$ via uber when I was there in Feb. A few more dollars for a cab. There are a few restaurants there at the pier and sometimes live entertainment. You can watch the surfers or jump into a pickup game of volleyball. From the pier its about a 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile walk to Ron Jons. There are a few stores along the way. There is a Starbucks right there at Ron Jons if you are inclined.

Cocoa (not the same as Cocoa Beach) is 2 bridges over to the mainland. That's where Cocoa Village is. Not alot there. A few shops, tiny resteraunts and a park by the tiver. Not even sure if there is a playground. That will cost you 15-20$ in a cab.

-Sean

I agree with ^^^

 

Its 3-4 miles to the Pier. You could hike over to Jetty Park. But you need to exit the port to get there.

 

Having spent a bit of my life living in Orlando and surfing many times at Cocoa beach, I would suggest taking a cab to the Cocoa Beach pier. This was about 5-7$ via uber when I was there in Feb. A few more dollars for a cab. There are a few restaurants there at the pier and sometimes live entertainment. You can watch the surfers or jump into a pickup game of volleyball. From the pier its about a 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile walk to Ron Jons. There are a few stores along the way. There is a Starbucks right there at Ron Jons if you are inclined.

 

Cocoa (not the same as Cocoa Beach) is 2 bridges over to the mainland. That's where Cocoa Village is. Not alot there. A few shops, tiny resteraunts and a park by the tiver. Not even sure if there is a playground. That will cost you 15-20$ in a cab.

 

-Sean

Thanks for this info. Much appreciated.

Happy Sailing!

Aside from the handful of local shops, restaurants & small retails boutique stores in Cocoa Village - and, a few squirrels running around, LOL - there really isn't much to see, IMO - unless this is your first visit to Canaveral, not worth the trip (and, odds are that you won't be inclined to go back on your next run) ... unless, you are taking "advantage" of the ship's beach & village "shuttle tour" option (and, you got those "free" NCL shorex daily credits to burn - without spending more $$ unnecessary. There are some interesting & historic/old buildings worthy of taking some typical tourist pictures with - but it's really no different than "Anytown, USA" all across the U.S.

We're there a few years ago & there's not even a 7-11 or CVS pharmacy to pickup some chips & sodas, etc. back to the ship, unless you ride over - again, to a nearby shopping mall with your typical big name stores like Walmart & Macy's.

As for walking - just to repeat what's been said, this is NOT easy walking distance for most. It's for those physically conditioned to walk 4 to 5 hours in the midday ?? hot sun with temp's in the 90's for 90 minutes each work - no, no, and no. And, part of it (mostly) is along the side of highways that aren't pedestrian friendly with vehicles zipping by at & above the posted speed limit of 30 to 40, 45 mph - especially around the port/terminal area :eek: - a sure way to get hit by any distracted & inattentive drivers out there. And, for those that insist they can jog to town - please have your hydration pack ready as you will need plenty of fluid going to & returning ... that is, lots of drinking water for everyone.

If you want to do sightseeing & check out the actions in town, pay for & take the taxi/van shuttles or use ship's transportation option, rent a car for 8 hours, or, stay on the ship & enjoy. Or, walk down the gangway & hit the pavement outside the terminal to exercise those sea legs - and, find a cool spot on the sundeck or seek comfort in the air conditioned restaurant or buffet on the ship.

I'm not usually a fan of staying on the ship while in port. Port Canaveral, though, is one place I have. There's really nothing near the port. Cocoa Beach can be a hot, non shady adventure. I was there with whining senior citizens!

One time I was fortunate enough to go to Ron Jon's nearby timeshare. A friend was a member so booked us for the day.

Considering your children's young ages, I would be inclined to stay on the ship and enjoy. If you have a balcony, bring an inflatable pool for the kids. They can splash on the balcony!

If you have a balcony, bring an inflatable pool for the kids. They can splash on the balcony!

That's today's 'most ridiculous' comment. Show me any ship that will allow any type of inflatable pool on a balcony or anywhere on the ship.

That's today's 'most ridiculous' comment. Show me any ship that will allow any type of inflatable pool on a balcony or anywhere on the ship.

Many folks have posted on CC stating they've brought very small blow up pools (more like tubs) for diapered children to splash in. However, it appears OP's kids are of the potty trained age, and would love splashing around the water play areas of the Breakaway.

When you come out of the terminal go straight under the bridge and you can get taxis or the shuttle to Ron Jon's. I forget the price but don't think it was more than $10pp roundtrip - they give you a ticket for your return trip. At Ron Jon's and on the beach you can rent umbrellas or chairs or boogie boards. There is no shade but November shouldn't be unbearable. I was there for Christmas Day once & it was very comfortable (& empty) sitting on the beach.

My parents are not beach people and do the Bahamas/Florida run a couple times per year. They grab a taxi to wherever they want to go. I also advise the taxi route if you want to go over to Atlantis unless you want to do the pools/waterparks - then I think you need an excursion.

When you come out of the terminal go straight under the bridge and you can get taxis or the shuttle to Ron Jon's. I forget the price but don't think it was more than $10pp roundtrip - they give you a ticket for your return trip. At Ron Jon's and on the beach you can rent umbrellas or chairs or boogie boards. There is no shade but November shouldn't be unbearable. I was there for Christmas Day once & it was very comfortable (& empty) sitting on the beach.

 

My parents are not beach people and do the Bahamas/Florida run a couple times per year. They grab a taxi to wherever they want to go. I also advise the taxi route if you want to go over to Atlantis unless you want to do the pools/waterparks - then I think you need an excursion.

The only things to do at Atlantis without a pass is the casino (no kids) and Marina.

As much as I love my grandkids, NO way would I put a pool on the balcony or on any deck. Just ain't right!! How will you drain the dang thing and would you like to be on the balcony beneath? Keep the diapers wet on the inside and the passengers dry underneath.

As much as I love my grandkids, NO way would I put a pool on the balcony or on any deck. Just ain't right!! How will you drain the dang thing and would you like to be on the balcony beneath? Keep the diapers wet on the inside and the passengers dry underneath.

It's been said quite a bit on here that they drain them into the balcony drains, or the drains on the pool deck. I've never needed to do it myself, but it's not a crazy suggestion, since it's been suggested here a million times.

DH and I LOVED Atlantis when we went. Since you have small children and they most likely wouldn't be doing the large waterslides, I'd suggest a day pass that would just get you onto the grounds.

The aquariums are amazing too, both the above ground pools and The Digs below ground.

The only things to do at Atlantis without a pass is the casino (no kids) and Marina.

I've taken a taxi and wandered the grounds at Atlantis. Lots of nature.

The only things to do at Atlantis without a pass is the casino (no kids) and Marina.

Unless you go later in the evening after the guards go home, then you can see the aquarium without a pass---we did!

It's been said quite a bit on here that they drain them into the balcony drains, or the drains on the pool deck. I've never needed to do it myself, but it's not a crazy suggestion, since it's been suggested here a million times.

I understand the drain thing, but have seen the passengers in action at the kiddie pool WITHOUT a diaper until they were told about it. Draining a 3 foot pool into the balcony drain, if there is one, is like using a funnel to pour out of a 55 gallon drum. Spillage and overrun . Even if the 3 foot pool is on the pool deck, in the way, near a drain, same result, overflow on the pool deck. With the Norovirus problem, this to me, is a no brainer.

We took the Cocoa Beach shuttle and felt it was a waste of money and time. They drop you off a shop. We walked to the beach, but did not see anywhere to change. We were went to a few shops and went back to enjoy the ship. If you decide to take the shuttle wait at least 1 hour after everyone starts to get off or you just stand in line waiting. I wish I had known as we wasted more time standing in line than we actually spent at Cocoa Beach. We would never do that again.

Why weren't you already in suits and coverup with a beach bag in tow?

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