jonbiz1212

Having kids, I've actually gotten Norwegian and Royal Caribbean much less than I've found Carnival cruises because of their kids sale free deals. Got on the Epic for $1200 or so, Oasis for $1600 or so in a balcony, and now the Harmony for about $1900 for a family of 4 on 7 night cruises.

Possibly Virgin Voyages? Cannot confirm, only speculating!

Regency Hotel is great for the price or for a bit more, get Springhill Suites and get some free breakfast in the morning! Both offer airport shuttles to hotel as far as i can remember

Orlando is the way to go. Look up goportcanaveral.com for a package there. They'll pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel, spend the night, then get taken to the cruise port the next day. Once you return they'll take you back to the airport. You might find a hotel package that offers return use also so you don't have to wait at the airport all day depending on when your flight leaves

We are flying to Orlando next spring and thought about doing GoPortCanaveral but im not sure after reading the comments on here and on FB. This is our first time crusing out of Orlando and we're having a hard time finding a Fly,snooze, cruise package thats not so expensive.

I was skeptical until I used them. They seem to go through phases but each time the service gets better (surprisingly). Different hotels added, changed in transportation companies, great phone reps, etc. During Irma our cruise got cancelled. We got travel protection for the flight, Carnival refunded our money no issue, but Go Port Canaveral gave us some push back only offering 70% refund of 100% credit to be used later. It was outrageous, I didn't cancel or make changes it was on them. It wasn't until this Monday that everything was sorted and we got 100% refund. After speaking with them I understand they were right in the middle of the storm and took some damage as everyone else out there. They hadn't had to deal with loss of power, phones, internet before for such a long period of time.

They apologized and handled it how it should have been, but companies have to do things quick without thinking, I am just grateful they were loyal to me and gave me what I deserved. My next cruise booking date is uncertain but I will be using Go Port Canaveral again.

Heard of the Tornado as well. Glad they are back and running they have always given us great service.

Depends on your preference. Are you flying in or driving in?

After Irma, a lot of hotels are still out of commission. The Hilton or Homewood Suites in Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay with lots of activities nearby, the beach is always a plus!

If you are getting in late then Orlando is best, sucks coming in and just wanting to stop travelling to the destination. Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Hyatt place are all nearby and at a great price. Go to Go Port Canaverals website they put it all together for everyone in your party at a great price. https://www.goportcanaveral.com/

Sounds like a great plan actually. Before getting to Fort Lauderdale you can check out Gumbo Limbo near Boca Raton beaches if I remember correctly. Kids loved seeing the sea turtles there. And it's right by the Boca Inlet which is a wonderful place to hang out.

Friends, please know when you see quotes of $5.95 per day, etc. it does not mean you will pay that all year! You have to check the rates for your cruise dates! Then you may notice a much higher daily rate!

Below is a rate comparison during high season (January 2017)

Again - always check each website for latest pricing for YOUR DATES because they change often especially during low season:

 

 

Ship-side parking for 8 days – 7 night cruise – $128

• Park Port Canaveral. $10.95 per day when booked online + taxes = $93.81 for 8 days.
  
• Park N Cruise. $10.95 per day when booked online + taxes + booking fee = $97.61 for 8 days.
  
• 528 Port Cruise Parking. $5.95 per day when booked online + fees + taxes = $57.00 for 8 days.
  
• Lots of Honor. $6.49 per day when booked online + taxes = $70.41 for 8 days.
  
• GoPortCanaveral/Beach Line Transportation. or Beach Line – $7 per person each way shuttle with FREE parking regardless of the length of the cruise = $28 for 8 days (2 people)! By far the cheapest option at this time for small groups. Let’s hope it lasts!
  
• Cruisetime Parking. $5.99 per day + taxes = ? (We’ve been trying to contact them but always get a strange voicemail)
  

Just a heads up. Park n Cruise is at $5.95 a day and Go Port Canaveral/BeachLine is down to $4.99 so $19.96 total for 2 people.

I havnt tried to get on a cruise that early before. All depends on how many other cruises are sailing out that day. I would think it's not going to be that crazy at that time, johnin makes a good point. A rental + parking costs a lotta $$$ can save many other ways

small things like fridge magnets for ourselves, or random gifts for family and friends depending on their interests.

That's crazy, we just stayed there a few months back and didn't have any issues. Hope they sort it out with you and clean that stuff up asap!! I would expect any major hotel to have routine inspections for these sorts of things.

If I could give a company zero stars I would. Do not, DO NOT under any circumstances use this company. Their customer service team including supervisors are extremely rude and have taken over a month to issue a refund. At this point, given their lack of professionalism, I doubt I will ever see a refund.

details? I've gone twice with them and the only issue I had was waiting an extra 5 minutes for a shuttle. Embassy and Hyatt Place took good care of us when we booked through Goportcanaveral

RCI prices for those packages are crazy high. I remember seeing Florida hotel for like $600 a night with transportation. If you're going with Doubletree at MCO check these guys out they just partnered with them and the price is really good and all the transportation is included.

https://www.goportcanaveral.com/fly-snooze-cruise/orlando-airport/doubletree-orlando-airport/

http://www.goportcanaveral.com/blog/doubletree-partners-go-port-canaveral/

Pretty fluffy/thick, and very comfy!

Time share, we called last year to inquire about that deal and the kennedy space center tickets...no thanks, booked with Go Port Canaveral instead, no presentation BS and great prices

Beautiful hotel, we had book this for our bachelor / bachelorette parties and enjoy las olas before our cruise wedding. They had happy hour and some snacks for our pregame :D love the location though

its very common actually, I've stayed at the Embassy and Hyatt Place near MCO. Browse this inventory https://www.goportcanaveral.com/snooze-park-cruise they got a few orlando hotels that come with free cruise parking

Just wondering if you or anyone else here has an experience using goportcanaveral.com that they could share. I've heard several bad reviews and a few good reviews, but would like some other opinions from fellow cruisers as to how prompt they are with their shuttle times and what variety of times they might have. They seem to have really reasonable prices, but was just wondering what others thought of their quality of service. Would appreciate any info and first hand experiences that anyone could provide for me. Thank you in advance for any info provided.

 

Stingray310

I've stayed at the Embassy with them in Orlando nearly a year ago. Flew in around 10:30 and were scheduled for the 11am shuttle. They were on time, no issues there.

Got to the hotel and we enjoyed ourselves by going to the pool most of the day and happy hour in the evening and Chilis takeout right across the street. The morning after we had the 11:45 am shuttle, but it was about 5 minutes late. Shared shuttles are never the funnest but most transportation options have issues in my book, as long as i can save a few bucks then I'm game. Regardless, we stopped at one other hotel and then went straight to the Port. Got there around 1 pm, no complaints, the crowd had dwindled down so we boarded fairly quick.

When we got back from the cruise we got a shuttle back to the hotel because we had return use. So the kids got to enjoy the Embassy pool until our 5pm flight. Overall it was a wonderful experience. Definitely recommend their services, we called to find out more also and the customer service reps were very helpful.

I am waiting so patiently for the next cruise, thinking of booking for new years and getting the Homewood Suites Fly Snooze Cruise with Go Port Canaveral.

That rate is assuming they charge you for 7 days for a 7 day cruise. When I ask for a quote I received a quote for 8 days. Saturday to Saturday. I emailed this question to them:

 

Message Body:

> Why am I quoted a price for 8 days when I put in dates encompassing 7 24 hour periods? 7 day cruises generally run Sun-Sun or Sat- Sat and you charge for 8 days. A car dropped off at noon on Sun and picked up before noon the following Sunday should not be 8 days.

 

 

I received this response:

 

Our rates are calculated by calendar date in lieu of hourly...so rates would include the day of check in through the day of check out.

 

Sincerely;

Todd Oakey

Park n Cruise

 

 

Thus a 7 day cruise will cost you the rate for 8 days. So $80 and change with their fees tacked on. Still cheaper than the port but I won't be parking there.

That's common at all Port Canaveral parking lots as far as i can remember. Plus tax...

Instead these guys, Go Port Canaveral, are doing a promotion of free parking https://www.goportcanaveral.com/services/cruise-parking.php just pay for the transportation to the ship and back to the lot for a flat tax free $10 per person!

if the Hyatt at MCO is sold out, try the Embassy Suites at MCO. Or Residence Inn is also nearby and very new!

https://www.goportcanaveral.com/fly-snooze-cruise/orlando-airport

These guys got some great deals for cruisers only, which includes airport shuttle and transportation to the cruise terminals

The only precruise depression I have right now is that I don't have one booked.

With any service, destination, accommodations, etc. the bad reviews will stick out like a sore thumb. Don't let it get to you though, the cruise is booked, and you don't need to set a schedule for your vacation.

Just remember, it's your vacation, do as you please. Whether it's doing excursions, going to all the deck parties, or just relaxing by to pool or in the state room, enjoy it while it lasts!

For any additional info I came across this site yesterday and it got me stoked for my next cruise.

http://www.cruisefriendly.com/blog/100-cruise-tips

I know you'll have an amazing cruise!

Lion Fish availability is hit or miss. They didn't have it when I was there March 6.

Aw man that's a shame. Hope it's available next time we're around, prob mid August time

Does anyone know if most restaurants will be open on Easter Sunday?? Looking for somewhere, maybe near the beach. Thanks!!

http://bluemoonfishco.com/menus/

Bluemoon Fish Co has spectacular brunches on Sunday, its a pretty penny but well worth it. Not sure how much more expensive it will be on Easter Sunday