Port Canaveral -- GEM

[nyc511]

Been on the Gem many times and looking forward to another cruise next week. I hear there were some cosmetic upgrades since last year. This will be, however, my first trip this time of year, and my first time on the Florida/Bahamas run.

 

We are interested in visiting the Space Center during the Florida stop. The excursion seems very long, and as some of us are older I am concerned that some may tire out before the end. So, questions!:

 

Do you think it possible to arrange your own transport to/from Space Center from ship (are there plenty of taxis/car services available at the dock and Space Center). That way we can leave whenever and not have to wait for the ships' tour bus.

 

How far from ship?

 

Any recommendations on an abridged visit that may be of interest to a group of middle-aged to older adults?!

 

Much thanks!

 

PS: I tried to post this under the Gem specific thread, but had trouble.

[goldmom]

Not sure about the taxi's. When we did it we rented a car. We arranged it before we left. A shuttle picks you up at the port and takes you to the car rental place. Very easy to do on your own. It's maybe a half hour drive from the ship.

 

There's also a Space Museum or Hall of Fame on the way there which was also very interesting and you can also then drive around the area and stop at Cocoa Beach.

 

Also, look at the ports of call boards for Port Canaveral there's lots of info there too.

 

Enjoy!

[nyc511]

Much thanks. Looks like we will be on the same cruise.

[Savaann]

Hi! We did this itinerary on the Gem in May and chose to visit Space Center. We were in port from 1-9 that day. We (myself and husband in our early 40's and 2 kids 5 & 7) purchased our excursion through NCL We were escorted directly to the bus so I can not recall seeing any taxis but I am sure there were some. The ride to the space center took about 45 minutes. The driver/tour guide spoke during the bus ride, giving us a map and explaining it, as well as played informative space related videos on the bus. If you chose to get there on your own, you will miss out on those bits of information which we felt was worth it.

 

When we arrived, our tour guide suggested we go straight to do the bus tour. It was only a few minutes of walking to get on line for that. The bus tour took an hour or maybe a little more but it was comfortable and air conditioned.

 

After the bus tour, we visited Apollo 8 and then went to Atlantis (skipped the movie to save some time). After a 5 minute gift shop run our group had to meet at the theater for a private screening of the IMAX movie before leaving. We really didn't feel that the day felt long or that there was much walking involved. My family really enjoyed our day at the space center and we wished we had more time to spend there!

[nyc511]

Thank you all. I did find this link, but it is fairly old:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=909725

[dexddd]

If you are getting in at 1, that makes it a tough spot to visit KSC. Seems most NCL ships get into Port Canaveral now at noon or 1. KSC closes at 5 and the buses that go to the outer areas stop running around 3:30 as I recall. You could do just the main complex which has much to see, the shuttle launch experience, and Imax. If you do the NCL tour they used to let you stay past 5 and see an Imax movie at that time.

 

People have arranged car service, rented cars (but with limited time you'd only be wasting more time) - taxis seem to get mentioned the least.

 

KSC is such a neat place to visit including the outer areas - it is just a shame that NCL now gets into port so late, however, you can still make a short visit possible.

[Turtles06]

We did this itinerary on the Gem a year ago, and used a private car service to take us to KSC and then meet us back there at a specified time. We docked at noon; the car service showed up at the ship about 20 minutes later than we'd agreed, but did meet us at KSC on time. While there are taxis at the port, I don't recall any hanging around KSC; I suspect you'd have to call one.

 

Frankly, and especially if you don't dock till 1pm, I would seriously consider the NCL sponsored excursion. A highlight of the KSC tour is the bus ride around the KSC complex. Then you visit different exhibits (not sure how the NCL tour does it). Should have plenty of opportunities to sit down.

 

The presentation of the space shuttle Atlantis is really dramatic and fantastic.

 

I thought KSC was amazing (I'd been there years before, but so much is new), and I highly recommend it for your time in Port Canaveral.

 

 

(photo by turtles06)

[Savaann]

Booking through NCL, our time for the IMAX movie was after the space center closed to the public.

[Lisalk12]

We just returned from the Gem and used a retail car to go to the space center. Worked out well for our family and it saved us $$ over booking a NCL excursion.

[Crusin6]

Been on the Gem many times and looking forward to another cruise next week. I hear there were some cosmetic upgrades since last year. This will be, however, my first trip this time of year, and my first time on the Florida/Bahamas run.

 

 

 

We are interested in visiting the Space Center during the Florida stop. The excursion seems very long, and as some of us are older I am concerned that some may tire out before the end. So, questions!:

 

 

 

Do you think it possible to arrange your own transport to/from Space Center from ship (are there plenty of taxis/car services available at the dock and Space Center). That way we can leave whenever and not have to wait for the ships' tour bus.

 

 

 

How far from ship?

 

 

 

Any recommendations on an abridged visit that may be of interest to a group of middle-aged to older adults?!

 

 

 

Much thanks!

 

 

 

PS: I tried to post this under the Gem specific thread, but had trouble.

 

 

We arranged for a taxi van from a taxi/limo company in PC. I just googled and found one I liked and made the reservation

 

He called me on my cell at the prearranged pick up time and we walked to the van

 

30 minutes or so later I believe we were at the space center

 

We agreed on the pickup time

 

Paid him by credit card when he came back for us

 

 

Very reasonable price. In 2011 it was $75 round trip for all 5 of us

 

 

I think it was VIP Limo and the owner was mike

 

But just google port Canaveral transportation and you will be fine

 

 

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Edited June 17, 2016 by Crusin6

[Crusin6]

Btw the space center doesn't always stay open late. We docked at noon and the center closed at 5. We had plenty of time.

 

No need for an ncl excursion if you are worried about missing the ship either

 

 

The center closes hours before the ship is scheduled to leave so you have plenty of time

 

 

We went to the center from 1 pm to 5pm and the cab got us back before 6

 

The ship left at 10 pm. Lol

 

 

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