Let's start with Port Canaveral as that is the most popular cruise destination! There are a few options!
Option #1
It's HIGHLY recommended that you fly in the night before your cruise JUST IN CASE. Option #1 is the most preferable and logistically the easiest....stay at Disney! By staying at Disney resort you'll be able to take advantage of Disney's free transfers to your hotel from the airport. Spend the afternoon/evening hanging out at Downtown Disney or resort hopping (if you want to save money by not buying a theme park ticket).
No need to spurge! Spend the night at a value resort!
To get to the cruise you have two options:
A) Use Disney for your cruise transfers. These will cost you $35 per person but Disney will handle everything! They'll take your bags at your resort and the next time you'll see them is at your stateroom. They'll handle the driving, pick you up and take you there. The downfall is you are on Disney's schedule so you might arrive to the port a little later than other options.
B) Use a private towncar service. Depending on the size of your party this might be a bit cheaper. You'll also be able to schedule a stop at a store if you want...remember you can bring your own Wine/Liquor/Beer/Bottled water on board if you wish! I highly recommend Quick Silver Transfers!
Option #2
This option still involves arriving a night early but if you opt for a late flight, I would highly recommend just staying at the airport. The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is a great option for late arrivals. The next morning you can use one of the same two options above, either Disney's transfers or a private company.
This is a perfect option if you are arriving really late!
There is even shopping and restaurants to visit if you'd like!
Option #3
Arriving a bit early? Option 3 involves heading down to the port. This option is great if you are looking for something a bit different to do or if you are driving. There are several hotels in Port Canaveral area that offer a Park and Cruise options that includes keeping your car and shuttling you to the cruise in the morning. This is a great option if you have a rental car as well as it can be cheaper than paying for parking at the port!
The Cocoa Beach area is VERY touristy. There are some fun things to do like visiting Kennedy Space Center (you need a whole day for this), but there is also a lot of tourist shops. Ron Jon Surf Shop is fun to head to and the local beach is free (although it's nothing like you'll experience at Castaway Cay!)
Here are the prices for parking at the port:
$60.00 per parking space for the 3-night cruise
$75.00 per parking space for the 4-night cruise
$90.00 per parking space for the 5-night cruise
$105.00 per parking space for the 6-night cruise
$120.00 per parking space for the 7-night cruise
If the Guest's vehicle takes up more than one parking space (i.e. RV, trailer), the guest is charged $15.00 per additional parking space per day. Preferred parking is also available for $25.00 per day. The preferred parking area is located inside the secured area, next to the vehicle dropoff area.
Other Ports
Miami
The same train of thought applies here. There are two resorts that are "official" Disney resort where they will pick you up from them (Marriott Stanton South Beach and the Conrad Miami). The Comfort Suites Miami Airport North is an unofficial hotel but offers shuttle transfers between the hotel and the port.
Vancouver
The Pan Pacific is the closest you can get to the Cruise Terminal as it's in the same building. You'll pay a price for the convenience however. You can arrive the day of and take advantage of Disney's transfers however this is not recommended.
Flying into Seattle might be slightly cheaper but renting a car is going to cost you. There is also a train that takes you from Seattle to Vancouver however this would only be recommended the night before.
For more information on other cities such as San Juan and cruises departing in Europe, contact your travel planner!
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