Finding Your Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal
Navigating Port Canaveral:
Your Cruise Terminal & More
Sometimes when you’re trying to find the right spot in a new place, it can seem just as scary as whatever horror movie your kid is interested in making you watch this Halloween. But it doesn’t have to be with Port Canaveral! When you’re visiting or cruising from Port Canaveral, the different terminals and parking places can seem really confusing. You can’t even rely fully on the driving tips from your travel agent or Google Maps. That’s why we’re here with a quick guide to help you the next time you’re in town. When you go visit the theme parks in Central Florida, you’ll wish the roads were as easy as our Port!
Since we’re the second busiest cruise port in the world, it’s not wonder that we might have to do something like split the port into two areas! Each side has it’s own selection of things, and they are split by a small drawbridge over the channel. Both terminals can be reached from 528 East/A1A, but you probably want to know which one you’re trying to get to in the first place, right?
Cruise Terminal A
Cruise Terminal A might seem like the smaller terminal: Cruise Terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10 are located here. However, Cruise Terminal A is where you’ll find more of the ships: Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian’s ships are found at this terminal. As of Fall of 2018 unless you’re sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you’re probably looking for Cruise Terminal A.
But how do you find it? It’s actually really easy! If you’re sailing on a ship from CT-5, CT-6, CT-8, or CT-10, you’ll want to follow 528-East until you find the exit for the North Cargo Piers/Cruise Terminal A or 401-North to the Air Force Station. Once you take the exit, you will take a short drive over the drawbridge that I mentioned earlier. All of the different cruise terminals have clear signage, and each is on the right. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if you hit the Air Force Station!
Cruise Terminals 5, 6, 8 and 10
The first turn for a cruise terminal will take you to CT-8 and CT-10. Each of these terminals has their own parking garage and additional parking area. Cruise Terminal 8 offers preferred parking at an additional cost, pushing the parking costs even higher. Disney ships, like the Disney Fantasy, are at CT-8. At CT-10, however, you’ll find the Norwegian ships: the Epic and the Sun. This is the OFFICIAL Port Canaveral location of these ships, but remember that sometimes the port changes things up. Always double check which terminal you’re supposed to go to.
Can’t find Cruise Terminal 8? Just follow Maps to 9155 Charles M Rowland Dr.
Can’t find Cruise Terminal 10? Just follow Maps to 9005 Charles M Rowland Dr.
Cruise Terminals 5 and 6 are both for Port Canaveral’s unofficial favorite cruise line, Carnival. The Carnival ships are here, and they are the second set of terminals after CT-8 and CT-10. They share a parking garage and big, open parking areas for you to park in.
Looking for Cruise Terminals 5 & 6? Just follow Maps to 9245 Charles M Rowland Dr. They’re right next to each other.
Cruise Terminal B
While Cruise Terminal A has almost all the ships, Cruise Terminal B has far more bang for your buck when it comes to day-visitors and locals. You’ll find tons of things to do here, along with the Royal Caribbean ships: the Oasis of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Majesty of the Seas. And in a few years, this side of the port will be even more hoppin’. The $150 million re-do of Cruise Terminal 3 is happening right now (read about it here!), and with its opening will come newer, bigger ships – like the new Carnival ship. To get to this part of Port Canaveral, follow 528-East less than a mile past the North Cargo Pier exit and follow the signs for the exit toward Cruise Terminal B.
Cruise Terminals 1 and 2
Cruise Terminal 1 and 2 (CT-1 and CT-2) each are smaller than the Cruise Terminal A spots, and this is probably because there are fewer ships going in and out of these terminals. CT-1 is the location of the Royal Caribbean cruises. This terminal has a smaller parking area for all of the Royal Caribbean cruisers. When driving down George King Blvd., you’ll see this cruise terminal on the left. Further down the boulevard, you will see the Victory Casino ship, Port Canaveral’s daily gambling cruise! The only ships at CT-2 are for Victory, so you’ll never have a hard time finding your casino ship.
Head over to Cruise Terminal 1! Find it at 9050 Discovery Rd.
Take a look at Victory Casinos at 180 Christopher Columbus Dr.
More Sightseeing!
If you aren’t going on a cruise, don’t worry! There’s plenty more to do at Port Canaveral. If you head towards Cruise Terminal B, you’ll be able to enjoy sightseeing, delicious foods, beautiful beaches, and more. The top three places to visit in Cruise Terminal B are Jetty Park, the Exploration Tower, and the Cove.
*Jetty Park, Courtesy of Port Canaveral
Jetty Park Beach and Pier is right at the end of George J. King Boulevard, past under-construction Cruise Terminal 3. This park is one of the coolest places around, with a stretch of pristine beaches, pavilions that you can rent, and concessions and campgrounds. Perfect for a day of lounging on the sand or enjoying the best fishing, there’s activities for the whole family to enjoy! Definitely come see Jetty Park if you’re in the area, and you will not be disappointed.
The Cove and the Exploration Tower are right before Cruise Terminal 1, on a turn-off from George J King Blvd. The Exploration Tower is an eye-catching landmark with its modern, sail-shaped architecture. Inside are seven stories of interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and shops. While the exhibits seem targeted at kids, there’s plenty for the whole family to learn about in the tower. You’ll discover so much about the Port and its history at this new attraction!
The Cove
The Cove is the Port Canaveral hot-spot. Right next to the Exploration Tower and just a short walk from CT-1, you’ll find a bustling area with all the best restaurants you could want, right on the waterfront! This recreation area is perfect for watching the cruise ships leave the harbor, listening to local bands play into the night, grabbing a bite to eat with friends and family, or fishing away the day. Some of the spots to check out are Grills, Fishlips, and Rusty’s, but there’s even more restaurants and shops to visit.