Best way to shuttle from MCO to the Port

[Cindiberri]

We are taking our first cruise on June 14 on Mariner of the Seas. We will be flying into Orlando International Airport and staying at the Hyatt Regency International Airport.  What is the Best way to get to the port? Since we are new to cruising, we feel a bit lost , just  trying to get all of our "ducks in a row." Any suggestions for newbies?

[Hutcherl]

Just depends on how much time you have and how you plan to spend that time before the cruise.  

If you have an early flight the day before,  renting a car might be useful to get around.  Then drop it off at whatever rental agency the morning of the cruise in Cocoa Beach or Port Canaveral.  Use their shuttle to drop you at the port.  

Consider Uber if you don’t need the rental to get around the day before, especially if it’s just two people.  Uber XL gets a little expensive.  This is the very convenient because you don’t have to return any rentals.  Straight shot from your hotel to the port. 

There are other ways like group shuttles but I don’t prefer that option.  Mainly because you have little control on when you arrive at the port.  You are on their schedule and everybody else’s that are on the shuttle with you.

[Cruisegirl1976]

Cocoa Beach shuttle.. they were great.

[Lovetocruise2002]

We have done this route 3 times in the past.  Fly in a day ahead.  Stayed at the Hyatt Regency inside MCO.  The next morning, we would take the cruise line transfer from MCO (baggage claim area). 

Next December, we will be cruising HM out of Port Canaveral but this time with our family of 14.  The cruise line transfer is not going to be worth it this time around.  Currently looking a Cortran's shuttle service and many here have reported good things about it.

[Neo]

1 hour ago, Cruisegirl1976 said:

Cocoa Beach shuttle.. they were great.

Second this one, we used them and it was great. Shuttled us from the airport to our Hampton Inn hotel in Cocoa Beach, then took us to the port the following morning, and they picked us up on debarkation day and shuttled us back to the hotel and airport. 

[whitsmom]

Check Go Shuttle.  I have used them several times at various airports.

[Matt]

I always recommend Lyft or Uber. Simple and cost effective.

Also, I just booked that sailing so see you onboard!

[bossdog421]

We always fly in the day before then rent a car to drive to our Port Canaveral hotel. It usually cheaper than the shuttle for a single day rental. We can then drive to the beach, grab a bite to eat, and explore. Last time the drop off location for the rental car was 1 block away from our hotel, i just did an after hour key drop and walked back to the hotel.  Wake up early, grab breakfast at the hotel and use the hotels shuttle to get to the port.

 

It works out great, it's cost effective and it's extremely flexible.

[tiny260]

Basically the same topic on a different thread.

 

[mbk999]

It's been awhile, but I've only ever done a one way rental, with a repeat on the way back.  It's not the most direct but it's cheaper than the shuttle and it gives you more control on your schedule.   The rental car shuttle back and forth to the port is relatively seemless.  Note though, on the return, if you're planning on carrying your luggage off and getting off the ship early, the rental car places may not be open yet.

Side note:  Good call on the Hyatt Regency hotel in the airport, particularly if you're on a late flight into MCO.  It's super convenient.   

[monctonguy]

I worry about getting an Uber when getting off the ship..as its a bit of a drive to MCO...so I winder if they are as easy/plentiful to find as it would be in Miami or FLL?

[betatke1480]

If we don't rent a car, we've used smart-two before and really enjoyed it.  

https://www.smart-two.com/en/transportation/orlando-airport/shuttles/port-canaveral/index.html

[Kansas Cruiser]

We used Cortrans October 2018 and highly recommend!

https://www.cortrans-shuttle.com/

 

[Cindiberri]

Thank You  for all the feedback Everyone!! We will be finalizing soon!! 

[AlwaysRollin]

I'd like to bump this post, just to see if anyone has any more recent experiences?  I'm debating getting a hotel near MCO and taking uber into Port Canaveral, or just getting the hotel out in Cape Canaveral as the prices aren't much more than the airport hotel rates.