Top 5 things families overlook when booking Port Canaveral transfers

Cruising from Port Canaveral is a fantastic family vacation, but the journey to the ship is a crucial first step that many families get wrong. The drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO) or a local hotel to the port terminal is a common source of stress, especially when you have children and luggage in tow.

To help you avoid a frantic start to your cruise, here are the top five things families often overlook when booking their Port Canaveral transfers.

1. Failing to Account for Luggage and Strollers

Families on a cruise typically bring more luggage than the average traveler. Between formal wear, multiple outfits for different climates, and all the gear for the kids, you're likely to have a mountain of suitcases. A common mistake is booking a vehicle that looks big enough on the website but lacks the trunk or cargo space to fit everything. A family of four with two standard-sized suitcases each, a carry-on, and a collapsible stroller will quickly find a standard sedan or even a smaller SUV is not enough.

The Fix: Before booking, take a realistic count of all your bags, including carry-ons and any oversized items like strollers or mobility equipment. When reserving a private car or shuttle, be specific about your luggage count. Many services offer larger vehicles like full-size SUVs or vans that are specifically designed for cruise-port transfers and have ample cargo space.

2. Assuming Child Safety Seats are Included

Florida law requires children five years old and younger to be in a properly installed car seat or booster seat. Many families overlook this when booking a transfer, assuming the service will provide one. Shared shuttle services, in particular, often do not provide car seats because their large vehicles may not have seatbelts that can properly accommodate them. This can lead to a dangerous situation or a last-minute scramble to find an alternative.

The Fix: If you have children who require a car seat, a private car service is almost always the best option. When booking, explicitly state that you need a car seat and specify the type (infant, toddler, booster) and the number required. Reputable car services will provide and properly install these seats, ensuring your children's safety and saving you the hassle of lugging your own.

3. Not Allowing Enough Buffer Time

Embarkation day is a high-stakes affair. Many families cut their travel time too close, booking a flight that lands just a few hours before the ship is scheduled to depart. They don't account for potential flight delays, luggage retrieval, or unexpected traffic on the highway to Port Canaveral. A single delay can cause an immense amount of stress or, in a worst-case scenario, make you miss the ship entirely.

The Fix: Plan to arrive in Orlando the day before your cruise. This eliminates the pressure of a tight schedule and gives you plenty of time to deal with any travel mishaps. If you must arrive on the day of the cruise, book the earliest possible flight and aim to land at least five hours before your ship's all-aboard time. This buffer allows for a more relaxed experience and accounts for any unforeseen delays.

4. Choosing a Shared Shuttle with Multiple Stops

Shared shuttle services are a budget-friendly option, but families often forget about the time-consuming process of making multiple stops. After picking up passengers at the airport, the shuttle will often make several stops at different hotels and other cruise terminals before arriving at your final destination. What should be a 45-minute direct drive can easily stretch to 90 minutes or more, testing the patience of everyone in your party, especially the children.

The Fix: If you're traveling with a large group or simply value your time, a private transfer is a better choice. The cost may be higher, but the direct, non-stop service from your pickup location to your terminal is invaluable. If a shared shuttle is your only option, be sure to confirm how many stops it typically makes and ask about their policy on wait times.

5. Ignoring the Logistics for Your Return Trip

The excitement of the cruise often overshadows the planning for the return trip. Many families forget to book transportation back to the airport or assume they can easily hail a taxi or ride-share. This can lead to long wait times, especially on a busy disembarkation day when thousands of other passengers are also looking for a ride.

The Fix: When you book your transfer to Port Canaveral, always book your return trip at the same time. Many companies offer a discount for round-trip reservations, and it guarantees you have a ride waiting for you when you get off the ship. This simple step at the beginning of your planning process will save you from a stressful and expensive last-minute scramble at the end of your cruise.

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