Port Canaveral is the premier choice for an affordable, high-value cruise departing from the Orlando area. As the closest cruise port to Orlando, it provides easy access to budget-friendly cruise itineraries, specializing in popular 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas. These short sailings significantly reduce the overall cost while still providing a complete and relaxing island experience. Many cheap cruises from Port Canaveral feature stops at private islands like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. Port Canaveral is simply the smart, accessible choice for your next cheap cruise and the perfect Central Florida vacation getaway.
The surrounding Space Coast reinforces the trip's value by offering unique, low-cost activities. You can enhance your vacation with free local attractions, like catching a rocket launch from a public viewing park or spending a day at the famous, easily accessible Cocoa Beach. For those arriving by car, look for off-site parking for rates lower than the official port or book local hotel packages that include parking and shuttle service for a smooth, low-cost start to your ocean adventure.
Looking for the most affordable tropical vacation? A cheap Bahamas cruise is your ultimate short-haul escape, specializing in budget-friendly 3 to 4-night itineraries. You get maximum fun without the high cost, making it the perfect quick getaway. Explore historic Nassau and, best of all, enjoy a complimentary day at a cruise line's exclusive private island, an all-inclusive paradise offering premium slides, pristine beaches, and free dining at an unbeatable value. It's a low-cost break with a high-end feel.
Discover a world of adventure with an affordable Caribbean cruise. This destination offers exceptional value by allowing you to hop between islands on a single, budget-conscious trip. Choose the Western Caribbean for low-cost, high-thrill excursions such as snorkeling and exploring Mayan history. Sail to the Eastern Caribbean for a chance to grab great duty-free deals on elegant islands like St. Thomas and St. Maarten. It's the ideal way to enjoy rich culture, natural beauty, and a diverse itinerary without breaking the bank.
Indulge in an elevated experience that's surprisingly affordable with a cheap Bermuda cruise. This destination offers a unique blend of British charm and North Atlantic beauty, known globally for its iconic pink-sand beaches. The itineraries available often feature multi-day stays, giving you ample time to dive legendary shipwrecks, explore the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, and stroll the UNESCO World Heritage streets of St. George's. It's the perfect way to secure a tranquil, elegant, and cost-effective escape that feels luxurious but fits your budget.
For nature lovers, this 10-acre protected habitat along the Banana River is a must-see. It features paved walking trails and a boardwalk over the water, offering your best chance to spot manatees, especially during cooler months when they seek warmer river inlets, without paying for a dedicated wildlife tour. This is a peaceful, cost-free stop to stretch your legs after a long drive and connect with Florida's local wildlife.
Cocoa Beach
The iconic Cocoa Beach is famous for its soft sand and consistent, beginner-friendly waves. You can easily spend an afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or watching surfers for free. If you are budget-conscious, look for a beach access point near Lori Wilson Park, which often provides the best-value parking option. While the main Cocoa Beach Pier has fees (high-cost parking and on-pier activities), you can enjoy the rest of the beach without paying any attraction costs.
Jetty Park Beach
Located right next to the cruise terminals, Jetty Park is the premier spot to see your ship up close or watch others sail out. The entrance requires an affordable per-vehicle day pass fee, which grants you access to a clean beach, a 1,200-foot fishing pier, and picnic areas for the entire day. With just one affordable fee, families can enjoy a full day of fun right next to the port.
Florida Surf Museum
For a free dose of local culture and history, visit the Florida Surf Museum. Located inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop building in Cocoa Beach, this all-volunteer, non-profit museum offers free admission and is dedicated to preserving the rich history and culture of Florida surfing. It features changing exhibits of vintage surfboards and memorabilia. It's a quick, low-time-commitment stop that provides unique, zero-cost entertainment without pressuring you to buy retail items.
Watch a Rocket Launch
This is arguably the most unique and highest-value experience the area offers. Before sailing, check the schedule for the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. While KSC tickets are expensive, many public spots offer a perfect, completely free view. Prime viewing areas include Jetty Park and Kennedy Point Park. If a launch is scheduled during your visit, be sure to plan your pre-cruise day around this spectacular, cost-free event.
Booking a shared shuttle in advance is usually the most affordable option. Companies such as Go Port or Cruise Control charge about $25 to $30 per person for each trip. This is much less than taking a taxi, which can cost $130 or more for one ride, and it often saves you from the high prices that ride-shares charge on busy cruise days.
Parking at the cruise terminals usually costs around $20 a day. If you want to save some money, consider booking a spot at a private lot nearby. These secure lots are just a few minutes from the port, often cost as little as $14 a day, and almost always include a free round-trip shuttle for your group.
For the best deal, consider booking a "Snooze, Park, & Cruise" package at a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral. These packages usually cover a one-night stay, round-trip shuttle service to the port, and free or discounted long-term parking while you're on your cruise. This option often ends up being cheaper than paying for parking and shuttle service on their own.
For the lowest initial fare from Port Canaveral, look for cruises offered by Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. They consistently feature short (3-to-4-night) Bahamas cruises starting at very affordable per-person rates, especially during off-peak seasons.
The lowest cruise prices are typically found during the "Hurricane Season Shoulder Season," specifically in late August, September, and early to mid-January (after the holiday rush). While this carries a small risk of itinerary changes, the fare savings can be hundreds of dollars per person.
If your hotel is close to the beach, taking public transportation is the most affordable way to get around. The Space Coast Area Transit Route 9 bus serves this area and costs just a few dollars per person. If you prefer a quicker option, ride-shares or taxis are available, but they usually cost between $25 and $35 for a short trip.
Yes, limited free Wi-Fi access is often available at the Port Canaveral cruise terminals, which is a great budget saver for pre-boarding check-ins and quick communication. Once you are on the ship, however, internet access is only available through paid cruise line packages.
Consider exploring restaurants a bit farther from the terminals, as those right next door can sometimes have higher tourist prices. For a budget-friendly option, you might want to pick up snacks and drinks from a local grocery store before heading to the port. Many cruisers also like to bring their own bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
For budget travelers, avoid booking excursions through the cruise line. It is almost always cheaper to research and book the exact same excursions directly with local tour operators in your destination port, or to plan a self-guided tour for minimal cost.
The most affordable strategy is to book a hotel not directly on the Port Peninsula and complete your cruise line's check-in online in advance. The main cost/hassle you are avoiding is early luggage storage. Most hotels will allow you to store your bags for a few hours for free or a small gratuity before their check-in time.
By completing the cruise check-in online and printing your boarding pass/luggage tags, you can take a low-cost shared shuttle to the terminal near your assigned boarding time, drop your bags directly with a porter, and walk straight onto the ship without paying for a full extra day of luggage storage or an expensive early hotel check-in fee.
Related Articles
The Best Short Cruises from Miami, Los Angeles, and Port Canaveral
iCruise Editorial Staff | Aug 04, 2025
Short cruises offer an exciting way to experience the joys of cruising without the commitment of a full week at sea. With short cruises departing from top U.S. ports like Miami, Los Angeles, and Port Canaveral, it's never been easier to set sail on a mini adventure.
How to Get the Best Cruise Deals: Tips and Discounts You Need to Know
iCruise Editorial Staff | Aug 04, 2025
Ready to set sail without sinking your savings? Forget the idea that cruising is always expensive. With the right strategy, you can save hundreds on your next vacation.
Last-Minute Weekend Getaways: How to Snag the Best Cruise Deals
iCruise Editorial Staff | Aug 04, 2025
Last-minute travel has never looked so good, or so easy. More and more travelers are turning to last-minute weekend getaways as a fast, affordable escape from the daily grind.
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
[docid:100061]
International Callers
CruiseCheap is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. You may book online or contact us directly. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below
United Kingdom
Freephone: 0800 032 9381
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
British Standard Time (London)
Australia
Freecall: 1300 593 097
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Australian Eastern Standard Time (Brisbane)
Asia
Please Call:+65 3125 2214
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Singapore Standard Time
Taiwan
Please Call:+886 801491434
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Taiwan Standard Time
India
Please Call:8000 501 716
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Indian Standard Time
European Union
Please Call:+44 203 450 7998
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
British Standard Time (London)
All Other Countries
Call: 00-1-561-366-4816
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Eastern Standard Time (Florida)
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
