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About Port Canaveral,
Florida
Port Canaveral, in the center of Florida's east coast,
is the surfing capital of the Atlantic. It is home to rocket and shuttle
launches, the largest sea turtle nesting area in the country, the largest
scallop fishery on the planet and a national refuge with more endangered
species than any other. Oh, and it's also the second busiest cruise port
in the world.
Even with all of these superlatives, most cruise passengers associate Port
Canaveral with Orlando just 45 miles east -- and with Walt Disney World,
Universal theme parks and Sea World so close, it would be difficult to
find a cruise port anywhere that offers access to more theme parks and
family-friendly tourist attractions. But for those who've already had (or
care to pass up) the Orlando experience, Port Canaveral is worth a pre- or
post-cruise visit in and of itself.
The port bills itself as Orlando's closest beach with dolphins, manatees,
loggerhead turtles and miles of pristine sand -- minus the crowds typical
of South Florida. A mile and a half of bike paths run throughout Port
Canaveral, as well as three parks, including Jetty Park where camping and
fishing opportunities abound. The bustling Cove at Port Canaveral features
a variety of restaurants and shops.
But with Port Canaveral smack in the middle of what's known as Florida's
72-mile Space Coast, the premier attraction is the Kennedy Space Center,
where guests can meet and talk to actual astronauts. The U.S. Astronaut
Hall of Fame, six miles from the visitors' center, houses the world's
largest collection of astronaut memorabilia as well as displays, exhibits
and tributes dedicated to the heroes of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.
Ships based in Port Canaveral sail itineraries ranging in length from
three to seven days. Considering the proximity to Orlando, it's no
surprise Disney Cruise Line's fleet homeports here -- but several Carnival
and Royal Caribbean vessels also call Port Canaveral home. Though mostly a
turnaround port, some lines (such as NCL, Seabourn and Royal Caribbean)
make regular port calls throughout spring, summer and fall.
for more info
Cruise Information
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