Best Pre-Cruise Hotel In Port Canaveral For Families, Couples & Groups
If you are planning a cruise vacation, there are many options around the US, even within Florida specifically. If you are planning a cruise vacation out of Florida’s popular cruise port, Port Canaveral, you may be looking for a relaxing pre-cruise hotel option nearby.
Whether you’re traveling with family, your partner, or a large group, choosing the best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral can set the tone for a smooth and stress-free voyage. And it’s a great idea to plan on starting your trip with a relaxing hotel stay nearby.
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Even as locals, we still enjoy a great hotel stay in the Port Canaveral area before cruising. It’s the perfect way to start our vacation, avoid a super early wake-up call on embarkation day, and ensure we are at the cruise terminal in time.
In this guide, we’re sharing our top hotel recommendations in the Cocoa Beach area and near Port Canaveral hotels. We’ll break down the best hotels for families, couples, and groups, while also highlighting must-know details like free breakfast, shuttles to the terminal, pools, parking packages, and room types.
Why Stay in the Cocoa Beach Area Before Your Cruise?
Cocoa Beach is just minutes from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal, making it the most convenient spot to stay before your ship departs. It’s also a fun beach town with a laid-back vibe – perfect for relaxing before your vacation begins.
Many of the Port Canaveral hotels in this area cater specifically to cruisers, offering perks like cruise shuttle service and cruise parking. But it’s important to look into each hotel to determine which one is the best for your travel party. There are several hotels within a few miles of the port, and many other hotels within a 20-minute drive or less.
Port Canaveral is 50 minutes from Orlando airport, around an hour from Disney World, and 50 minutes from Universal Studios Orlando. It’s an amazing port for a cruise or even a land and sea vacation!
If you are looking for things to do around Port Canaveral, check out the list below!
Best Pre-Cruise Hotel in Port Canaveral for Families
There are a few things to consider when booking a hotel for your family, including shuttle options, distance to the cruise port, and whether breakfast is included.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach
Why it’s great for families: Spacious suites with kitchens, a heated outdoor pool, free hot breakfast, and a family-friendly atmosphere make this hotel a top pick for those traveling with kids.
- Distance to Port Canaveral: 1 mile
- Amenities: Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, free evening social on weekdays
- Shuttle to Port: Yes for a small additional cost if you are parking outside of a package or a free shuttle is included if you have a package.
- Cruise Parking: Yes, free parking is included if you booked a parking package
- Room Types: Studio and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens
- Bonus: Walking distance to restaurants and only 5 minutes from the cruise terminal
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
Why it’s great for families: A full resort experience with a lazy river, water slides, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for turning your pre-cruise stay into part of your vacation. You may even have a view of your cruise ship!
- Distance to Port Canaveral: 1.5 miles
- Amenities: Water park with lazy river and slides, mini-golf, game room, beach access
- Shuttle to Port: Available (fee)
- Cruise Parking: Available with cruise package
- Room Types: Villas with full kitchens, 1- and 2-bedroom suites
- Bonus: So many on-site activities that kids won’t want to leave
Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral
Why it’s great for families: Modern rooms with a clean, upscale feel. Hyatt Place offers spacious accommodations, free breakfast, and convenience for cruise travelers.
- Distance to Port Canaveral: Under 1 mile (one of the closest hotels to the port!)
- Amenities: Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, 24/7 dining options
- Shuttle to Port: Yes (fee)
- Cruise Parking: Available with package, charging parking options available as well
- Room Types: Standard and family suites with sofa beds
- Bonus: Within walking distance of dining and shop
If you’re looking for the best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral for a family of four or more, these are great options!
If you are traveling to Walt Disney World, I highly recommend staying at a Disney Resort prior to your cruise! If you are sailing with Disney Cruise Line, the DCL transfer from resort to hotel is a smooth process!
Best Pre-Cruise Hotel in Port Canaveral for Couples
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Why it’s great for couples: Just 5 miles from the port and directly on the beach, this resort style modern hotel has a beautiful pool deck and updated rooms perfect for a romantic getaway before your cruise.
- Distance to Port Canaveral: 5 miles
- Amenities: Beach access, onsite restaurant, oceanfront rooms
- Shuttle to Port: Round trip shuttle service is not available, I recommend ride share!
- Cruise Parking: Not available
- Room Types: King rooms with private balconies, suites and standard rooms. Some king rooms have private hot tubs and extended balconies.
- Bonus: Walk to the beach for sunrise or enjoy a drink by the pool bar
The Holiday Inn listed above is another great option for couples and friends!
For couples looking for a fun and relaxed vibe, this might just be the best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral to kick off your vacation.
Best Pre-Cruise Hotel in Port Canaveral for Groups
Radisson Resort at the Port
Why it’s great for groups: This resort-style hotel is a favorite among large travel groups thanks to its tropical pool area, on-site dining, and cruise-friendly amenities. This is my choice when traveling with a group!
- Distance to Port Canaveral: Less than 2 miles
- Amenities: Large outdoor pool with waterfall, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness room and tennis courts
- Shuttle to Port: Yes (for a fee, but often included in cruise packages)
- Cruise Parking: Available with park-and-cruise packages
- Room Types: Standard rooms, suites, and villa-style options with multiple beds
- Bonus: Plenty of space to gather before and after your cruise, and often offers discounts for booking multiple rooms
Home2 Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral
Why it’s great for groups: Flexible room layouts, full kitchens, and modern common areas make this hotel a solid choice for friend groups or extended families traveling together.
- Distance to Port Canaveral: 0.5 miles
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly
- Shuttle to Port: Available (fee)
- Cruise Parking: Available with package
- Room Types: Studio and one-bedroom suites with sofa bed options and kitchens
- Bonus: Grocery delivery service and laundry facilities for added convenience
If you’re cruising with a crew, both the Radisson and Home2 Suites are top contenders for the best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral that offer comfort and flexibility.
The Port Canaveral cruise port is nearby Kennedy Space Center, which would be a great option to add to your vacation! Consider spending a day there before or after your cruise!
Additional Great Options Near the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal
Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
- Every room is a suite, including rooms from studio size to 2-bedrooms. All rooms include a kitchen
- Complimentary free breakfast buffet
- Cruise parking packages are available, which include a shuttle to the port
- Parking is available outside of the package for $6-$10 per day, plus the price of a shuttle
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral
- Free hot breakfast
- Heated pool and a waterfall whirlpool
- Affordable park-and-cruise packages
- Suites with bunk beds (which are great if you have kids!)
- Multiple room options, from standard rooms and family suites to one-bedroom suites and “Captains Quarters” suites which have a kitchen
- One of the most popular Port Canaveral hotels for cruise guests
Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach
If you are looking for a hotel option near some of the Cocoa Beach locations, this could be a great option! It’s a bit further from the cruise port, but you will have plenty to do the night before!
- Steps from Cocoa Beach and the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Surf-themed decor and indoor surfing wave
- On-site Starbucks and Shark Pit Bar & Grill
- Cruise shuttle available
Each of these hotels would be a great option while you are looking for the best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral. No matter what, it’s a great way to kick-off your vacation in Florida!
What to Consider When Booking a Pre-Cruise Hotel
When narrowing down the best hotels near the Port Canaveral cruise terminal, consider the following:
- Shuttle Availability: Not all hotels offer free shuttles to the cruise port, and some charge per person. Always ask!
- Cruise Parking: If you’re driving, look for hotels that offer park-and-cruise packages to save on parking at the terminal.
- Free Breakfast: A hot meal before boarding can be a game-changer, especially with kids in tow. Most cruise lines will have the buffet and some table service dining when you board, but it may take some time to get on the ship once you arrive to port.
- Proximity to the Port: Staying within 1-5 miles of the terminal ensures an easy transfer on embarkation morning.
- Room Size & Type: Suites, connecting rooms, or multi-bed options are best for families or groups.
- Cruise Line: Depending on your cruise line, they may have shuttle service connections with specific hotels. Be sure to look into this before you book! For example, Disney Cruise Line recommends Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, while Royal Caribbean may have shuttle service at another hotel.
- Travel Details: If you are flying into Orlando International Airport late the night before, you may find a hotel near the airport with a transfer from there is an easier process. If you are traveling from Disney World or Universal Studios, you have several options to get to the port!
- Duration of your Cruise: Consider the timeframe of your cruise, the cost of parking at the port and the cost of parking at a hotel. Some hotels limit the amount of time you can park on their parking lot as well, so confirm your duration prior to booking a specific hotel.
- Check The Launch Schedule: As mentioned, the Kennedy Space Center is nearby, and you could very easily see a space launch while on vacation! You can see the launch schedule online prior to your cruise!
- Use A Travel Agent: I highly recommend using a travel agent for cruises! They can handle everything and in most cases cost you nothing! Even as a Florida local, I always use a travel agent for our family vacations and solo trips! Anything to make my vacations truly feel like a vacation!
At the end of the day, I highly recommend you book one of the best pre-cruise hotels in Port Canaveral to have a stress-free start to your vacation.
Top Things to Do in and Near Port Canaveral
If you are looking for things to do prior to your cruise from Port Canaveral, or even after your cruise if you want to extend your vacation, these are great options!
🚀 1. Kennedy Space Center
- Location: Merritt Island (about 20 minutes from Port Canaveral)
- Why Go: One of the most popular attractions in the area! Explore NASA history, see real rockets, meet astronauts, and experience thrilling simulators.
- Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance- this spot can get busy on weekends and cruise days.
🏖️ 2. Visit Cocoa Beach
- Location: Just south of Port Canaveral
- Why Go: Iconic Florida beach with soft sand and mellow waves—great for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing before your cruise.
- Bonus: Rent beach chairs and umbrellas by the hour or grab a bite from a beachfront café.
🛍️ 3. Go Shopping at Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Location: Cocoa Beach
- Why Go: The world’s largest surf shop is open 24/7 and packed with beachwear, souvenirs, and cool gear. The billboards for Ron Jon start all the way in Georgia- it’s that popular!
- Fun Fact: Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fun place to browse.
🐬 4. Take a Dolphin Tour or Wildlife Boat Tour
- Location: Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach
- Why Go: Go on a scenic cruise to spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds in the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River. We LOVE boat tours and these do not disappoint- start getting your sea legs ready!
- Available With: Island Boat Lines, Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours
🦐 5. Seafood Dining at the Port
- Location: Port Canaveral’s Cove District
- Top Spots:
- Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
- Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
- Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
- Why Go: These waterfront restaurants offer fresh seafood, live music, and views of cruise ships coming and going.
🛳️ 6. Watch the Cruise Ships Depart from Jetty Park
- Location: Jetty Park or any of the Port Canaveral restaurants
- Why Go: A peaceful beach park with a long fishing pier, picnic areas, and a great view of cruise ships. It’s surprisingly fun to watch the massive cruise ships sail out to sea—especially at sunset!
- Parking: $15/day; fills up fast on weekends
🦎 7. Exploration Tower
- Location: Port Canaveral
- Why Go: Interactive exhibits about the port’s history, plus panoramic views from the top floor. Great photo op spot!
🧗 8. Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures
- Location: Cocoa Beach
- Why Go: Zip lines and ropes courses through a shaded canopy—great for adventurous families or groups.
⛯ 9. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tour
- Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Why Go: Explore a historic lighthouse still used by the U.S. Space Force. Tours require registration in advance due to security.
🎣 10. Deep Sea Fishing Charter
- Location: Departing from Port Canaveral
- Why Go: Spend half or a full day fishing the deep Atlantic waters. Grouper, snapper, and even sailfish are common catches.
BONUS: #11 – Visit Disney World on a land & sea vacation!
Are you looking for the full Walt Disney World experience?
Check out the Disney page to learn more about navigating the parks, all the best snacks, planning an ideal Disney day & more!
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic escape, or group cruise, there’s a perfect hotel waiting for you in the Cocoa Beach area. With shuttles, pools, free breakfasts, and convenient cruise parking, these Port Canaveral hotels help kick off your cruise the right way.
Don’t forget to book early – hotels near this popular cruise port fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during high cruise season.
So take a deep breath, enjoy a night in sunny Florida, and let one of these picks be your best pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral before you sail away.
