Comparisons of transportation options from Port Canaveral to MCO (party of 5)

[peacefrogdog]

This is specific to Royal Caribbean - had posted on RC board there but no responses yet so trying here if allowed.

Looking for reviews of RC organized shuttle from Port canaveral to MCO. We are a group of 5, all adults, with likely total of 2 larger suitcases and 3 carry on luggage (and each of the 5of us with a personal item). Following disembarkation, we need to make a flight to Toronto, Canada at 1220 pm.

Any drawbacks of the RC-organized shuttle beyond cost (see below for comparisons)? Other options I've looked atThe RC transportation is booked through the Cruise Planner, so I assume that it is well organized to know where to go etc. I was asked to select at time when booking - I selected the earliest option of 8 AM. As the next available option was 830 Am, I assume our selected shuttle will depart before 830.

The cost for the cruiseline's shuttle to MCO for 5 of us was $130 USD/$188 CDN. For comparison:

1. the Cheapest private transportation option I found was from Orlando Shades transportation, $120 before tips. This would be convenient but once tips are added would end up being more expensive.
2. Cost of one way car rental is a bit cheaper ($100 USD) but factoring in the potential cost of gas and the minor headache of catching a shuttle to the rental car agency, waiting in line etc., it may even out.
3. The price of a Lyft for an XL (to gurantee space for our luggage) is $88 before tips so will similar in the end fo the cost of a rental.

Thanks for your input.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd probably just go with the cruise line offerings based on your price calculations. It will be the least hassle/worry of the bunch.

 

[sam_gordon]

We've never used the cruise line transportation, but the difference in cost (including tip) between them and private transportation would be ~$15. ($120+20% = $144 compared to $130 for cruiseline bus). *IF* your RCI driver handles your luggage, it's common to give them $1-$2/bag. So your cruiseline cost just went to $140.

To me, the cost difference between the two is negligible. Private shuttle will pick you up when you want (no waiting for a bus to fill up), and would probably be willing to make a stop (if needed). I only bring up the stop because one time we got off a ship at PC, had private transportation to MCO, and asked the driver to stop at a quickie mart for some OTC med because we didn't want to pay airport prices. Nothing we had planned to do, but it was nice to have that option.

So, of the two, I think the private transportation is worth the few dollars more.

Rental car would probably cost <$10 in gas (figure 2-3 gallons should get you the ~50 miles). But yes, I agree the time to shuttle to the rental car place and waiting in line would turn me off.

My choice would be the following:
1) Private Car
2) Cruise Line Bus
3) Ride Share
4) Rental Car

 

[jimmymc]

A few things to consider:

1. Traffic in and out of the port can be a pain, and it would be especially bad if you needed to deal with a rental car shuttle.

2. The Royal Caribbean transfer busses normally leave as they fill up, and you should have a steady stream of passengers going to the airport. This means you won't need to wait long for the bus to depart.

3. Ubers, and especially Uber XLs, can be difficult to get from Port Canaveral to Orlando in the morning. Not as many drivers live in the area, and most aren't going to drive out there just for a pickup.

4. Depending on how much luggage you have, an Uber XL might still be cramped. Some of them will have 3 rows of seats but very little trunk space.

I recommend keeping the 8 am cruise bus. That will get you to Orlando in plenty of time with the lowest amount of hassle. It's worth the extra money.