MCO to Cruise Port?

[Starbrite]

I need advice on how to get from the Orlando Airport to the Cruise port (Radisson) for our upcoming Carnival Cruise. We're flying down a day early so Cruise Transfers are not an option.

There are 11 of us (9 adults - 2 kids). I would guess maybe 13 suitcases, plus carry-ons.

We were originally looking into some sort of SUV Limo (ie: Hummer, Escalade - we wanted to start off our vaca in style ). Some of them say 15-20 people, but only 8-10 suitcases?? Guess someone has to go naked all week Anyways, do they allow suitcases up in the seating area too if they don't all fit?

Renting a car is not an option with that many of us. Our guys will never ask directions, the women will be in the back yapping & we'll probably end up in Key West!

Which shuttle companies to you recommend?

Any other suggestions?
TIA

 

[NJ Goofy]

There are car service such as FL Tours and others that use a small "luxury" type bus for parties as big as yours. Give them a call (or do a google search), I'm sure you'll find one that will work.

 

[VAgal76]

Plenty of limo companies have 15 pass vans. Check out Lorden Transportation, Tiffany Town Car, (though I didn't like my experience others have had great experiences with this next one) Mousesaver recommended - Happy Limo.

In all honesty your cheapest option is rent a couple of minivans one way. The rental costs are surprisingly reasonable. It's literally a straight shot from the airport to the cruise terminal. The cruise terminal is well marked and very easy to navigate. Budget, Avis and Hertz are the three major players. You can drop off the luggage and have the crew begin check in while the two drivers return the vehicles. The gas station is right on the main drag and makes it easy to get snacks and water before returning the vehicles. Free shuttle is offered to take you back to the cruise terminal.

 

[a1tinkfans]

We used a company recommended over on cruisecritic, I cannot for life of me recall name though,
to get from MCO to the Raddison Resort at the port, also came in a day early for Rccl trip
Easy as pie...we were the ONLY pick up... Shuttle van, 9 of us, to hotel..on way back to airport we waited about 15 minutes for it to fill...not sure why....
The resort has a free shuttle to port BUT, reserve your spot NOW, don't wait till you get there if you want to get on your ship as early as possible.

By the way Cruisecritic lists many things that are great about the cruises, TIPS and such.
The Raddison Pool was lovely, small bar area outside with some foods you can get delivered to you at a nearby table..... we ate at the Greek place next door, not exactly "pretty/ambiance deficient for sure" but good food AND they took a reservation for our group, and at the time we requested. There is also some bus/shuttle that takes you to a downtown area to shop, walk around. (I stayed behind so no other details known)

Well, have a great trip! I remember name, I'll post it, sorry!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Tip for the next time. Fly into Melbourne airport. There is a shuttle that will take you to the port and it also goes to Vero beach Disney resort.

The Melbourne Airport Shuttle offers door-to-door pickup service, with special rates for destinations such as Port Canaveral and Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

Call for information at (321) 724-1600

Call toll free anywhere in the US (800) 826- 4544

 

[Starbrite]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

Tip for the next time. Fly into Melbourne airport. There is a shuttle that will take you to the port and it also goes to Vero beach Disney resort.

Thanks for the tip...there WILL be a next time

We used a company recommended over on cruisecritic, I cannot for life of me recall name though,
to get from MCO to the Raddison Resort at the port, also came in a day early for Rccl trip
Easy as pie...we were the ONLY pick up... Shuttle van, 9 of us, to hotel..on way back to airport we waited about 15 minutes for it to fill...not sure why....
The resort has a free shuttle to port BUT, reserve your spot NOW, don't wait till you get there if you want to get on your ship as early as possible.

By the way Cruisecritic lists many things that are great about the cruises, TIPS and such.
The Raddison Pool was lovely, small bar area outside with some foods you can get delivered to you at a nearby table..... we ate at the Greek place next door, not exactly "pretty/ambiance deficient for sure" but good food AND they took a reservation for our group, and at the time we requested. There is also some bus/shuttle that takes you to a downtown area to shop, walk around. (I stayed behind so no other details known)

Well, have a great trip! I remember name, I'll post it, sorry!

Too funny! I read Cruise Critic everyday & someone over there actually recommended DisBoards for shuttle questions. They said you guys are better experts in the Orlando/Port Canaveral area even if it's not a Disney Cruise

The hotel said they don't start shuttle service 'til 11:30am. We're usually on the Lido deck by then. I'm hoping since we have a pretty big group, maybe they'll make a special trip. Or run us over while they're picking up some who just got off.

 

[HeatherC]

Probably the easiest and cheapest...is to just rent a car. We did this last winter and would not even think about taking a shuttle now.

It cost us about $45 to rent a full size which was large enough for 5 of us with our luggage.

We dropped off the car at the rental place which was pretty much next door to all of the hotels there. They took us immediately by free shuttle to the ship...which you can pretty much see as you drive in.

Have you heard of cruisecritic.com? Great board...just like the DIS but for cruising. There is a ton of info on there and a particular thread dedicated solely to leaving out of Port Canaveral. They would have which car rental agencies are closest....I forget who we used.

Hope this helps! Have an awesome time!!!