Watch the Ship come into Port!!

[4u2dream]

Staying in Cocco Beach the night before Has anyone got up early the morning of their cruise and went to the beach to watch the Magic/Wonder come into port?
We were thinking of trying, What time would it come into port? I realize it would be dependant upon the cruise, but if we had a time frame. If someone has any info, we would be greatly thankful. We are cruising May 16-19th/02- staying at the Hampton Inn May 15th in Cocco Beach.

 

[albiats]

According to the DCL webpage about the itinerary for the 4 day cruise, they have 6am as the time for docking at Port Canaveral. I checked the 4 day cruise because they will be docking on Thursday morning while you're waiting to board for your 3 day cruise on the 16th.

Both the 3 and 4 day cruises are listed as docking at Port Canaveral at 6am, which is approximate, of course.

Here's another thought about watching the ship dock though - Are you sure you'd like to be up that early on the morning that you'll be starting your cruise? Will getting up that early to watch the ship pull into port detract from the enjoyment of your cruise that you're paying for? In other words, will getting up at 5am make you too tired to enjoy your cruise and make you want to turn in early that evening?

For my own tastes, I'd rather be rested and have first hand knowledge of enjoying the cruise that I'm on instead of being an observer for another one.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

On our cruise, I woke up at 5:30, looked out the window, and saw that we were already docked. And since nobody but a few CM's will be awake at that hour, there wouldn't be the energy and excitement of a departure when all the guests are on the decks.

 

[4u2dream]

We are early riser's!

Thanks for your feedback Al & Dave, We have been watching the ships on the Web cam leave Port Canaveral and thought since we were so close to the ocean the night before we would try and see it come into port. We wouldn't go to the terminal or anything just watch from the beach at the hotel. Would we be able to see the lights on the ship at 5:15-5:30am, from shore.

We will be up at that time as we are up early every morning!

Just thought it might be of interest, thanks again..

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

You might be able to see the lights from the beach, but the port inlet is a couple miles north of the Hampton Inn. And it's a 5-10 minute walk to the beach from your room at the Hampton Inn. I'd personally prefer to stay in bed and be stunned by my first sight of the ship as I drive up to it later.

But what the heck? Since you're early risers, maybe you'd like to drive up to Jetty Park? Much better view there.

 

[Joe & Joanne]

Hi

Dave you have any idea of what a cab from the Radisson to Jetty Park would cost? Do you think it would be worthwhile to get up early, go out there, take a few pictures and return? Plan on having a cell phone so calling the cab back should not be a problem would it?

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I didn't realize you'd be depending on taxis. I'd guess it'd cost about $7-8 each way. Not sure that a pre-dawn trip up there would be worth it, though. I guess you can enjoy the view from the beach down by the Hampton.

 

[albiats]

There's a small fee for entering Jetty Park, I think it's a parking fee and not an admission fee.

It costs $3 to park a car, $7 for an RV, and $12 for a bus type vehicle.

I forgot to mention, it was a fair distance from the small building where the park ranger people collect the parking fee and where you would want to watch the ship come into port. That would make it a little impracticle to have a cab drop you off there.

 

[Joe & Joanne]

Hi Folks
Thanks for the info on Jetty Park and the taxis. Will stay in bed. It is better to watch Dave's pic anyway.

 

[LARRY DORMAN]

IF YOU GO TO THE PORT WEB SITE AND IT WILL SHOW YOU THE TIMES OF THE SHIPS COMMING IN THEY HAVE TO BE ON TIME TO MET THE ESCORT BOATS ABOUT 3MI OUT OF THE PORTS.

 

[Poohbr618]

We have stayed at the Radisson and have watched her come in from our window. She looks beautiful and its very exciting! First time she docked was at 430 am. The last it was about 515.