Mardi Gras Near Port Canaveral
Everything you need for boarding Mardi Gras (Carnival) at Port Canaveral. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.
Upcoming Sail Dates
| Date | Boarding Time |
|---|---|
| Sat, Apr 25, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, May 2, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, May 9, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, May 16, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, May 23, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, May 30, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Jun 6, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Jun 13, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Jun 20, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Jun 27, 2026 | 11:30 |
Your Terminal
Cruise Terminal 3
Drop-off: Follow George King Blvd past Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. The drop-off lane curves in front of the building — look for the covered portico. Porters will grab your bags curbside. Tip $2-3 per bag and keep your carry-on with you.
Parking: Park in the multi-level garage adjacent to CT-3 ($17/day). The garage is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway on the second level. Pro tip: upper levels are less crowded and easier to navigate when you return from your cruise.
Check-in tips:
- CT-3 is a Carnival terminal — download the Carnival Hub app and complete online check-in before you arrive
- Bring your boarding confirmation (digital or printed) plus a valid photo ID for everyone in your party
- If you purchased Faster to the Fun, you'll have a dedicated check-in lane — look for the priority signs on the left side
- Security screening is airport-style but moves quickly — have your bags ready to go through the scanner
Getting to the Port
Drive Yourself — Port Parking
Most cruisers drive. Port Canaveral is about 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) via the Beachline Expressway (FL-528). On-site parking at the port is $17/day (open-air) with covered garage options at some terminals for $20/day.
Drive Yourself — Off-Site Parking
Off-site lots near the port offer significant savings over on-site parking. Go Port Canaveral (goportcanaveral.com) on SR-401 is the most popular, with rates around $10/day including free shuttle service every 10-15 minutes. Cruise Parking Port Canaveral on SR-528 is another reliable option at $8-10/day. Both offer covered and uncovered options — covered costs a few dollars more per day but is worth it if you're leaving your car for a week in the Florida sun.
Park-and-Cruise Hotel Package
Many hotels near the port bundle a night's stay with parking for the duration of your cruise plus a shuttle to the terminal. You drive in the night before, sleep, then shuttle to the port in the morning while your car stays at the hotel. Radisson Resort at the Port, Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral, and Residence Inn Cape Canaveral all offer reliable park-and-cruise packages. Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach is another solid option if you want a beach-adjacent stay.
Shuttle from Orlando Airport (MCO)
Several shuttle companies run scheduled transfers from MCO to Port Canaveral. Shared shuttles cost $25-35 per person; private SUVs run $120-180 for up to 6 passengers.
Nearby Restaurants
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
Waterfront seafood with live music and a kids' menu that actually has good food
$$Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Casual waterfront spot where you can watch cruise ships from your table
$$Brano's Italian Restaurant
Old-school Italian that locals actually go to — perfect for carb-loading before the cruise
$$Jazzy's Maytag Kitchen
Upscale Southern comfort food with craft cocktails — known for shrimp and grits
$$$Nearby Hotels
Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral
Suite-style rooms with full kitchens — room for the whole family to spread out
Radisson Resort at the Port
Resort-style property with a big pool area — the kids will want to stay an extra night
Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral
Budget-friendly and closest to the port — save money for the cruise
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach
Reliable beach-adjacent stay with cruise parking packages available
Local Tip
Mardi Gras departs from CT-3 with its dedicated Carnival parking garage at $17/day, connected to the terminal via a covered second-floor walkway. If you purchased Faster to the Fun, look for the priority check-in signs on the left side of the hall. For a great pre-boarding lunch, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill is about 5 minutes away — their grouper sandwich is a local favorite and you can watch the ships from the upper deck.
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