cruise out of cape canaveral 2023

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6 Best Cruises Out Of Port Canaveral

By Zachary Laks | Published on April 9, 2024

It's time to start planning your next big vacation. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or an extended voyage, you'll find cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida that tick all your boxes.

When considering one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, plan extra time before and after your sailing to soak up all the fun that the area has to offer. There's so much to do in Orlando that you could stay for several days and never get bored — music to your ears if you're traveling with children. One of the best things about Orlando cruises is that you have your choice of theme parks to round out your vacation. They're expansive and immersive escapes into playful worlds, not unlike a great cruise. I love tacking on an extra day or two at an Orlando theme park, usually before my cruise departs. I always appreciate the days of racking up thousands of steps traversing a theme park before boarding a cruise, where I know I'll be able to lounge on a deck or relax in a hot tub.

Not far from Port Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great place to spend a day admiring the vast scope of NASA. The center offers one-of-a-kind immersion into space exploration, including the chance to strap into a rocket launch simulator for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

For those seeking a more peaceful retreat before boarding their cruises out of Orlando, Port Canaveral is near the white sands of Cocoa Beach. Spend the day enjoying calm, low waves — great for year-round swimming, learning to surf and kayaking alongside manatees and dolphins. Or take a seat on an airboat ride through the wetlands for encounters with alligators and, depending on the season, bald eagles, herons and osprey.

Ready to book a cruise to Port Canaveral? Here are the six best cruises from Port Canaveral.

1. Best For A Long Weekend

Set to launch in the summer of 2024, Utopia of the Seas ℠ will be the sixth Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean's class of ships packed with adventure and entertainment. The new ship will focus on three- and four-night cruises from its year-round home port in Port Canaveral, with onboard upgrades that include reimagined pool decks, a Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen that spans two decks (try the osso buco!) and the new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, serving fruity cocktails on the Royal Promenade. This itinerary  to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas ℠ is the best for a long weekend exploring the highlights of The Bahamas, with a day in Nassau followed by a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island destination.

2. Best For Beach Lovers

This exquisite itinerary to the Southern Caribbean on Adventure of the Seas ® routes you to the farthest corner of the Caribbean for some of its best beaches. Sailing on the Adventure of the Seas ® for eight nights from Port Canaveral, you'll stop in ports such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Each port will welcome you with easily accessible, powdery sand beaches primed for world-class swimming, snorkeling and diving. You'll have your pick of 86 dive sites at Bonaire National Marine Park with more than 350 recorded fish species known to frequent the waters.

3. Best For A European Adventure

Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas ® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing. You'll cruise the Atlantic for the first nine days, living it up on a ship that is packed with ways to play and relax. You'll arrive in idyllic Tenerife in the Canary Islands on the tenth day. Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture by spending part of your day exploring the Museum of Nature and Archaeology or the Basilica de Candelaria shrine. The cruise continues to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, where picture-perfect colonial mansions line cobblestone streets, then on to the adventurous mountain island of Madeira, Portugal before completing your journey in the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

4. Best For Private Island Getaways

This unique Port Canaveral cruise itinerary  to Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Adventure of the Seas ® visits both of Royal Caribbean's private destinations, where paradise is just steps away from the ship. On an eight-night journey, this ship will first cruise to Labadee, the cruise line's private peninsula adventure park and beach. Soak up this private spot by relaxing on the beach, enjoy the destination's signature cocktail specialty, the Labadoozie (a fruity rum cocktail) or opt for a zip line ride that will send you soaring over the ocean. The next private island destination is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's oasis in The Bahamas. Here you'll port within short distance of pristine beaches, a thrilling water park and countless ways to unwind beneath the palm trees. There's also a stop in Bermuda, home to pink-sand beaches and rum swizzles.

5. Best For Foodies

Foodies will delight in fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes on this itinerary to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wonder of the Seas ® . In Cozumel, Mexico you'll find lunch specialties featuring locally caught seafood, often grouper and red snapper fried on a plate with rice and a vibrant salad. In Roatán, Honduras, ceviche is the local favorite, along with fried plantains and baleadas — tacos made with soft flour tortillas. The ship's final port is Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, a charming fishing village where the salbutes  (fried corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken) make a great appetizer to the catch of the day, served hot off the grill.

6. Best For Variety

This seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary  on Wonder of the Seas ® is a top choice if you want to change things up and go on a unique adventure in each port. Your first destination is Philipsburg, St. Maarten, where you can tour the island on an ATV, sample rum from a local distillery or end the day with a sunset horseback ride on the beach. When the ship arrives in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, head straight to Magens Bay, often short-listed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Or dive into a snorkeling tour to get face time with some sea turtles and coral reefs. On your final stop, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, everyone in your group can enjoy a seemingly endless array of activities. If the beach is calling, grab a spot on one of the many cushy beach loungers close to a bar serving up island cocktails that go great with the ocean view. For the adventurous ones, Daredevil's Peak® waterslide is North America's tallest and promises an adrenaline rush.

Encompassing ports of paradise and incredible culture, Orlando cruises are the ideal vacation getaway. Start planning your island escape from Port Canaveral now .

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Best Cruises Out of Port Canaveral 2023

• May 5, 2023

After surpassing Miami as the “World’s Busiest Cruise Port” and being voted the “Best Cruise Homeport” for the third year in a row, it’s no secret the industry’s top ships are sailing from Port Canaveral this year. With thrilling itineraries, one-of-a-kind features, and standout vessels from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, and MSC, choosing among the best Port Canaveral cruises can be a challenge. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down the best cruises out of Port Canaveral for 2023 to help you compare the #1 ship from each cruise line so you can plan your ultimate vacation!

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean debuted Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship in the world after she joined Port Canaveral’s fleet in November 2022. She is part of the award-winning Oasis Class, bringing adventures to new heights. This ship is truly “wonder”-ful, with new features such as a completely redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun than ever before, and immersive experiences. The AquaTheater adds spectacular entertainment to the line-up with stunning ocean views and a dramatic new backdrop that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Be sure to check out the all-new Wonder Playscape, an underwater world featuring slides, climbing walls, and games where imaginations can soar. Don’t forget returning fan favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator and the 10-story tall Ultimate Abyss slide. The Wonder also introduces the first-ever Suite Neighborhood. This concept, located in the ship’s most prime location, combines five-star dining at the exclusive Coastal Kitchen with ocean views at the crystal-clear plunge pool, as well as private cocktail bars. VIP experiences at the Star Suites, Sky Suites, and the groundbreaking new Ultimate Family Suite are intended to elevate your stay. The biggest ship in the world means even bigger flavor. From contemporary Mexican cuisine at Sabor, Teppanyaki at Izumi, to Italian at Giovanni’s Table, there’s a restaurant for every taste onboard Wonder of the Seas. Good ol’ Southern hospitality meets reinvented country classics, bayou staples, and bold BBQ at the Mason Jar. If you can’t decide between these delicious options, you are always welcome to eat like royalty at the beautifully upscale main dining rooms aboard. Wonder of the Seas sails to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and also visits Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, on select cruises. The best Port Canaveral cruises are not complete without the best hotel and transportation arrangements. Check out what packages Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas cruisers are booking for their vacation! Join our Wonder of the Seas Facebook group to connect with fellow cruisers, ask questions, and share ship news! Become a member here .

Norwegian Escape

The Norwegian Escape launched in 2015 with an eye-catching exterior showcasing artwork from the marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey. As part of NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class, she is bold and beautiful with no shortage of exceptional restaurants, entertainment, bar, and club options aboard. The Escape was also voted “Ship of the Year” by Ocean & Cruise News in 2017, known for her diverse accommodations and one-of-a-kid components. Besides offering a wide range of staterooms for couples and families, the Escape also welcomes solo travelers. Studio rooms include access to an exclusive lounge, where complimentary refreshments can be enjoyed with neighbors throughout the day. Dining on the Norwegian Escape is exceptional, with more than 25 spots to grab a bite and 14 bars and lounges onboard. Indulge in fusion cuisine at Food Republic, or let Iron Chef Jose Garces’ menu at Bayamo satisfy your seafood cravings. Many of the Escape’s best restaurants can be found while strolling down The Waterfront — a quarter-mile oceanside promenade lined with open-air seating. More foodie highlights include two Jimmy Buffet venues: the first-ever Margaritaville at Sea and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. Looking to sip and socialize? Norwegian’s first wine bar, The Cellars, and the District Brew House are your best bet. There’s no limit to the amount of activities on the Escape. The Aqua Park onboard is among one of the biggest at sea, complete with four water slides. For a drier alternative, zip through the 3-story Ropes Course, also the largest in the industry. Daredevils can even “walk the plank” just for bragging rights. The Norwegian Escape sails to Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Caribbean, as well as the Dominican Republic or Cozumel. The cruises out of Port Canaveral are not complete without the best hotel and transportation arrangements. Check out what packages Norwegian Escape cruisers are booking for their vacation! Join our Norwegian Escape Facebook group to connect with fellow cruisers, ask questions, and share ship news! Become a member here .

Carnival Mardi Gras

After her recent launch, Carnival Mardi Gras brought a new level of innovation to Carnival Cruise Line. She is known for her many “firsts” — Carnival’s first XL-Class ship, the first roller coaster at sea, and the first cruise with an eco-friendly fuel source. Additionally, she sports an entirely different look and layout compared to previous ships in her fleet. Port Canaveral built a two-story Terminal 3 that is their largest facility to date to house the Carnival Mardi Gras. The ship offers Zones — six distinct themed areas with brand-new experiences for food, drink, and fun. The six Zones include the beautiful three-deck Grand Central atrium, the big and easy French Quarter, the chill Summer Landing, the flavorful La Piazza, the fun-filled Lido, and the Ultimate Playground. Dining highlights include celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans inspired restaurant, Emeril’s Bistro 1396, as well as Shaq’s chicken joint fittingly named Big Chicken. And if you aren’t feeling too “chicken,” you can take a ride on the BOLT, the Ultimate Sea Coaster, where you control the speed of your vehicle up to 40mph. Another Mardi Gras exclusive is Family Feud Live, where teams of five can participate in the iconic game show on an authentic set or watch from the audience instead for just as much fun. Carnival Mardi Gras sails to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean, visiting Carnival’s private island Half Moon Cay, on select cruises.

The best Port Canaveral cruises are not complete without the best hotel, transportation, and parking arrangements. Check out what packages Carnival Mardi Gras cruisers are booking for their vacation! Join our Carnival Mardi Gras Facebook group to connect with fellow cruisers, ask questions, and share ship news! Become a member here .

Disney Wish

The Disney Wish started sailing from Port Canaveral in June 2022. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a summer or fall cruise. She is Disney’s newest and largest ship, known for her interactive activities and dining experiences. At “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” cinematic dining experience, Marvel fans can meet Ant-Man and the Wasp while they participate in Avengers missions and eat Marvel-inspired cuisine ranging from all-American favorites to rich African dishes. Or you can join “Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience” to witness Elsa and Olaf’s exciting performances while enjoying hearty Norwegian fare. Disney storytelling also comes to life with the immersive family game, Disney Uncharted Adventure — where cruisers can use their smartphone to find missing clues with the help of Captain Mickey and other Disney characters to solve puzzles and save the day! Cruisers of all ages can make a splash at AquaMouse, Disney’s first-ever attraction at sea, that combines a water coaster and animated short stories for a one-of-a-kind ride. When it comes to adults-only endeavors, prepare to blast off to the lively Star Wars Lounge, raise a toast at the Viking Bar, or delight in innovative international cuisine at Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, inspired by Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast. Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas and visits Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay, on select cruises. The best cruises out of Port Canaveral are not complete without the best hotel and transportation arrangements. Check out what packages Disney Wish cruisers are booking for their vacation!

Join our Disney Wish Facebook group to connect with fellow cruisers, ask questions, and share ship news! Become a member here .

MSC Seaside

The MSC Seaside is a South Florida-inspired ship with a European flair. She’s been capturing the glory of the Sunshine State since first setting sail in 2017 as the lead vessel of her Seaside Class. This ship challenges the unspoken rule book of cruise ship design – merging indoor and outdoor areas to connect cruisers with the sea like never before. Don’t miss out on the Waterfront Boardwalk, a unique seafront promenade lined with endless places to eat, drink, shop, and sunbathe! Adding to the outdoor experience are the “South Beach” and “Miami Beach” pools also offering incredible ocean views. Other highlights include the 4-deck atrium lined with glass walls and two glass floor catwalks, a state-of-the-art gym, and top-of-the-line Aurea spa. As for entertainment, MSC Seaside offers endless fun for everyone, with a high-tech theater, bowling alleys, and an interactive, multi-story water park featuring 5 water slides, an adventure trail. Restaurant options are also plentiful – with nine options to choose from, catering to every palette. The MSC Seaside sails to The Bahamas, as well as the Western Caribbean.

The best Port Canaveral cruises are not complete without the best hotel and transportation arrangements. Check out what packages MSC Seaside cruisers are booking for their vacation!

Join our MSC Seaside Facebook group to connect with fellow cruisers, ask questions, and share ship news! Become a member here .

Best Cruises Out of Port Canaveral Travel Tips

If you plan to book one of the best cruises from Port Canaveral, you’re going to want to reserve the best pre and post arrangements to complete your vacation. Whether you’re flying or driving in, Go Port has you covered with a variety of cruise hotel packages, affordable transportation options, as well as Port Canaveral cruise parking with transfers. After booking your cruise, visit goport.com to easily reserve a package that meets your travel needs.

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Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Disney Magic

The 2,713-passenger Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (it first launched in 1998). It was last refurbished in May 2023, when it received updates like a "Soul"-themed lounge, concierge-level upgrades and a new "Encanto" live show. The ship also features family favorites such as the AquaDuck waterslide, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique dress-up shop and Edge, an interactive game center for tweens.

Disney Magic features diverse entertainment, including live shows, an open-air Wide World of Sports deck, three pools and a splash area for children younger than 3. Unique to the Magic is the teens-only Chill Spa. When it comes to dining, the ship offers eight eateries, including an adults-only specialty restaurant and buffet options. Recent cruisers gave the food quality mixed reviews.

In terms of lodging, 70% of cabins offer ocean views or verandas. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, sitting areas and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suites include extra perks such as concierge service and media libraries. Past cruisers noted that the service on this ship is up to Disney's standards, but so is the price tag.

Disney Magic sails from Galveston, Texas ;  San Diego ;  Miami ; Fort Lauderdale, Florida ;  New Orleans ; and  San Juan, Puerto Rico . It visits destinations across the Bahamas , the Caribbean, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Once per sailing, guests are invited to watch Tangled: The Musical in the Walt Disney Theater. This Broadway-style show retells the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider with three new original songs, puppets, and beautiful costumes. This show is very popular, so it's best to get to the theater about an hour before the show starts to get a good seat. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. – Megan duBois, Contributor

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy launched in 2012 and underwent a dry dock in 2017. The ship features activities such as Pixar Day at Sea, Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular and the 765-foot AquaDuck water ride.

Staterooms are designed with families in mind. Inside cabins can accommodate up to four guests, and over 85% of the ship's cabins have an ocean view or a veranda. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and iPod docking stations.

Onboard entertainment is just as family-oriented, with Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator (for an extra fee), nightly live performances and 3D movies. While younger guests play in age-appropriate youth clubs, adults can relax at the Quiet Cove Pool or enjoy an evening at an adults-only bar or lounge.

When it comes to dining, the ship offers 10 themed dining venues, including two adults-only specialty venues, three main dining rooms and an ice cream shop: Sweet on You.

Fantasy sails from  Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida , to the Bahamas , Bermuda and a variety of ports in the Caribbean.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Between Palo and Remy is a secluded adults-only bar called Meridian. The bar is known for its martini program, where the bartenders will ask you a few questions and then whip up something off-menu for you to enjoy inside or outside on the exclusive patio. (Meridian can also be found on the Disney Dream ). – Megan duBois, Contributor

Disney Wish

The fifth Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Wish made its maiden voyage in July 2022. The 4,000-passenger and 1,555-crew-member ship features the first Disney attraction at sea – AquaMouse – which takes thrill-seekers through 760 feet of water tubes high above the cruise deck.

Family-friendly cabin options include Concierge, Verandah, Oceanview and Inside staterooms. Rooms feature a 43-inch flat-screen TV, ample closet space and individual climate control. For fun, kids can head to Hero Zone recreation space (inspired by the movie "The Incredibles"), Vibe (an exclusive teen space) or the onboard nursery. Guests loved the variety of kid-friendly activities.  

For adults, there are retail shops, spas, bars, live entertainment and 10 pools and water play areas – including the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. A welcome escape among older cruisers, some passengers wished the adults-only spaces were bigger.

When it comes to food, travelers can enjoy California cuisine at 1923, French cuisine at the adults-only Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement or steak at the adults-only Palo Steakhouse. The ship also has interactive dining experiences based on several Disney films. Feast at the first Frozen-themed theatrical dining – Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and enjoy Norwegian-inspired cuisine. Or, explore the Worlds of Marvel with the Avengers: Quantum Encounter, featuring international dishes alongside superheroes like Ant-Man, Captain America and more.

Disney Wish sails to the Bahamas  from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. 

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Disney Wish features Disney's first infinity pool in the Quiet Cove. Unlike Disney's other ships, the Quiet Cove is located on Deck 13 all the way in the back of the ship, so it feels more intimate and doesn't see kids walking through the space throughout the day. – Megan duBois, Contributor

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas, which embarked on its maiden voyage in March 2022, holds 7,084 passengers and 2,204 crew members. The ship measures 1,188 feet long and 215 feet wide, and it weighs 235,600 gross tons. It surpasses its sister ship, Symphony of the Seas , as one of the largest cruise ships in the world.  

Guests can enjoy plenty of thrill activities on board, such as the Ultimate Abyss – a 10-story dark tunnel slide – or the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf stimulator. The ship also offers a fitness center, shopping venues, rock climbing, a carousel and clubs for kids and teens. When it's time to dine, cruisers have the option of 21 dining venues ranging from Italian fare to Southern cuisine. Travelers can also indulge in a few cocktails at 14 bars and lounges.

Accommodations include Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite staterooms. If you're looking for something more spacious, check out the ship's all-new Suite Neighborhood. Located on the upper decks, these suites offer guests ample private quarters to recharge during the cruise. Amenities included in the exclusive suites include priority boarding, a members-only dining facility and a dedicated check-in line. For families, the new neighborhood may be of particular interest because it features the Ultimate Family Suite. The family suite offers two floors of space with stunning ocean views, in-suite movies and video games and a kids slide between the floors.  

Wonder of the Seas sails from Orlando , Florida, to ports in the Caribbean.

Allure of the Seas

The 6,826-passenger Allure of the Seas, unveiled in 2010, is among the largest cruise ships in the world. There are a whopping 2,054 crew members on board to cater to passengers' needs. Along with signature line amenities like rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, the ship houses seven unique neighborhoods with a variety of activities, shows and dining options. The ship underwent a $165 million refurbishment in 2020, which added approximately 50 new staterooms, the Ultimate Abyss (the tallest slide at sea), redesigned kids and teens spaces, new dining venues and more.

Other standout features include a zip line that descends 10 decks, two surf simulators and a science lab. Plus, with 19 dining options – and a Starbucks at sea – every member of the family will be satisfied.

In terms of lodging, about 65% of cabins feature balconies, and all staterooms are appointed with TVs and minifridges. Interior staterooms are the most economical option, but those who splurge on Suites are granted larger balconies and concierge service. Crowd-free areas might be difficult to find due to the outrageous capacity of the ship, but some recent cruisers praise the nonstop activity and entertainment. 

Allure of the Seas departs from Miami, Orlando, Florida, and Galveston , Texas, for sailings in the Caribbean.

Celebrity Equinox

The 2,852-passenger Equinox was introduced in 2009 and underwent a full renovation in June 2019. It offers a mix of classic Celebrity amenities and unique activities. The ship features 18 premium retail shops, a half-acre Lawn Club and the Hot Glass Show, where professional artists demonstrate glassblowing techniques. Updates include the new Retreat sundeck and lounge, luxurious bedding and all-new amenities. 

Recent cruisers appreciated the variety of dining options on the ship, which include 10 eateries ranging from light fare at Spa Café to craft beer and comfort food at the Craft Social Bar to a frozen cocktail bar on the pool deck. Other highlights include the spa and enrichment programs like cooking demos and dance lessons.

In terms of accommodations, 85% of the ship's staterooms offer verandas. Cabin categories include Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite rooms, and all are appointed with flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service and sitting areas. Suites offer extra perks like afternoon appetizers and butler service. Past cruisers assured that even if you don't splurge on a butler-serviced room, you'll still receive individualized attention, as everyone from the room stewards to the restaurant servers were friendly and helpful. 

Celebrity Equinox offers a variety of itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.

Sky Princess

Debuted in October 2019, Sky Princess can accommodate 3,660 passengers and 1,346 crew members. With so much space, you'll find plenty of things to do on board. Spend your days playing ball at the sports court or swimming in one of three pools, or shop until you drop at the onboard boutiques. Nightfall brings deck parties, movie screenings under the stars and live performances at the theater by musicians, comedians and magicians. Kids won't be bored, either, as there are clubs designed specifically for three different age groups.

Sky Princess features traditional Interior, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, as well as a number of Suite-category cabins – some of which are equipped with the largest balconies at sea. Every room comes fitted with a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV and complimentary 24-hour room service.  The biggest accommodation on board are the Sky Suites. They are approximately 1,873 square feet and provide guests with 270-degree panorama views while cruising. The suite also comes with additional amenities such as complimentary balcony breakfast and dinner, luxury balcony furniture and a deluxe telescope for stargazing at night. 

When it's time to chow down, cruisers will have their choice of nine inclusive dining venues and five specialty options. In the main dining room, passengers can choose between a set dinner time every evening or the line's Anytime Dining option, which will allow them to dine whenever – and with whomever – they want. You'll also find a complimentary buffet, a pizzeria, a seafood bar, a gelateria and afternoon tea. For a specialty dining experience, consider the intimate Chef's Table Lumiere or Bistro Sur La Mer by Emmanuel Renaut, a three-starred Michelin chef.

Sky Princess sails throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Mediterranean. The ship also completes some transatlantic sailings.

Carnival Mardi Gras

There's a good reason why Carnival named one of its newest ships Mardi Gras. The ship – which launched in July 2021 – is not only named after the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972, but also features amenities and activities that keep guests entertained and the atmosphere energized. Carnival designed the ship with six different zones, each with a unique flair. Kids can play all day in the Ultimate Playground, which features WaterWorks (the onboard water park), SkyCourse (a ropes course) and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an onboard roller coaster that travels up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship's pools. Additional activities include a comedy club, a casino, Family Feud Live (yes – it looks like the famous show's set) and a spa.

As you might expect from its large-scale amenities, Mardi Gras is sizeable: It accommodates up to 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew members. To keep up with demand, the ship offers close to 20 different dining venues serving everything from sushi to burgers to fried chicken. When travelers need refreshments or a nightcap, they can visit one of seven bars and lounges.

Following a full day of fun, cruisers will need a quiet retreat to rest their heads. Staterooms feature Carnival Comfort Collection linens, TVs and a dedicated room steward. Upgraded rooms may include perks like exclusive access to ship amenities, bottles of water, in-room coffee makers and priority check-in and disembarkation. Rooms range in size from 158 square feet for interior staterooms to the massive 1,120-square-foot Carnival Excel Presidential Suite.

Catch Mardi Gras in Caribbean locales like San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Cozumel and Grand Turk .

U.S. News Insider Tip: To dine at Bonsai Teppanyaki (available on Celebration , Horizon , Panorama , Venezia and Mardi Gras), make your reservation as soon as possible. The restaurant only seats 16 people at a time, so reservations go fast. –  Karon Warren , Contributor  

Norwegian Joy

Built in 2017, the 3,804-passenger, 1,821-crew-member Norwegian Joy was refurbished in 2020. Accommodation options include Inside, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, as well as Suites, Concierge rooms (which come with concierge service) and The Haven cabins (which include 24-hour butler service and private sundecks). 

There are 11 dining venues on board including eight specialty restaurants, the latter of which offers American, French, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Thai cuisines. Complimentary restaurants include the ship's three main dining rooms.

Cruisers will find plenty of things to do on board, from shopping at duty-free stores and luxury boutiques to watching stand-up comedians. The ship also offers a spa, laser tag, a racetrack, a casino, mini-golf, a fitness center, two aqua parks and more. 

Norwegian Joy sails from Miami , Los Angeles , New York , Panama City and Quebec City  to ports across the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda and more.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Cruises from Port Canaveral

Explore Florida’s Space Coast and the Theme Park Capital of the World – Orlando, before you embark on a cruise from Port Canaveral with Princess®. Take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, steer a freighter simulation at Exploration Tower, venture through the Brevard Zoo, or ride on the roller coasters of Orlando’s theme parks. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or adventurous things to do, you’ll have amazing experiences to remember before even stepping aboard your cruise vacation.

Caribbean cruises

Sail to the Eastern or Western Caribbean on a cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and island hop to top rated islands such as St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, and Cozumel. Can't decide between the Eastern or the Western Caribbean? No problem – we have an itinerary that brings you to both regions from Port Canaveral, as well.

What to Know About Cruises from Port Canaveral

Known as the world’s most popular cruise port, Port Canaveral welcomes you to explore all it has to offer. Here’s everything to learn about your cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando).

Port Canaveral at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Port Canaveral docks at the Cruise Terminal in Cape Canaveral, approximately 45 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
• Attire:  Located along the Atlantic Coast of East Central Florida, Cape Canaveral has an overall average high temperature of 82 degrees and an average low of 62. If you're visiting the Kennedy Space Center, wear casual attire appropriate for the time of year. Always pack a bathing suit because even if the water is a bit chilly for swimming, sunbathing is a year-round sport in Florida.
• Transportation:  You can get around by Uber, Lyft, a shuttle, limousine or rental car. Want to beat traffic to the port? Take Brightline , a convenient and comfortable high-speed passenger train.

Things to do in Port Canaveral

Before getting on a cruise from Port Canaveral, or after your debarkation, add visits to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Exploration Tower, and the US Air Force Space & Missile Museum. Take in a day of fishing on one of the charter boats docked at the port and relax to the sound of crashing waves on uncrowded beaches. Make the most of your dream vacation by exploring the one-of-a-kind Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast before your cruise or choose one of our debarkation tours. 

Ships that Cruise from Port Canaveral

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Port Canaveral. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about:  Caribbean Princess

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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Port Canaveral Cruise Guide

Millions of passengers stop by Port Canaveral each year, the cruise port located in Orlando, Florida. Major cruise lines such as Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean frequent this port. These ships primarily cruise to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. The port itself also features many family-friendly attractions nearby, making it a good place to extend your trip before or after a cruise.

A must-see is the Kennedy Space Center, an original NASA Launch Operations Center where launch operations for the famous Apollo, Skylab and others were held. The site features educational experiences, dining, an IMAX theater, and shuttle launch simulations. For more interactive fun, stop by the Exploration Tower, which has seven floors of games, exhibits, and an observation deck at the very top.

If you’re looking to optimize your beach time before heading off to the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, Cocoa Beach is a popular spot. It’s home to the original Ron Jon Surf Shop, where you can take surf lessons, or just soak in the warm temperature.

Lastly, no stay at Port Canaveral would be complete without a day trip to Walt Disney World. Some cruise lines even offer motorcoach transfer to the parks, so you won’t need to worry about transportation. When you’re just miles from the “Happiest Place on Earth,” visiting this park is a must, especially when travelling with kids!

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MSC Meraviglia: Sailing Out of Port Canaveral

Park N Cruise

December 9, 2022

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With this exciting new arrival to Port Canaveral, MSC is launching its Meraviglia boat with amazing destinations and unforgettable amenities. At Park N Cruise, we have the inside scoop on this brand-new vacation experience coming to Port Canaveral!

At Park N Cruise , we have a safe and secure parking lot for your vehicle so that you can have peace of mind while on your vacation. We are located only 2 miles from Port Canaveral, and we shuttle you to and from your car from your ship! Visit our website to see our affordable parking options!

Let’s start with the history of the MSC Meraviglia. This is not an entirely brand new ship, however, it will be new to Port Canaveral in 2023.

MSC Meraviglia is the first of two Meraviglia-class cruise ships ordered by MSC Cruises from STX France. The keel of the vessel was laid down in October 2015. A little under a year later, the ship was launched on September 2 2016 and it was delivered to MSC Cruises on June 21, 2017. The ship was originally scheduled to sail the Mediterranean with the European iteration of MSC cruises but has now been scheduled to sail the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral as part of the North American iteration of MSC cruises. C urrently the joint-largest cruise ship in the world with a capacity of 5,642 passengers and 1,608 crew members. MSC Meraviglia is a very exciting arrival to Port Canaveral!

Destinations Sailing From Port Canaveral for MSC Meraviglia 

MSC Meraviglia sails to the Bahamas, Mexico, Belize, and the Caribbean from Port Canaveral. MSC also has its own private island called Ocean Cay. The MSC Meraviglia has 18 different itineraries to choose from so you can truly customize your Caribbean and Bahamas vacation.

With these destinations, there are opportunities for off-shore excursions. Whether you want to relax by the beach or go snorkeling on the beautiful Caribbean reefs, MSC has an itinerary that will suit your unique travel style.

MSC Offers Different Length Itineraries in The Bahamas And Caribbean:

• 2 or 3 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay
• 4 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay and Nassau
• 5 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay and Costa Maya
• 7 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize
• 9 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Costa Maya, and Cozumel
• 10 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel, and Costa Maya
• 11 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel, and Belize
• 12 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize
• 14 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize

MSC Meraviglia is an absolutely massive vessel with plenty of amenities to keep even the most discerning cruiser happy. If you’re looking for an action-packed cruise with plenty of activities to enjoy while onboard, look no further than MSC Meraviglia!

How MSC Meraviglia “Experiences” Work

MSC Meraviglia divides its inclusion tiers into three categories called “experiences”.

Each of these “experiences” come with its own sets of inclusions and sets of prices.

Let’s break down each experience in more detail:

Bella Experience: Standard Inclusion Package

The Bella Experience is the starter package that includes many of MSC’s world-class amenities.

• Meals in the dining rooms and the Marketplace Buffet,
• Water park, sports area, fitness center, and mini-golf course usage
• Daily onboard activities (i.e. trivia, live music, and classes/workshops)
• Teen and Tween club access.
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve excursions, including buffet lunch, and usage of  beach chairs 

Fantastica Experience: Elevated Inclusion Package

Unlock the Fantastica Experience when you book a Balcony, Ocean View or Interior cabin – and enjoy exclusive benefits such as choice of location for your accommodations. Take advantage of complimentary breakfast, in-room delivery, and discounted rates on beverage packages plus meals at specialty restaurants – all while enjoying 24-hour room service with a convenient flat fee.

• Only available for guests that booked a balcony room, an ocean view room, or an interior cabin room.
• Free in-room breakfast service
• Discounted beverage packages
• Meals in the specialty restaurants
• 24/hr room service

Aurea Experience: Top-Tier Inclusion Package

Suite passengers can discover the enhanced comforts of Aurea Experience, a tier that adds more exclusive amenities to enrich their cruise. These features include free access to MyChoice dining options and 24-hour room service for indulgences that are desired at any time of day or night! Enjoy complimentary wine and sweet treats upon arrival, as well as in-room robes and slippers along with different pillow options for heightened levels of comfort. Boarding is also made easier with priority boarding services available from this level onwards. Premium relaxation awaits them too–free admission into both the Solarium area plus adult-only Thermal Suite areas offers an unforgettable journey aboard our ship!

• Priority boarding
• Pillow Menus to customize your pillow comfort
• Complimentary robe & slippers
• Welcome wine and snacks upon arrival
• Free MyChoice Dining options
• Solarium Access
• Thermal Suite Access (Adult-only)
• MSC Yacht Club

Overall, no matter which MSC Meraviglia experience guests choose, they can expect a high-quality cruise experience with plenty of amenities. Whether it be relaxing by one of its pools or enjoying an evening show in its theater, there is something for everyone to enjoy while onboard MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Meraviglia has a large variety of MyChoice restaurants and bars, a casino, a shopping mall, a theater, a kids club, a spa, and an outdoor pool deck. The ship also has a massive waterpark that spans a great length of the deck, hot tubs, and a relaxing spa. For entertainment, the ship has a robust entertainment theater with nightly shows such as Carousel Productions, an F-1 simulator, and a bowling alley.

Ocean Cay: MSC’s Private Island

MSC is proud to own its own private island in the Bahamas called Ocean Cay. This exclusive experience is included on every itinerary and experience package for the MSC Meraviglia.

Experiences at Ocean Cay include:

• Private Beaches
• Exclusive Restaurants

Save Big on Port Canaveral Parking!

All good things have to come to an end. Once your cruise is over, it usually gets pretty chaotic at Port Canaveral as everyone scrambles for their rides home. When you park with Park N Cruise , you can skip the chaos and climb off the ship into one of our shuttles to be driven back to where you parked with us on the first day-all included in the price of parking!

Our Services

• On the day of your cruise, you’ll start by checking in with one of our customer service representatives before boarding your complimentary shuttle to Port Canaveral. 
• During your Port Canaveral Cruise, we keep an eye on your vehicle while you’re soaking up the sun.
• After disembarking the cruise ship, check in with our customer service representative before boarding the complementary bus to come back. When we bring you back, your car is securely locked with the keys on the windshield on the outside of your vehicle, ready to drive home.

Have fun and enjoy your Port Canaveral cruise! With these tips, you’re sure to have a great time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly customer representatives-they’re always happy to help.

And if you want to skip the lines of Port Canaveral cruise parking, come park with us at Park N Cruise for a low rate! Give us a call today or visit our website to see our affordable parking options!

Bon voyage!

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Port Canaveral, Florida

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For more information on Port Canaveral's cruise business, call (321) 783-7831 or e-mail [email protected]  

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CRUISES FROM ORLANDO (PORT CANAVERAL), FLORIDA

Located only 54 miles East of Orlando, you can plan your 3, 4 or 7-night cruise to The Bahamas  or Caribbean , featuring late night stays and overnights on our exclusive private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve .  

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Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-04 22:28

Port Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Canaveral (cruise port to Orlando City, Florida USA) is currently ranked world's busiest cruise port (4,07 million cruisers/stats 2023) followed by Miami Florida .

As homeport, this is a major turnaround port destination (serving roundtrip itineraries) with annual shipping traffic 4,5+ million cruise ship tourists. Cape Canaveral is a leading USA homeport for all the world's largest cruise companies - CCL-Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean , NCL-Norwegian , DCL-Disney .

The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA (Port Canaveral/Orlando/4,07M, Miami /4,02M, Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA ( Galveston ), Italy ( Civitavecchia-Rome ).

Cape Canaveral Port

Port Cape Canaveral (locode USPCV) is located on Florida's Atlantic coastline, between Miami and Jacksonville . Orlando City is bounded by Port Canaveral (north), Banana River (east), Cocoa Beach (south) and the Atlantic Ocean (west). As a deepwater seaport, Port Canaveral has a very high volume of traffic. From a total of 6 million cargo tons moved through the port annually, 2,7+ million tons (3 million short tons) are bulk cargoes. Common cargo includes petroleum, aggregate and cement. The port features hoppers and conveyors for loading products directly into trucks, as well as bulk cargo container facilities. The channel is about 13 m (44 ft) deep.

There are 70,000 m2 (750,000 ft2) of covered freight storage capacity. In 2004 Port Canaveral handled 3,6 million tons (4M short tons) of cargo. It exports fresh citrus and bulk frozen citrus juice is stored in one of the biggest freezer warehouses in the state. The port also receives salt for water softening, lumber, automobiles, steel sheets and plates. Port Canaveral transships items for sea, air, space and land. Its Foreign Trade Zone is one of the nation's largest general-purpose FTZs, more than 13 km2 (5 mi2). Each year the port boosts the economy by 1/2 billion dollars.

Port's cruise shipping business started in 1964, with SS Yarmouth Castle. The 1927-built steamship (for Chadade Steamship Company) was acquired by Yarmouth Cruise Lines in 1957. The liner was American-owned and Panama- flagged . In 1965, the ship burnt at sea (between Nassau and Miami).

The 1965-opened sea lock (part of Canaveral Barge Canal) is still in use, being maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Shipping and commercial fishing is also served by three 400 ft/120 m-long cargo piers constructed on the Port's north side in 1976. The seaport has supported NASA's space projects from the nearby JF Kennedy Space Center. During NASA's Apollo program, Saturn V rocket's segments transited via the lock. Space Shuttle's external tanks were floated for each mission into Port Canaveral, and the rocket boosters were towed back via the seaport, being fished from the Atlantic after each space launch.

In August 2015, commissioners approved USD 81 million port development project for upgrades of terminals 5 and 10, aimed at handling larger-sized vessels (details in the "terminal" section below). The project's financing was secured through bank loans and bonds.

Following President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, in late-January 2017 were officially issued reports about cruise passengers being detained by US Customs and Border Protection. All detainees had to provide background info about them, their families and also their past life in their native countries. Trump's executive order was signed on January 27th and includes a 90-day ban on travel to the USA by citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen.

In early November 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean announced the company's decision to homeport here in 2019 the world's largest passenger vessel - Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6687 passengers plus 2100 crew). Starting May 2019, Harmony OTS offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Harmony replaced Oasis OTS (redeployed in 2019 to Miami ). Also in 2019, Mariner OTS (max capacity 4200 passengers plus 1180 crew) was homeported here for 3-4-night roundtrips to The Bahamas. The ship first arrived in Port Canaveral in 2003 (inaugural cruise on November 14).

In December 2017, Carnival Cruise Lines announced the homeporting of Carnival Elation in 2019. Starting May 12, 2019, the ship operates year-round scheduled 4-5-day "long weekend" Bahamas cruises. Departures are on Thursdays (4-day itinerary to Freeport and Nassau ) and on Mondays and Saturdays (5-day itinerary to Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk Island ).

In December 2017, Port Canaveral completed the 6-month long West Turning Basin deepening project, now allowing max draft of 45 ft (13,7 m). Port's containership terminal (North Cargo berths 5 and 6) is operated by GT USA. The dredging works removed 22,3+ million ft3 (632,000 m3) of seabed material. For the dredging was contracted Dutra Group (based in San Rafael, California). The project's total cost was USD 7,5 million, with approx 2/3 of the cost covered by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). The Port's entry channel was cleared from obstructions (bridges, power lines) and is now without air draft restrictions. West Turning Basin has quay length ~600 m (2000 ft) and draft 13 m/43 ft - making it one of East Coast USA's deepest cargo berths without vessel air draft limits.

In January 2018 was approved the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo ship berth ("North Cargo Berth 8" / NCB8). By the project were also built a seawall (900 ft / 274 m) and a pier extension (100 ft / 31 m) with capacity to handle vessels with max LOA length 850 ft/259 m. At the new berth can be handled various heavy project cargoes (including aerospace). Berth's depth is 35 ft (11 m). The USD 17,9 million berth construction contract was awarded to the Tampa -based company Orion Marine Group. The contract includes building the bulkhead, seawall, relieving platform and dredging. Construction works started in March 2018, with scheduled completion by mid-2019.

In 2018, two port development projects received funding for maintenance works in the seaport. The contractor is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers). For the projects were allocated USD 14,76 million (Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass and jetty upgrades) and USD 1,47 million (Harbor and Locks).

On December 5, 2018, Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) approved a series of bonds (up to USD 117 million) for financing "Cruise Terminal 3" (dubbed "Launch Pad") project. In 2021, at the new CT3 Terminal was homeported Carnival's newest and largest ( LNG-powered ) liner Mardi Gras .

• The project's financing package included bonds up to USD 80 million (30-year, Series A and B) and up to USD 37 million (20-year loan, Series C) by SunTrust Bank (specializing in mortgage, personal and small-business banking). The bank is subsidiary of the Atlanta GA-based SunTrust Banks Inc (reported assets in March 2018 USD 199 billion).
• Additionally was approved to increase Port's PNC Bank credit line from USD 25 to 50 million. The port also received from Florida Department of Transportation USD 6 million in grants for the infrastructure works.
• Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 has a dedicated wharf, adjacent parking (6-storey, capacity 1800 vehicles) and a newbuild road. The project's total improvements cost USD 163 million, of which $50 million were contributed by Carnival Corporation . The facility was completed in September 2020, but due to the crisis was inaugurated on June 4, 2021, with the arrival of Mardi Gras.

On May 22, 2019, Disney Cruises signed with CPA a 20-year operating agreement for homeporting two of its three newbuilds . Under the new deal, Disney has 3 boats homeported here (2 new, 1 old) which increased the number of guaranteed roundtrips from 150 per year (2019) to 180 (2023) and 216 (2024 and beyond).

In early March 2020 was launched an RO-RO Division in Port Canaveral - a dedicated vehicle terminal with max annual capacity 240,000 cars. The 16-acres terminal is at South Cargo Pier 4 and serves mainly new import automobiles. The terminal has a large climate-controlled warehouse (sized 20,000 ft2 / 1860 m2). In FY2019, the port handled a total of 12514 vehicles.

Following the port's ban for cruise ship dockings and passenger operations (due to the COVID pandemic), in the period April 3 through May 30, 2020, Canaveral Port Authority furloughed all its employees dedicated to cruise shipping operations.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 (June through November) was closed CT8 (Disney Cruise Terminal 8).

In April 2023, Port Canaveral officials proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal. The US$175 million facility could be built on the Port's southern side, and completed and opened in 2026-Q4.

In August 2023 was allocated US$68,16 million for two new cruise parking garages (an 8-level near Terminals 5 and 6, and a 6-level near Terminal 10.

Cape Canaveral port statistics

Note: Port's FY (fiscal year) runs from October 1 (current year) through September 30 (next year).

In FY2017, the cruise port handled 4,52+ million passengers (6,4% increase over FY2016). The number of multi-day passengers (4,234+ million) was 7,1% increase over 2016. Statistics showed that just in March 2017, the number of visiting cruiseship tourists was 469,847. This was the Port's 1-month record and a 19% increase over March 2016. Port's FY2017 total revenues were USD 47,4 million (freight and passengers).

For FY2018, the seaport reported a record year with USD 103,75 million in total revenues (218,9% increase over 2017). Cargo and cruise shipping volumes were also an all-time high. The number of handled cruise ship passengers increased by 7,7% - to 4,568431 million. Port's handled cargo tonnage increased by 6,9% - to 6,404944 million tons. Port's total economic output was USD 3,9 billion with around 32650 jobs supported (USD 1,3 billion in wages) including 17200 port workers (USD 0,7294 billion in wages).

For FY2019, the port had ~5% growth (over FY18) in revenues from cruise shipping. By homeporting operations (turnarounds) Port Canaveral is currently ranked the world's 2nd-busiest (after Miami) cruise port with handled in 2019 total 4,634154 million passengers (4,568431 million in 2018).

For season 2019, the cruise port reported a record berth booking with estimated 4,7+ million passengers.

In 2023, Port Canaveral reported a record year with handled 906 cruise ship calls, 13 homeporting ships, ~6,8 million cruise tourists, US$158 million in revenue from cruise shipping operations. For season 2024, the Port had booked 913 ship calls and expected ~7,3M passengers

Port Canaveral cruise terminal

Besides being a large cruise port, Port Canaveral is also among the USA's/and the world's largest naval and cargo ports. On average, each day 10 cruise vessels enter the port.

Port Canaveral's cruise terminals serve several major cruise shipping companies. Terminal 5 is the homeport for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean , Celebrity , NCL-Norwegian , Marella UK . Terminal 6 serves ships of CCL-Carnival and Princess . Terminal 10 homeports ships of MSC and NCL.

The following cruise port map shows Port Canaveral port's infrastructure, the location of terminal facilities, connecting roads and transportation links to Orlando City.

Port Canaveral is the nearest Disney World city, situated about one hour east of Orlando by car. The Orlando Airport is 45 mi/70 km away. The driving distance to Tampa is 2 hours, to Jacksonville - 2,5 hours.

There are seven cruise terminals, but in regular use are 5 - numbers 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10. They are newer, located on the Port's north side, and serve larger ships. Southside terminals are older. Gambling ships use Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is the new Carnival Cruise Line's terminal.

Currently, Terminal 4 is also used, but rarely. In April 2024 was announced a plan for a new facility at Terminal 4, to be completed in 2026.

The cruise terminal parking rate is USD 15 per day (Port Authority subject to change). There is a parking lot beside each cruise terminal. Port Canaveral offers complimentary cruise parking for disabled Veterans. Approved are waiving cruise parking fees for vehicles with DV (Disabled Veteran) license plates issued under Florida Statutes "s.320.084", "s.320.0842" or "s.320.0845".

In August 2023, Port Canaveral commissioners allocated US$67,46 million for constructing two northside cruise parking garages. For the projects was contracted Ivey's Construction Inc. The larger facility (an 8-level garage with capacity 1940 vehicles) is adjacent to Terminals 5 and 6, while the smaller one (a 6-level garage with capacity 1081 vehicles) is near Terminal 10.

(NEW) Cruise Terminal (2026)

In April 2023 was proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal on the Port's southern side.

The US$175 million facility could be completed and opened in 2026-Q4.

This proposal for a new passenger terminal came after two newbuild large cruise liners were homeported year-round in Cape Canaveral starting in 2024-Q4.

If approved, the proposal will be included in the Port's budget for FY2023 (October 1, 2022, thru September 30, 2023). FY23 was marked by increased cruise shipping traffic and stronger-than-expected, cruise-related revenues (including from parking) estimated at US$150,87 million. The previous estimate was US$124,48M. This represented ~83,7% of Port Canaveral's total projected operating revenue (US$180,35M) including from cargo shipping/handling, recreation, leasing, and other business activities. It was estimated that the Port's FY23 will have US$75,43M profit (including non-operating revenues and expenses) which was US$53,36M before FY23's budget began. The profit was used for port development projects and for reducing debt from previous projects.

In May 2023, were announced plans for a new cruise terminal at the site of the Bluepoints Marina. The facility (projected cost US$175M) could be ready/inaugurated in 2026-Q4.

(NEW) Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 (CT3-Launch Pad)

In late-April 2017, Port Canaveral started construction works on a new cruise terminal.

The facility is on the site of "Cruise Terminal 3" (port's southern / B side), west of Jetty Park and east of The Cove (dining-shopping-attractions complex). On June 7, 2017, engineering and design works for the new terminal were officially approved.

Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners approved US$1,2 million in funding for CH2M Engineering's project management contract. This was Phase I of the 2-year work plan to construct a modern facility with capacity to serve vessels with max capacity 8000 passengers.

At the new passenger terminal can berth even the world's largest cruise vessels of RCI's OASIS-class. CH2M Engineering provided engineering, support services and waterside design for the new Terminal 3.

The project's budget is USD 163 million (initially estimated cost was US$150M), of which US$50M contributed by Carnival Corporation . Ranked the USA's largest single building project, it included the demolition of the port's oldest terminal, construction of a brand new 2-story building (sized 17466 m2 / 188,000 ft2), upgrading the existing berth and building a new (adjacent to the terminal) parking garage, roadway and utility improvements.

The 20-month-long, multi-phased project included 5 separate contracts. Demolition works (of the existing Terminal 3 building) started in April 2018, at the cost of US$210,000.

• Following the building demolition, the project's next phases included berth demolition, dredging, dockside construction, building passenger boarding (mobile) bridges and terminal building, site works, building a covered parking garage (6-story building, sized 690,000 ft2 / 64,100 m2, capacity 1800 cars).
• On August 30, 2018, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a long-term terminal operation agreement with Carnival Cruise Line, allowing the company to homeport here its newest and biggest liner .
• Beginning September 1, 2018, the new agreement replaced the old (6-year concession) expiring in 2019. The new 25-year primary term has 4 additional 5-year renewal options. The minimum annual revenue from passenger fees (guaranteed by Carnival) was increased from USD 7 million (fixed, per year) to USD 14,5 million (with annual escalators).
• On January 8, 2019, the CPA Board of Commissioners awarded the company Ivey's Construction Inc the USD 79 million contract for building Cruise Terminal 3, plus USD 29,53M contract for building the adjacent parking.
• On April 24, 2019, Canaveral Port Authority commissioners unanimously approved several design changes in the CT3 Project to reduce building costs. Ivey's Construction Inc (Merritt Island-based) won the contract in January with a bid of USD 78,98 million. However, design changes resulted in total savings of USD 4,535 million, bringing the terminal's total cost down to USD 74,45 million. In all, "Cruise Terminal 3" costs USD 163 million when are added the costs of the adjacent parking garage, waterside improvements, two passenger boarding bridges, design services. Plans were redesigned after engineering studies reduced the number of needed piles (also their size and coating) without sacrificing the structural integrity.

The new Carnival Cruise Terminal (CT3) is a 2-story building (sized 187,000 ft2 / 17370 m2) with max passenger capacity 6500 at a time. Among its amenities are electronic systems to facilitate passenger screening, mobile check-in (for expediting boarding), ATMs, restrooms, waiting and baggage halls, retail shopping area, info kiosks.

Construction works officially started on March 18, 2019, and the Terminal was completed in September 2020.

At the new CT3 terminal was homeported Carnival's largest vessel Mardi Gras (GT 180,000 tons, LNG-powered , capacity 5286 berths / max passengers 6500). The new liner's LNG bunkering is dockside (barge-to-ship).

Mardi Gras docked for the first time on June 4, 2021, and was joined later on the same day by the fleetmates Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty .

North (A Side) Cruise terminals (5, 6, 8, 10)

They are located on the A dock at the north side. Along is the Charles M Rowland Drive.

All are up to date and can handle the biggest passenger ships. Especially for Disney Cruise Line ships was built Cruise Terminal 8.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 was closed Disney's Cruise Terminal 8 (June through November). The closure was for installing a new curtainwall-pile (breakwater), removing ticket counters, extending the drop-off canopy, replacing the current seating.

In 2016, about USD 2,3 million were spent at Disney Terminal 8's renovations. This cruise facility is used exclusively by Disney ships. Cruise Terminal 10 was reopened on November 19, 2016, following USD 35 million expansion and upgrade project which took 6 months to complete. Terminal 10 (1994-built) is used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) .

Renovation works included increasing the size of the 2-story terminal building (from 97,050 to 125,825 ft2 / 9016 to 11690 m2). Lower floor's baggage processing area was increased from 42,800 to 64,400 ft2 (3976 to 5983 m2). Upper floor's passengers check-in area was increased from 54,250 to 61,430 ft2 (5040 to 5707 m2).

The development project allowed the terminal to handle larger cruise ships (carrying up to 5,500 passengers). Previously, its max capacity was 3,600 passengers.

Among the major projects of the Cruise Terminal 10 renovations were:

• USD 25,69 million for terminal renovations, with H.J. High of Orlando as contractor. The downstairs area where baggage processing occurs increased from the previous 42,799 ft2 to 64,396 ft2. The upstairs area where passengers check-in increased from the previous 54,249 ft2 to 61,428 ft2.
• USD 4,48 million were invested into new mobile Passenger Boarding Bridges (by the Spanish manufacturer ADELTE). The new mobile bridge systems replaced the old fixed gangways and provide better flexibility when used by differently-sized cruise vessels that have different heights and boarding door locations.
• USD 1,79 million were used for the existing cruise pier strengthening. The contractor (Vortex Marine of Oakland, California) used carbon fiber polymer technology to reinforce and extend the pier's life and structural capacity.

In 2016 was completed another (USD 48,4 million) renovation project at Cruise Terminal 5 (used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line ). Among the improvements were terminal expansion, pier elongation (by 120 ft / 37 m), new mobile boarding bridges, new parking garage (capacity 1044 cars). The 1991-built Terminal 5 now allows berthing of larger ships (with up to 3500 passengers / previously up to 2500). For the project were contracted a total of 87 companies.

South (B Side) Cruise Terminals (2, 4)

They are located on the B dock at the southwest side. Along is George King Blvd. They were among the Port's first cruise facilities and can handle not more than 1900 passengers.

(new) Cruise Terminal 1

On November 5, 2016, in Port Canaveral arrived its ever largest passenger ship - Oasis of the Seas . The mega-liner docked at the new "Cruise 1 Terminal" (inaugurated in December 2014). Oasis OTS was homeported here replacing the smaller Freedom OTS .

Facility's main tenant is RCI Royal Caribbean and was designed specifically to handle Oasis-class vessels. The new terminal is sized 188,000 ft2 (17,470 m2) and has a dedicated parking garage with capacity 1007 vehicles. The project cost USD 104,6M.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center: NASA’s base where Apollo missions have been launched. Watch a movie at the center of IMAX, learn the space exploration future at the Exploration Space show, go to the Apollo Center and the LC39 Gantry or try the Shuttle Launch Experience.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame: 5 miles away from the Kennedy Space Center. Honor the American astronauts, watch the Science On A Sphere show, try the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket or a real training for astronauts.

Jetty Park: park at the coastline with a beach, camping and a playground, picnic areas and pavilions. Enjoy the amazing marine traffic view from the pier, favorite place for fishermen and tourists. You can have a coffee, eat or buy something at the Cove Waterfront area, located between the park and the port.

Cocoa Beach Pier: dating since 1962, Space coast best-known landmark located 4 miles away ftom Port Canaveral. It offers bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, live music and lively beach.

Orlando Amusement Parks: enjoy the attractions Walt Disney World , Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and much more.

Port Canaveral tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

NCL and Fincantieri mark milestone with float out of Norwegian Aqua

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aqua at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard on Tuesday, April 23...

Carnival Glory starts Transatlantic crossing following 21-day drydock refurbishment

On Thursday, April 18, Carnival Glory resumed operations from Barcelona (Spain) after undergoing a 21-day drydock refurbishment. Embarking on a 14...

Princess Cruises and Brightline introduce Rail & Sail (train+cruise) program

Princess Cruises and Brightline/BLFX (high-speed intercity passenger railway in Florida connecting Miami with Orlando) have collaboratively...

DCL-Disney Cruise Line's summer 2025 fleet deployment (Europe & Caribbean itineraries)

DCL-Disney Cruise Line has unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries, promising families unforgettable voyages to beloved destinations worldwide. Among...

RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 Caribbean and Bahamas cruise itineraries

RCI-Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its latest offerings of 3- to 6-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises for the 2025-2026 season. These...

RCI-Royal Caribbean cancels Star OTS ship's maiden voyage due to postponed delivery

RCI-Royal Caribbean International has decided to cancel the first two scheduled sailings aboard the Star of the Seas and has adjusted the ship's...

Carnival Legend encounters engine issues, delays Baltimore return and embarkation

CCL's ship Carnival Legend encountered engine troubles on Saturday afternoon while navigating off Florida's coast, leading to a delayed return to...

RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 East Coast USA cruise homeports/ships

RCI-Royal Caribbean International has revealed its lineup of cruises departing from East Coast USA ports for the summer and winter seasons of 2025...

Carnival Vista returns to Port Canaveral with upgrades and enhancements

Carnival Vista cruise ship returned to Port Canaveral, Florida USA after completing a 30-day drydock refurbishment during which she underwent...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's new Transpacific Journey on Carnival Luminosa ship (2025)

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its latest addition to the Carnival Journeys program, announcing the launch of a new transpacific cruise aboard...

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Port Canaveral - user reviews and comments

7 - Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

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Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Schedule For 2023

Carnival Freedom - December 28, 2023

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December 28, 2023

December 28 - 2, 2024

Carnival Freedom

Carnival Cruise Lines

5 Night Eastern Caribbean

from Port Canaveral, Florida

The December 28, 2023 cruise on the Carnival Freedom departs from Port Canaveral, Florida. On this 5 Night Eastern Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 3 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Freedom sets sail on a Thursday (December 28, 2023) and returns on a Tuesday (January 2, 2024).

The Carnival Freedom was built in 2007 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Freedom is included in the cruise line's Conquest Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Freedom vs all other Carnival ships.

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Port Canaveral

You won't find many places where nature exists in harmony with technology, but it does in Cape Canaveral on Florida's Space Coast. Visit the world-famous Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or, on the same land, check out the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. You'll also find pristine beaches, fabulous fishing and great golfing all within driving distance of Florida's biggest attractions.

You won't find many places where nature exists in harmony with technology, but it does in Cape Canaveral on Florida's Space Coast. Visit the world-famous Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or, on...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Freedom Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Grand Turk Island

3-Day Cruises from Port Canaveral

Three cruise ships offer 3-day cruises out of Port Canaveral in Florida. These short cruises are easy to combine with a trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando theme parks. The combination is a vacation that the whole family will enjoy. See the full schedule of departures below.

The 3-night cruises go to the nearby islands of the Bahamas. Voyages on Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean stop at their private islands, which are exclusive playgrounds for their passengers.

You may also want to see our schedule of 4-day cruises from Port Canaveral .

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 5, 12, 19; February 9, 16; March 8, 29; April 12, 26; May 17, 31; June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23; September 6, 20; October 4, 18; November 1, 15, 29; December 13, 27.

3-day cruises on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Bimini (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 2, 26; February 2, 23; March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 19; May 10, 24; June 7, 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16, 30; September 13, 27; October 11, 25; November 8, 22; December 6, 20.

3-night cruises on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 20, 26, 27.

3-night cruises on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to CocoCay (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 2, 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 22, 29; December 6, 13, 27.

Park Port Canaveral

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500 Thurm Blvd

Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

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Absolutely the best place to park when leaving out of Port Canaveral. What an amazing Crew. Lynnea is the first face of arriving and What an amazing personality all smiles and welcoming. I have never once worried about my car being safe! the Crew and Drivers very friendly and personable quick drop offs and they arrive on time early to return. Great value always! usually a discount as well. Try them you will be glad you did!

Lynnea at entrance amazing! Always greets with beautiful smile, energy, explaining procedure thoroughly. Shares excitement with us making us feel our vacation has already started before even getting on the ship.

We parked here on September 17th for a cruise. We were able to park under a tree close to the loading area. It is outside parking, but we did not have any problems. The air conditioning in their van was nice and cool and the driver was friendly and drove safely. Our Cruise ship was 2.5 hours late getting in, yet there they were waiting for us! The directions when getting off the ship and finding them were clear and concise. They were much less expensive and convenient than parking at the port. We will definitely be booking with them again.

We parked here for an October cruise on Disney and there were pros and cons to this location. The pros are that it is conveniently located, the shuttles ran fairly regularly, and there are even restrooms at the parking location. The biggest con we have, was the confirmation receipt said that you show your receipt to enter the parking lot, then you drop off your luggage to a luggage valet and they assist with getting your suitcases out of your car then load the shuttle for you. Being a grandma and traveling with my sister, both of us really needed this assistance and planned to tip generously. When we pulled into the parking lot they seemed to not be aware of a valet service but told us we could find one of the guys in a blue shirt to ask for assistance. They seemed to be standing around talking to each other, so though we waited for a bit no one seemed available to help so we parked and then still could not find anyone to assist so we struggled with our luggage to the shuttle stop. In fairness when our shuttle arrived they did load for us so we were grateful and happy to tip for that. However on the return trip home there was no one at the parking location at all to assist with unloading. The shuttle driver was a petite woman about the same age as us and she said she would hand down bags but when she lifted mine, it got away from her and tumbled down the steps to the pavement. She offered to pay for anything broken inside but fortunately my souvenirs were packed careful and there was no damage, except the scuffs on my suitcase itself. Overall, would I use this location again, yes as long as I am not expecting baggage assistance.

Leaving for my cruise today, I pulled up to the booth in your parking lot and was greeted by Lynnea. she made us feel so welcomed and so valued! I drive a Jeep and have the ducks on my dashboard. She promptly told me she loved my ducks! I told her we were going on Royal Caribbean and she said let me give you a Royal Caribbean Duck. it made my day that someone would be so kind! Lynnea is definitely the right person for the booth! Thank you so much!!!

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Record year for Florida rocket launches: Everything to know about all 72 Space Coast missions

Follow florida today's space team for cape canaveral news and updates at floridatoday.com/space.

In historically unprecedented fashion, 72 orbital rockets launched during 2023 from Florida's Space Coast — breezing past the previous record of 57 annual launches set in 2022.

Following is a list of all 72 missions during 2023 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center and adjacent Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

To keep tabs on all 2024 launches from the Space Coast, visit our updating list of story links and photo galleries here.

1. SpaceX Transporter-6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the company's sixth Transport satellite rideshare mission at 9:58 a.m. Jan. 3 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Transporter-6: SpaceX's first 2023 Falcon 9 launch featured a sonic boom landing at Cape Canaveral

2. SpaceX OneWeb Launch 16 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 sent 40 OneWeb broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:50 p.m. Jan. 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Launch Complex 40.

OneWeb Launch 16: SpaceX's late Monday night launch and landing clears way for Falcon Heavy later this week

3. SpaceX Falcon Heavy USSF-67

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched Space Force payloads — some of which were secret — at 5:56 p.m. Jan. 15 from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

USSF-67: SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket tears through gorgeous sunset, boosters land at Cape Canaveral

4. SpaceX Space Force GPS III-6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the Space Force's GPS III-6 satellite into orbit at 7:24 a.m. Jan. 18 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

GPS III-6: SpaceX launches GPS satellite from Cape Canaveral, lands on drone ship

5. SpaceX Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 56 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit at 4:32 a.m. Jan. 26 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink: SpaceX launched a pre-dawn Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Florida Thursday morning

6. SpaceX Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 53 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit at 2:58 a.m. Feb. 2 from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

Starlink: SpaceX launches Starlink mission from Florida less than a week after the last

7. SpaceX Hispasat Amazonas Nexus

A SpaceX Falcon 9 carried the Amazonas Nexus communications satellite into orbit for Spanish operator Hispasat at 8:32 p.m. Feb. 6 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Hispasat Amazonas Nexus: SpaceX launches Spanish satellite from Cape Canaveral after weekend weather delay

8. SpaceX Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 55 Starlink satellites at 12:10 a.m. Feb. 12 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink: SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, skirts Florida coast

9. SpaceX Inmarsat I-6 F2 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a 12,000-pound internet satellite for British operator Inmarsat into orbit at 10:59 p.m. Feb. 17 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Inmarsat I-6 F2: SpaceX launches twice in one day as FAA proposes $175K fine

10. SpaceX Starlink Mini V2

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the company's first batch of next-generation Mini V2 internet-beaming satellites at 6:13 p.m. Feb. 27 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink Mini V2: SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 and a batch of next generation Starlink satellites on Monday

11. NASA's SpaceX Crew-6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched NASA's Crew-6 (three astronauts and a cosmonaut) to the International Space Station at 12:34 a.m. March 2 from pad 39A at KSC.

Crew-6: NASA, SpaceX launch international Crew-6 mission from Florida to ISS

12. SpaceX OneWeb Launch 17

A SpaceX Falcon 9 sent OneWeb broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit at 2:13 p.m. March 9 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

OneWeb Launch 17: SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 with OneWeb satellites Thursday followed by a Cape landing

13. SpaceX CRS-27

A SpaceX Falcon 9 carried the company's 27th space station cargo resupply mission for NASA at 8:30 p.m. March 15 from pad 39A at KSC.

CRS-27: SpaceX Florida launch is the second Dragon mission this month destined for ISS

14. SpaceX SES 18 and 19

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched two communications satellites to orbit for Luxembourg-based operator SES at 7:38 p.m. March 17 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

SES 18 and 19: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 and two communications satellites from Cape Canaveral

15. Relativity Space Terran 1

Relativity Space launched the world's first 3D-printed, 110-foot rocket on the Good Luck, Have Fun (GLHF) mission at 11:25 p.m. March 22 from CCSFS Launch Complex 16.

Terran 1: Relativity launches world's first 3D-printed rocket from Florida, surpasses objectives

16. SpaceX Starlink 5-5

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:34 a.m. March 24 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-5: SpaceX launches latest batch of Starlink internet satellites from Florida, lands on drone ship

17. SpaceX Starlink 5-10

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 56 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 4:01 p.m. March 29 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-10: SpaceX sends more Starlink satellites to orbit for Florida's only launch this week

18. SpaceX Intelsat 40e-NASA TEMPO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the Intelsat 40e communications satellite with NASA's TEMPO instrument at 12:29 a.m. April 7 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Intelsat 40e-TEMPO: SpaceX launches NASA's TEMPO and communications satellite from Florida

19. SpaceX Starlink 6-2

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:31 a.m. April 19 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-2: SpaceX boosts more Starlink internet satellites to orbit on Falcon 9 mission

20. SpaceX SES O3b mPOWER 3 and 4

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched SES' O3b mPOWER 3 and 4 communications satellites at 6:12 p.m. April 28 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

SES O3b mPOWER 3 and 4: SpaceX back-to-back launches: Falcon 9 launches, Falcon Heavy is scrubbed

21. SpaceX Falcon Heavy ViaSat-3 Americas

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy lifted the ViaSat-3 Americas communications satellite and two payloads for Astranis and Gravity Space at 8:26 p.m. April 30 from pad 39A at KSC.

Viasat-3 Americas: SpaceX launches triple-core Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center in Florida

22. SpaceX Starlink 5-6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 56 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 3:31 a.m. May 4 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-6: SpaceX launches more Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral in Florida

23. SpaceX Starlink 5-9

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 56 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 1:03 a.m. May 14 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-9: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch sends another batch of Starlink satellites to orbit early Sunday

24. SpaceX Starlink 6-3

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 56 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 2:19 a.m. May 19 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-3: SpaceX launches new batch of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral in Florida

25. SpaceX Ax-2

A SpaceX Falcon 9 sent Axiom Space's second all-private crew of astronauts on a journey to the International Space Station at 5:37 p.m. May 21 from pad 39A at KSC.

Ax-2: SpaceX launches veteran NASA astronaut, three rookies on private Axiom mission to ISS

26. SpaceX Arabsat BADR-8

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the BADR-8 communications satellite for Arabsat, a Saudi Arabia-based operator, at 12:30 a.m. May 27 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Arabsat BADR-8: SpaceX kicks off Memorial Day weekend with launch from Florida

27. SpaceX Starlink 6-4

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 8:20 a.m. June 4 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-4: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Florida, but scrubs Sunday's second mission

28. SpaceX CRS-28

A SpaceX Falcon 9 carried the company's 28th space station cargo resupply mission for NASA at 11:47 a.m. June 5 from pad 39A at KSC.

SpaceX CRS-28: SpaceX launched an uncrewed Dragon mission to the ISS from Kennedy Space Center on Monday

29. SpaceX Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 53 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 3:10 a.m. June 12 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink: SpaceX launched a pre-dawn Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Monday

30. SpaceX SATRIA-1

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the SATRIA-1 broadband communications satellite for the Indonesian government and satellite operator PSN at 6:21 p.m. June 18 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

SATRIA-1: Father's Day SpaceX Falcon 9 launch sends Indonesian communications satellite to orbit

31. ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-68

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy launched a national security satellite into orbit at 5:18 a.m. June 22 from CCSFS Launch Complex 37.

NROL-68: A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy sent a spy satellite to orbit early Thursday

32. SpaceX Starlink 5-12

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 55 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:35 a.m. June 23 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-12: SpaceX launches dozens of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral in Florida

33. SpaceX Euclid

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Euclid, a European Space Agency telescope, at 11:12 a.m. July 1 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Euclid: SpaceX launches European space telescope from Florida to hunt for dark matter and energy

34. SpaceX Starlink 6-5

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:58 p.m. July 9 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-5: SpaceX launches first of two Starlink internet missions from Cape Canaveral

35. SpaceX Starlink 5-15

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 54 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:50 p.m. July 15 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 5-15: Second SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the week sends more Starlink satellites to orbit

36. SpaceX Starlink 6-6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 8:50 p.m. July 23 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-6: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Florida, setting stage for Falcon Heavy mission

37. SpaceX Starlink 6-7

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 12:01 a.m. July 28 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-7: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Florida, setting up next mission on the same day

38. SpaceX Falcon Heavy Jupiter 3

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched Jupiter 3, the largest communications satellite built by Maxar Technologies, to geostationary orbit for EchoStar at 11:04 p.m. July 28 from pad 38A at KSC.

Jupiter 3: Triple-core SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches from Florida, lands boosters at Cape Canaveral

39. SpaceX Intelsat Galaxy 37

A SpaceX Falcon 9 carried Luxembourg-based Intelsat's Galaxy 37 satellite at 1 a.m. Aug. 3 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Intersat Galaxy 37: SpaceX boosts Intelsat satellite from Florida, kicking off busy month of launches

40. SpaceX Starlink 6-8

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:41 p.m. Aug. 6 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-8: SpaceX launches Starlink mission from Florida, setting stage for next mission this week

41. SpaceX Starlink 6-9

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 1:17 a.m. Aug. 11 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-9: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch early Friday sends more Starlink internet satellites to orbit

42. SpaceX Starlink 6-10

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:36 p.m. Aug. 16 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-10: SpaceX's latest Falcon 9 Starlink mission vaulted away from Cape Canaveral late Wednesday

43. NASA's SpaceX Crew-7

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched NASA's international Crew-7 to the International Space Station at 3:27 a.m. Aug. 26 from pad 39A at KSC.

Crew-7: NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 soared from KSC early Saturday, setting stage for launch doubleheader

44. SpaceX Starlink 6-11

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 9:05 p.m. Aug. 26 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-11: SpaceX's weekend launch doubleheader sets stage for ULA Atlas V liftoff Tuesday morning

45. SpaceX Starlink 6-13

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:21 p.m. Aug. 31 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-13: SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink mission Thursday sets stage for next launch this weekend

46. SpaceX Starlink 6-12

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 21 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:47 p.m. Sept. 3 from pad 39A at KSC.

Starlink 6-12: Sunday night's Starlink mission marked SpaceX's record-setting launch pace for the year

47. SpaceX Starlink 6-14

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:12 p.m. Sept. 8 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-14: After Friday's SpaceX launch ULA teams target Sunday for Atlas V launch following scrub

48. ULA Atlas V SILENTBARKER/NROL-107

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launched a Space Force-National Reconnaissance Office national security mission at 8:47 a.m. Sept. 10 from CCSFS Launch Complex 41.

SILENTBARKER/NROL-107: Powerful ULA Atlas V rocket launched national security mission after scrub, hurricane delay

49. SpaceX Starlink 6-16

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:38 p.m. Sept. 15 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-16: SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 22 Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral in Florida

50. SpaceX Starlink 6-17

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:38 p.m. Sept. 19 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-17: SpaceX Falcon 9 booster logs record-breaking 17th flight from Cape Canaveral in Florida

51. SpaceX Starlink 6-18

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:38 p.m. Sept. 23 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-18: SpaceX's Falcon 9 mission Saturday marked 51 launches from the Space Coast so far this year

52. SpaceX Starlink 6-19

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10 p.m. Sept. 29 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-19: SpaceX sent more Starlink satellites to orbit Friday night after a four hour launch delay

53. SpaceX Starlink 6-21

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 1:36 a.m. Oct. 5 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-21: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral after delays amid wind, rain

54. ULA Atlas V Amazon Project Kuiper Protoflight

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launched Amazon's prototype KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 satellites at 2:06 p.m. Oct. 6 from CCSFS Launch Complex 41.

Project Kuiper: Friday's ULA launch for Amazon clears path for next SpaceX mission on Sunday

55. SpaceX Falcon Heavy NASA Psyche

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched NASA's Psyche spacecraft bound for the asteroid belt at 10:19 a.m. Oct. 13 from pad 39A at KSC.

NASA Psyche: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy mission on Friday the 13th for NASA asteroid mission

56. SpaceX Starlink 6-22

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 7:01 p.m. Oct. 13 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-22: Two in one day: SpaceX launches Starlink mission hours after NASA Psyche launch from Cape

57. SpaceX Starlink 6-23

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 22 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 8:39 p.m. Oct. 17 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-23: Tuesday's SpaceX mission matches record pace set last year, with more still to come

58. SpaceX Starlink 6-24

In the Space Coast's unprecedented 58th orbital launch in a single year, a SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:17 p.m. Oct. 21 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-24: 'A major success': SpaceX launch is record-breaking 58th from Cape Canaveral in a year

59. SpaceX Starlink 6-25

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 7:20 p.m. Oct. 30 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-25: SpaceX Starlink launch marks record-breaking 59th orbital launch from Space Coast

60. SpaceX Starlink 6-26

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 8:37 p.m. Nov. 3 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-26: SpaceX Starlink mission illuminates Friday night darkness after Cape Canaveral launch

61. SpaceX Starlink 6-27

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 12:05 a.m. Nov. 8 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-27: SpaceX Starlink mission launches 5 minutes after midnight, lighting darkened Brevard sky

62. NASA SpaceX CRS-29

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched an uncrewed SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft loaded with cargo at 8:28 p.m. Nov. 9 from pad 39A at KSC.

NASA CRS-29: NASA supply mission to ISS launches Thursday night aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from KSC

63. SpaceX SES O3b mPOWER 5 and 6

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a pair of communications satellites for Luxembourg-based company SES at 4:08 p.m. Nov. 12 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

SES O3b mPOWER 5 and 6: SpaceX launch obscured by clouds Sunday in Central Brevard during SES O3b mPOWER mission

64. SpaceX Starlink 6-28

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 12:05 a.m. Nov. 18 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-28: SpaceX rocket shrouded by mist during Saturday early morning launch from Cape Canaveral

65. SpaceX Starlink 6-29

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 2:47 a.m. Nov. 22 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-29: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch early Wednesday morning marks 65th this year from Cape Canaveral

66. SpaceX Starlink 6-30

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:20 p.m. Nov. 27 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-30: SpaceX sends Starlink satellite mission streaking through Monday night darkness in Brevard

67. SpaceX Starlink 6-31

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11 p.m. Dec. 2 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-31: SpaceX Falcon 9 launches on Saturday night from Cape Canaveral amid cloudy forecast

68. SpaceX Starlink 6-33

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 12:07 a.m. Dec. 7 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-33: SpaceX extends space-payload lead with early Thursday Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral

69. SpaceX Starlink 6-34

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:01 p.m. Dec. 18 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-34: SpaceX Falcon 9 mission Monday night ends 11-day launch drought from Florida's Space Coast

70. SpaceX Starlink 6-32

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 12:33 a.m. Dec. 23 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 6-32: SpaceX Falcon 9 launches early Saturday; rocket booster logs 19th landing atop drone ship

71. SpaceX Falcon Heavy USSF-52

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched the Space Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle at 8:07 p.m. Dec. 28 from pad 39A at KSC.

USSF-52: SpaceX doubleheader: Falcon Heavy, Falcon 9 soar back-to-back, marking 72 launches in 2023

72. SpaceX Starlink 6-36

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit at 11:01 p.m. Dec. 28 from CCSFS Launch Complex 40, just 2 hours, 54 minutes after the USSF-52 launch.

Starlink 6-36: SpaceX doubleheader: Falcon Heavy, Falcon 9 soar back-to-back, marking 72 launches in 2023

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

Boeing Is on the Verge of Launching Astronauts Aboard New Capsule, the Latest Entry to Space Travel

Boeing is finally poised to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA after years of delays and stumbles

Terry Renna

Boeing's Starliner capsule atop an Atlas V rocket is rolled out to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will launch aboard to the International Space Station, scheduled for liftoff on May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — After years of delays and stumbles, Boeing is finally poised to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA.

It’s the first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on board, a pair of NASA pilots who will check out the spacecraft during the test drive and a weeklong stay at the space station.

NASA turned to U.S. companies for astronaut rides after the space shuttles were retired. Elon Musk's SpaceX has made nine taxi trips for NASA since 2020, while Boeing has managed only a pair of unoccupied test flights.

Boeing program manager Mark Nappi wishes Starliner was further along. “There’s no doubt about that, but we’re here now.”

The company's long-awaited astronaut demo is slated for liftoff Monday night.

Provided this tryout goes well, NASA will alternate between Boeing and SpaceX to get astronauts to and from the space station.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

A look at the newest ride and its shakedown cruise:

THE CAPSULE

White with black and blue trim, Boeing's Starliner capsule is about 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 15 feet (4.5 meters) in diameter. It can fit up to seven people, though NASA crews typically will number four. The company settled on the name Starliner nearly a decade ago, a twist on the name of Boeing’s early Stratoliner and the current Dreamliner.

No one was aboard Boeing’s two previous Starliner test flights. The first, in 2019, was hit with software trouble so severe that its empty capsule couldn’t reach the station until the second try in 2022. Then last summer, weak parachutes and flammable tape cropped up that needed to be fixed or removed.

Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are retired Navy captains who spent months aboard the space station years ago. They joined the test flight after the original crew bowed out as the delays piled up. Wilmore, 61, is a former combat pilot from Mount Juliet, Tennessee , and Williams, 58, is a helicopter pilot from Needham, Massachusetts. The duo have been involved in the capsule’s development and insist Starliner is ready for prime time, otherwise they would not strap in for the launch.

“We’re not putting our heads in the sand,” Williams told The Associated Press. “Sure, Boeing has had its problems. But we are the QA (quality assurance). Our eyes are on the spacecraft.”

THE TEST FLIGHT

Starliner will blast off on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It will be the first time astronauts ride an Atlas since NASA’s Project Mercury, starting with John Glenn when he became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. Sixty-two years later, this will be the 100th launch of the Atlas V, which is used to hoist satellites as well as spacecraft.

“We’re super careful with every mission. We’re super, duper, duper careful" with human missions, said Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Starliner should reach the space station in roughly 26 hours. The seven station residents will have their eyes peeled on the approaching capsule. The arrival of a new vehicle is "a really big deal. You leave nothing to chance,” NASA astronaut Michael Barratt told the AP from orbit. Starliner will remain docked for eight days, undergoing checkouts before landing in New Mexico or elsewhere in the American West.

STARLINER VS. DRAGON

Both companies’ capsules are designed to be autonomous and reusable. This Starliner is the same one that made the first test flight in 2019. Unlike the SpaceX Dragons, Starliner has traditional hand controls and switches alongside touchscreens and, according to the astronauts, is more like NASA’s Orion capsules for moon missions. Wilmore and Williams briefly will take manual control to wring out the systems on their way to the space station.

NASA gave Boeing, a longtime space contractor, more than $4 billion to develop the capsule, while SpaceX got $2.6 billion. SpaceX already was in the station delivery business and merely refashioned its cargo capsule for crew. While SpaceX uses the boss' Teslas to get astronauts to the launch pad, Boeing will use a more traditional “astrovan” equipped with a video screen that Wilmore said will be playing “Top Gun: Maverick.”

One big difference at flight’s end: Starliner lands on the ground with cushioning airbags, while Dragon splashes into the sea.

Boeing is committed to six Starliner trips for NASA after this one, which will take the company to the station’s planned end in 2030. Boeing’s Nappi is reluctant to discuss other potential customers until this inaugural crew flight is over. But the company has said a fifth seat will be available to private clients. SpaceX periodically sells seats to tycoons and even countries eager to get their citizens to the station for a couple weeks.

Coming soon: Sierra Space’s mini shuttle, Dream Chaser, which will deliver cargo to the station later this year or next, before accepting passengers.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Wharf expansion worth $2.1 billion boosted by Cape Canaveral's space industry could be coming

In the coming decades, the Space Coast’s booming commercial space economy may prompt a $2.1 billion northward expansion near Port Canaveral, creating a new large-scale wharf stretching parallel with the Banana River shoreline along Cape Canaveral Space Force Station property.

Thursday morning, Space Florida released a 67-page feasibility study detailing the ambitious proposal, which could require seven construction phases across a 50-year span to accommodate the space industry's future maritime needs.

Why build the wharf? Led today by SpaceX, the Cape's future launch providers will use drone ships, marine vessels and smaller boats to transport and retrieve rocket boosters, fairings and capsules. For example, one Falcon 9 launch can generate ocean recovery operations for all three of these components.

"You start to project out what SpaceX is doing now. Then you start to add other launches by companies like Blue Origin, and increasing launches from ULA with Vulcan. Plus, all of the other players like Relativity and Stoke and Firefly and Vaya, and all the companies that are out there in development right now," Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said.

Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming rocket launch schedule for SpaceX, ULA, NASA in Florida

Describing Port Canaveral's projected wharf demand by the commercial space industry, Long said, "if you're an airport, and you have too few runways to support the demand, you would add another runway."

What large-scale Port Canaveral expansion would include

Funding and timeline estimates for the conceptual expansion remain undetermined, Long said. The study proposes a long-term, large-scale expansion that would:

• Create a new wharf cutting northward through the Middle Turning Basin (Poseidon Basin) that runs along the Banana River shoreline.
• Remove some buildings and infrastructure used by the Space Force and U.S. Army — including the Sands Space History Center — which would be rebuilt elsewhere. Space Force officials declined comment.
• Realign State Road 401 along the west side of the expanded basin.

The ambitious study’s project area encompasses land or channels under the jurisdiction of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Canaveral Port Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Today, SpaceX fairing recovery vessels and drone ships — some bearing Falcon 9 first-stage boosters — are routinely seen in the vicinity of cruise ships along Port Canaveral's North Cargo Berth area.

However, the Space Florida study projects the commercial space industry may outgrow this port area within five years because of limited space, potential congestion and lack of shipyard operations, among other factors.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray made that clear in his latest annual State of the Port presentation to community leaders.

"This port can't handle everything," Murray said. "We alone cannot accommodate the projected maritime needs. It's that simple."

In his presentation, Murray said the port is "committed to the space industry," but also has its other cargo and cruise operations to consider. Port Canaveral is the world's second-busiest cruise port, and also has a growing cargo business, handling commodities ranging from petroleum to lumber.

"We've always grown up with them, side by side, since the 1950s," Murray said, referring to the space industry. "We do support the launch recovery operations right now from SpaceX. We have other parties that are getting ready to do the same. There could be as many as 10 more launch service providers with maritime assets."

Port expansion study involved many space companies

A kickoff meeting for the Space Florida port study took place in February 2023. Eleven commercial space companies provided input, ranging from SpaceX, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance to young ventures like Vaya Space, Phantom Space and Stoke Space.

Space companies will need cranes, office space, equipment storage space and room for other functions along the wharf. Due to the proprietary nature of operations, most companies recommend they will need 5 acres to 15 acres landside, the study said.

The Space Florida study projected that there would be a demand for 197 launch recovery operations by 2028; 571 by 2053; and 1,252 by 2073. It said each operation would require the use of four marine vessels, on average.

These projections also include potential sea-based launches from launch pads atop marine vessels. Example: Space Perspective, a Titusville company, hopes to soon start launching tourists to the edge of space aboard its hydrogen-balloon-lifted Spaceship Neptune capsule from the deck of its 294-foot ship MS Voyager.

The study also examined proposed oceanfront turning basins along the Atlantic coast at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and KSC, along with proposed basins in the Banana River. However, these options were eliminated from consideration because of environmental-permitting constraints, military operations, access issues and other challenges.

What's next with port study

Next, Space Florida said it will do a full environmental analysis of the study's near- and long-term options still on the table. Space Florida also plans to conduct a statewide study to determine how other Florida seaports can support the space industry.

Murray said it is crucial to have a solution for the space industry, and he pledged the port's cooperation toward that goal.

He said the port appreciates Space Florida taking on this study, and supports "the comprehensive effort to address the industry’s growing maritime needs. We look forward to continued collaboration with federal and state partners to realize solutions to ensure the industry’s continued success.”

This year, the Florida Legislature unanimously approved an amendment to the Canaveral Port Authority's charter specifying that the port will "take reasonable measures to support the commercial space launch industry at Port Canaveral."

Murray said the ultimate plan for accommodating launch recovery operations "could be quite complex." But he is hopeful that "there will be some positive way forward" that comes out of the Space Florida initiative.

Rick Neale  is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at [email protected] . Twitter/X:  @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.