Port Canaveral is a customer-friendly gateway to major consumer markets and leisure destinations. Strategically located on the east coast of central Florida, we offer cruise lines, cargo lines and shippers, businesses and vacationers the capabilities of a first-class deepwater port with the benefits of an uncongested setting and relaxed attitude.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:
The United States has strict laws regarding drinking alcoholic beverages. It is against the law for anyone under 21 years of age to drink beer, wine, or any type of alcohol, not even with an adult, or in the privacy of your home. There is no exception to this law, regardless of your nationality.
WIFI:
In the United States, free WiFi is available at most McDonald’s restaurants, Starbucks coffee shops, and public libraries. Each WiFi network will require you to use a different password.
Where do I fly into?
Port Canaveral is in Central Florida, roughly 20 miles north of Palm Beach and 40 miles east of Orlando. The port is a departure point for cruise ships traveling to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian all operate ships from the port. Those looking to fly into the Port Canaveral area have four commercial airport options with a 75-mile radius.
Melbourne International Airport
Located 26 miles south, Melbourne International Airport is the closest commercial airport to Port Canaveral, Florida. The airport is served by Delta Air Lines, which offers nonstop flights to Atlanta, and US Airways, which flies nonstop to Charlotte. The hotel is also served by DirectAir, a charter airline which flies to Niagara Falls, New York, and Punta Gorda, Florida, as well as Baer Air, which charters flights to the Bahamas and around the continental United States. The airport has free Wi-Fi and is home to Runway Grille, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport is located 44 miles west of Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida. Thanks to its proximity to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Orlando International has service from nearly three dozen airlines, with more than 75 destinations in 27 countries, as well as dozens of more destinations in the United States and Canada. The airport features more than 50 restaurants and food stands throughout the main terminal and four gate areas, as well as a variety of retail and travel service locations.
Orlando Sanford International Airport
A smaller, less crowded option than Orlando International, Orlando Sanford International Airport is 64 miles northwest of Port Canaveral in Sanford, Florida. The airport is a hub for Allegiant Airlines, which serves 30 cities across the United States via Orlando Sanford. The airport is also a United States destination for Iceland Express and Iceland Air, which offer flights to and from Reykjavik, as well as SST Airlines, Direct Air and Vision Airlines. The airport features separate domestic and international terminals, which each feature shopping and dining options.
Daytona Beach International Airport
Daytona Beach International Airport is 74 miles north of Port Canaveral in Daytona Beach, Florida. The airport features service from US Airways and Delta Airlines, which feature direct flights to Charlotte and Atlanta. In addition, the airport offers charter service via Air Gate from Daytona Beach to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay in The Bahamas. Daytona Beach International features separate domestic and international terminals; both have gift shops and dining services.
Passports:
All travelers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require an e-Passport with an embedded electronic chip. Any traveler not in possession of an e-passport will require a valid USA entry visa.
Visitors to the USA traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the USA if arriving by air or sea. It is recommended that applications are made at least 72 hours prior to travel but you may apply at any time prior to travel. Airlines must deny check-in to passengers without a valid ESTA. Apply online (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). There is a US#14 fee.
An ESTA is valid for two years, so if you’ve applied for one previously, ensure it’s still valid.
When applying for ESTA-authorization and entering the passport number, the number 0 must not be replaced y letter O as this can lead to problems upon entering the USA. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
Canadian citizens do not require an ESTA, but permanent residents of Canada who are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must obtain one.
All persons, including US citizens, traveling by air, land, or sea between the USA and Canada, Central and South American, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA.
Visas:
Visas are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days, except:
- Nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, and Romania, who do require a visa as they are not included in the Visa Waiver Program.
VISA NOTE:
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a US visa.
All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travelers traveling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program.
To qualify for visa-free travel under the VWP, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days.
Holders of UK passports with the endorsement of British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa-free travel.
A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA< as long as the visa itself has not been canceled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality.
Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
VISA COST: 160$ USD (Tourist, Business, Transit, and Student Visas)
VALIDITY: Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date of expiry as long as presented with a valid passport. Some visas are valid for multiple entries.
The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry.
TRANSIT: Travelers who are visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program do not require a transit visa, but must obtain ESTA-authorization prior to travel.
APPLICATION: Embassy or consulate. All visitors requiring a visa must attend an interview at the nearest US consulate/embassy
Schengen Visas: The USA does not participate in the Schengen visa scheme
FUNDS: US Customs and Border Protection requires that visitors from abroad substantiate they have sufficient funds to enter the USA. The amount is not a fixed number, however, and does not have to be solely in cash; credit cards, traveler’s cheques, and other currency equivalents are considered. For more information, check the USCBP’s website (www.cbp.gov)
Health and Safety:
Emergency: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire: 911
Medical Services:
If you need serious medical attention, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, but be prepared to receive a bill for treatment. Hospitals in the United States are extremely expensive, compared to other countries. However, the law requires hospitals must provide care to anyone needing emergency treatment regardless of citizenship, or the ability to pay.
Helpful Tip: The emergency room is for people with life-threatening emergencies or anything that could have severe long-term effects on you. If you simply want something checked out, then you need to go to a community health clinic so the staff there can determine how bad your problem is and where you should be treated.
If it’s after hours and the health clinics are closed, but you have a problem that you’re concerned about, your other option is an urgent care facility. An urgent care facility is a great alternative to the emergency room. The cost is cheaper, and the facilities are usually open late.
Port Canaveral Currency Exchange:
The currency used in Port Canaveral is the US Dollar; code USD. It is divided into 100 smaller cent units. US coin comes in dominations of 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c. US bills come in dominations of 1$, 5$, 10$, 20$, 50$, 100$. 1000$.
Credit cards:
In the United States, day-to-day spending is largely credit card-based. So when you’re in Port Canaveral plan to rely mostly on credit cards. Credit cards from any country work throughout Port Canaveral (at hotels, shops, restaurants, car-rental agencies, tour companies and so on); Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most widely accepted.
Helpful Tip: Contact your credit card company and let them know when and where you will be using your credit card on vacation.
Although most places in the United States accept credit cards, there are places where cash is needed. If you rent a car, toll roads accept cash only. Many parking lots only accept cash. Although most taxis accept credit cards, cash is still the accepted method of payment. Beach chair rentals, farmers markets, and public transportation is cash only. Tips are also appreciated in cash.
Traveler’s checks:
You can either cash your traveler’s checks at a bank or you can use them at stores, hotels, restaurants, etc. When you want to use a traveler’s check, you need to show a photo ID. You may also need to show the proof of purchase at the time of using it.
Banks and taxes:
Banks Hours:
MON-THUR: 8AM-5PM
FRI: 8AM-6PM
SAT-SUN: Closed
ATM:
You won’t have trouble finding an ATM in Port Canaveral, but be aware, there are high fees to retrieve the money. There is an ATM usage fee, plus a currency exchange fee. Also note, the ATMs inside shops, bars, and gas stations charge the highest fees.
Taxes:
Sales tax is 6%
Clothing:
Port Canaveral is generally a casual city. Shorts and light shirts are fine, but bring at least one heavier shirt or a light jacket, as the air conditioning can get cold indoors. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, you will do a lot of walking. And do not forget a swimsuit and beach towel, if you intend to go to the beach. You should also bring sunglasses and a small umbrella, especially if you are visiting during the rainy season.
If you are planning to go to the trendy nightclubs, you’ll want to dress in your most stylish attire (think designer clothes and sexy dresses) or you won’t get in.
Nudity:
Topless sunbathing in the United States is forbidden. However, Miami Beach is the exception, where women are allowed to sunbathe topless on the beach between 1st Street and 16th Street.
There is also a clothing optional beach at the north end of Haulover Beach Park. The beach is located between Sunny Isles and Bal Harbour, and the nude beach section is clearly marked. There are three sections of the nude beach: the gay section to the north, the swingers area in the middle, and the nudists on the south end.
Electricity:
In the United States of America, the power sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.
Most common appliances will function with either 50 or 60 cycle current. Electrical frequency can affect electric clocks, audio equipment, and some other electronic gear. You should check your electrical equipment for compatibility with the 60-cycle current before you bring it to the USA.
Tipping:
The United States has a social institution called “tipping.” Basically, the price on the menu at any place which serves food is not the real price. The real price is 15% higher. However, Miami Beach is the exception, where some restaurants and bars include the tip, so make sure to check your bill to avoid double tipping.
The standard tip is 15%. If you are dissatisfied with the service you may leave less, or even nothing at all, but if you were well served 20% is appreciated. Taxis work the same way. It is considered very rude not to pay the gratuity.
Cabs/Taxis: 15% of ride
Airport/Hotel Shuttle: No tip is needed
Limo: 15% of the ride
Hotels: No tip is needed
Doorman:10$
Bellman:5$ per bag
Chambermaid:5$ per night
Room Service:15% each delivery
Parking Valet:10$ at pick up
Concierge: No tip is needed unless a special request
Water
Cape Canaveral tap water is safe to drink according to EPA and international standards.
Groundwater has the potential risk of being contaminated by numerous sources. Power plants, landfills, hazardous waste locations, and agricultural farms all have the potential of emitting impurities into the ground, which can eventually end up in the water supply.
Language & Time
English is the spoken language, but this city is a melting pot – you will be comfortable speaking Spanish and French here.
All major cities in Florida fall in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5). The time difference between Miami and Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Prague, or Copenhagen is 6 hours. This means, when it is 1800 hours in France, it is 1200 hours in Miami.
What to pack for a trip to Port Canaveral:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Dress & Skirts, Heels (Ladies)
- Jeans & Suit Jacket (men)
- Shorts & Sandals
- Dress Shirts & Blouses
- Bathing Suits & Sunglasses
- Hats & Bag
- Toiletries
- Sun protection
- Some medicines are delivered only with a medical prescription. Bring your own medicine.
- Bring electrical outlet adapter and Voltage Converters
Things to carry on with you:
- A copy of your passport and driver’s license.
- Money If you are going to make a purchase or go out to dinner, take more and take a credit card as well. Use the card only if you don’t have enough cash.
- Your emergency telephone list of phone numbers from back home.
- A business card showing the phone and address of your hotel.
- Credit cards only if you plan to go to the bank.
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