In Brevard County, we are home to Port Canaveral, where the cruise ships come into port. A couple of years ago, my famiy and I took a cruise out of Port Canaveral to the Caribbean. The drive from our home in Melbourne Florida was about 30 minutes. It was so convenient. And, the cruise was incredible!
In 2009 nearly twice as many Port of Call visits are scheduled to come here locally. Port of Call visits are when a ship that is not based in our ports comes and brings passengers for a half a day or more and allows them to take shore excursions. Excursions in Brevard will include destinations such as Historic Cocoa Village. If you''ve never been there, it is a beautiful, historic old town, filled with art, antiques, memorabilia and restaurants. It is situated on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon with a sprawling park, with a large stage for different types of performances.
Other excursions will be to Orlando, about 30-40 minutes away, to the major theme parks, Disney, MGM, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Univeral Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World and more.
Port Canaveral currently has long term contracts with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines to place some of their newest ships here in Port Canaveral. These ships typically travel to Caribbean destinations.
These shore excursions to Brevard are estimated to bring approximately $6 million to Brevard, as each visitor spends approximately $100 per day while in port.
If you've never been on a cruise, it is absolutely fantastic! Get on over here, and jump on one of the ships for anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. There are some beautiful destinations to see! And the food is absolutely phenomenal! I'll bet you will come back 5 pounds heavier than you left! (But it's worth it!)
that for you
