Booking a hotel the night before your cruise is one of the smartest moves you can make.

This is especially true if you are flying to your cruise port. I really recommend arriving at least one night before your cruise because of all of the flight cancellations and delays that have been happening the past couple of years.

Arriving the day before gives you a chance to unwind and relax a bit too. I tend to get a little wound up while packing and traveling! Worrying about all of the details and wondering what I might have forgot!

Here’s some tips to help you choose the right option and make embarkation day stress-free:

Why You Should Stay the Night Before

• Avoid flight delays — Weather, cancellations, and missed connections are common.
• Start vacation mode early — Wake up rested instead of rushed.
• Board earlier — You can arrive at the port earlier without stress.
• Buffer for luggage issues — If your luggage is delayed, it has time to catch up.

Where to Stay

Even without knowing your specific port yet, here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Near the Airport

Best if you’re flying in later at night.

Usually offers free shuttles. I always choose a hotel with a free airport shuttle. By doing this it’s easy (and usually cheaper) to book and catch a shuttle from the airport to the cruise port.

Some airport hotels have cruise port shuttles available too!

Easy access to restaurants & convenience stores. It’s nice to be able to have these within walking distance.

Great for large cruise ports like Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, LA, or NYC.

2. Near the Cruise Port

Perfect if you want to be close to the port.

Quick rideshares, like Uber, to the cruise terminal is usually available.

Often walkable to waterfront dining and unique areas.

Popular for ports like Miami (Brickell/Downtown), Tampa (Channelside), Seattle Waterfront, New Orleans, Galveston Strand.

3. Hotels With Cruise Packages

Look for:

• Park & Cruise deals – very valuable if you’re driving to the port.
• Hotel → Port shuttle included! No separate shuttle booking hassle.
• Breakfast included.

These are most common in:

• Port Canaveral
• Galveston
• Tampa
• Baltimore
• Fort Lauderdale

What to Look For When Booking a Pre-Cruise Hotel

• Free or low-cost port shuttle
• Breakfast included (nice but not essential)
• Free parking (if driving)
• Late check-in (for evening flights)
• Walkable dining options
• High guest ratings for cleanliness

CRUISE TIP:

If you are flying to your port and the cruise line allows you to take soda onboard with you, just have a store, like Walmart, deliver it to your hotel!

If You Want Personalized Picks

I can give you advice on places to stay and booking sites to help you find your best options.

Tell me:

• Which cruise port
• Arrival time
• Budget
• Any preferred brands (Marriott, Hilton, etc.)

No charge for my help! Just message, text or call me!

HERE’S A GROUP FOR NEW CRUISERS AND OTHERS! NO JUDGMENT WITH CORRECT ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS. LOTS OF IN-DEPTH INFORMATION, TIPS AND PERSONAL ADVICE! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors