3 Takes Travel

Resort at the Port

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 Takes Travel Review: Resort at the Port

Our stay at Resort at the Port was very much a “right place, right purpose” experience. The biggest advantage – and the reason most families choose it – is the location. Being so close to the cruise terminals, along with the convenient shuttle service, made embarkation day significantly easier, especially when traveling with multiple generations and plenty of luggage. From a logistics standpoint, it does exactly what you need it to do.

The Rooms & Resort:

The resort itself is quite large, which comes with a few trade-offs. Depending on where your room is located, the walk to the lobby and pool can be a bit of a trek, particularly for grandparents or younger kids. It’s also worth noting that all room entrances are exterior and there are no elevators, which may factor into planning for some families.

Rooms have been updated, and we appreciated the refreshed interiors, but overall the property has a dated, past-its-prime feel that comes through in the layout and common areas. Functionally fine, but not especially polished. We also noticed that the rooms were not well soundproofed – with exterior hallways, it was easy to hear conversations, kids running, and general activity outside, which could be frustrating at times. The wooden shutters as the only window covering also let in quite a bit of light, something to keep in mind for lighter sleepers or young children on early schedules.

Dining was another mixed area. While there is an on-site restaurant, during the off-season options were very limited, often reduced to the pool bar with restricted hours. The main restaurant, unfortunately, did not stand out – we experienced slow service, bland food, and pricing that didn’t match the quality, making it one we wouldn’t prioritize on a return visit.

That said, the pool area was a highlight, especially for younger travelers. Despite visiting during an unusually cold and windy January, Captain Go-Go was determined to swim – and the large pool, waterfalls, and spacious layout made it a fun and engaging space. One unexpected element was a DJ playing poolside music most of the time. While not inherently a negative, it felt overly loud given the quieter, off-season atmosphere, particularly when only a handful of families were using the space.

Service overall was adequate but unremarkable – staff were neither particularly warm nor unfriendly, but didn’t go out of their way to elevate the experience.

Location & Logistics:

If you are departing on a cruise out of Port Canaveral, this is the primary reason for your stay. And if this is the case, this resort will deliver exactly what you need. With a convenient and well-organized shuttle, you are in good hands traveling from shore to ship in the easiest manner possible. The staff is well-versed in making sure you know the process of their shuttle, and that you arrive on time – and they will take care of your luggage. The shuttle involved a small, per person charge ($9 dollars at the time of our stay) and advance reservations are not needed. Just let them know at check in what ship you are sailing on and what time your check in window is. They will take care of the rest?

Several travelers choose to rent a car to get to Port Canaveral (see our post about transportation options,) and if that is the case, this resort does offer parking for the length of your cruise, and a return shuttle option from the port to the resort. Check their website or call their reception to review and confirm current pricing.

Final Take

In the end, this is a practical, convenience-driven stay. If your priority is a smooth and easy transition to your cruise, it delivers. If you’re looking for a fully immersive, high-end resort experience, it may fall short.