Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) for your cruise means choosing a transportation provider you can rely on to get you to Port Canaveral on time. Two of the most popular options are Cruise Control Transportation and Go Port. Both offer shared shuttle service from the airport to the cruise terminals, but the way they operate and how well they support real cruise travelers differs significantly.
Here’s a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the most reliable, stress-free way to start your cruise.
Cruise Control Transportation: Affordable But Limited Flexibility
Cruise Control advertises a low $25 per person shared shuttle, making it one of the cheapest options available. However, their policies and narrow shuttle schedule introduce risks that cruisers should consider.
Pricing and Limitations
Advertised Price: $25 per person
Actual Checkout Price: $26 after tax
The shared shuttle pricing is generally transparent and affordable, but with much more limited shuttle times than Go Port. There are only a few morning departures, with the final shared shuttle leaving around 11:30–11:45 AM. If your flight arrives after the last shuttle, your only options are a more expensive private shuttle or a credit for future travel (no refund unless you’ve paid extra for travel protection).
Cruise Control Transportation’s official policy states: “If you are flying in the same day of your cruise, you are taking a risk and we don’t recommend it.”
That means cruisers flying in on embarkation day are essentially booking transportation with no backup plan and no guarantee of making their ship on time. By comparison, Go Port’s shuttle service is specifically designed for cruisers, offering transportation that runs until the early afternoon when most cruise terminals begin boarding.
Booking and Communication Challenges
Cruise Control Transportation does offer the ability to book shuttle service directly from their website. However, customers report that the process for booking roundtrip transportation is confusing, with no clear or intuitive way to book one roundtrip reservation.
Additionally, Cruise Control relies heavily on phone and text communication for pick-ups. Passengers must:
- Keep phones on and available immediately after landing
- Respond quickly to calls/texts
- Locate their van without in-airport signage or ground staff
Missing a call or being unable to locate the vehicle can quickly result in a missed shuttle and confusion.
Small Vans and Uneven Reliability
Cruise Control uses 10–12 passenger vans, which can feel tight with luggage. Additionally, shared shuttles often make multiple stops instead of heading straight from the airport to Port Canaveral cruise terminals.
While many customer reviews are positive, recurring complaints mention:
- Long waits in the heat
- Crowded vans
- Missed pickups
- Strict grace periods
- Confusion locating drivers
“We were forced to wait 30 minutes in the Florida heat. The driver forgot to pick us up. Memorable in a bad way.” — Tripadvisor Review, May 2025
These concerns matter when every minute counts on cruise day.
Go Port: Built Exclusively for Cruise Travelers
Go Port’s shuttle service to Port Canaveral is designed around cruise schedules, not rigid windows, making it one of the most dependable ways to travel between the airport and your cruise terminal.
Transparent Pricing and Easy Booking
Advertised Rate: $29.99 per person each way
✅ No hidden fees, taxes, or forced upgrades
With Go Port, travelers can plan ahead with confidence, knowing exactly what their transportation will cost. Plus, it’s easy to choose the reservation that will work for you, whether it’s one-way from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral or a roundtrip reservation that brings you back to the airport after the cruise ends. Easy process + No surprises means you can start your vacation right.
🌟Pro tip: Unlike other Port Canaveral transportation providers, Go Port lets you easily book same-day shuttle service on their website. You’ll get instant confirmation with no extra fees.
Cruise-Aligned Shuttle Schedule
Go Port’s shuttle service is purposely built around flight arrival and cruise ship boarding times. They guarantee on-time arrival at Port Canaveral, plus you’ll have plenty of help along the way.
What this means for you:
- More shuttle departures throughout the day
- Clear signage and staff to assist you
- On-site help with luggage and boarding
- Reliable arrival timing so you never cut it close
Unlike Cruise Control Transportation, Go Port does not cut off shared shuttle from the airport before noon, meaning you aren’t forced into an expensive private option. Plus, Go Port’s reliable shuttle service goes directly from the airport to Port Canaveral without extra stops.
🌟Pro tip: Staying at an Orlando hotel before your cruise? No problem! Go Port offers shuttle service from dozens of area hotels to Port Canaveral, all perfectly timed to ensure you board your cruise on time.
Comfortable Shuttles and Extra Support
When you arrive in Orlando, or need to board the shuttle after your cruise, Go Port makes it easy thanks to clear signage and dedicated staff. In-person support is especially valuable for guests traveling internationally, families managing luggage and children, or cruisers who simply prefer extra reassurance.
The entire process feels organized, clear, and welcoming which is exactly what most travelers want at the start of their vacation.
“The service was incredibly convenient—from the seamless check-in process to the quick and easy shuttle service to and from the cruise terminal. It was a huge relief not having to worry about logistics.” — Google Review, October 2025
Unlike Cruise Control Transportation, Go Port uses spacious motorcoach buses, giving you:
- Faster boarding
- More room for luggage
- Comfortable seating for families and large groups
- Smooth, air-conditioned rides
Many of Go Port’s more than 5,000 positive Google reviews highlight how easy and comfortable the experience is compared to other services. Get to your cruise on time without breaking a sweat!
Side By Side Comparison
Flying in Early? Save With Go Port’s Fly Snooze Cruise Packages
Arriving the day before your cruise is a great way to avoid the stress of flight delays or cancellations on boarding day. Go Port makes it easy with Fly Snooze Cruise hotel packages that bundle everything in one simple booking:
- Hotel accommodations near the airport or Port Canaveral
- All transportation between the airport, hotel, and cruise terminal
- One reservation—no extra coordination needed
You’ll wake up rested and board your cruise on-time and stress-free, without juggling multiple companies or worrying about timing.
Final Verdict: Go Port is the Better Choice for Port Canaveral Transportation
Cruise Control Transportation may have a lower advertised price, but limited shuttle windows and reliance on small vans make it a less dependable choice for travelers flying in on cruise day.
When arriving at your ship on time matters, Go Port stands out as the better, more dependable shuttle service to Port Canaveral. Go Port delivers:
✅ Reliable scheduling designed for cruisers
✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Spacious, comfortable transportation
✅ On-site airport staff
✅ 5,000+ positive reviews from real cruisers
