🎢✨ Cruise + Universal Orlando: A Perfect Add-On

If you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral and want to add Universal Studios Orlando before or after your sailing, it’s a fun (and doable!) combo.

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🏨 Where to Stay Near Universal (Budget to Premium with Shuttle Access)

✔ Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts | Dockside Inn And Suites – Cheapest on-property hotels with complimentary transportation to the parks and early entry included. Check Rates for Your Sail Date HERE👉 https://bit.ly/3MDyycV

✔ Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts | Surfside Inn And Suites – Cheapest on-property hotels with complimentary transportation to the parks and early entry included. Check Rates for Your Sail Date HERE👉 https://bit.ly/4l0F7mg

✔ Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – On-property hotel with free shuttle to both parks and convenient access to CityWalk. Check Rates for Your Sail Date HERE👉 https://bit.ly/46sg9X8

✔ Universal’s Aventura Hotel – Stylish, mid-priced option, walkable (or short shuttle) to the parks. Check Rates for Your Sail Date HERE👉 https://bit.ly/4tRIznk

✔ Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Premier on-site resort with water taxi and shuttle service directly to the parks. https://bit.ly/3MqLCCo

✔ Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Tropical vibe with shuttle and water taxi service included. https://bit.ly/4kXbp1I

✔ Hard Rock Hotel Orlando – Rock-n-roll theme with shuttle service and walkable access to the parks. Check Rates for Your Sail Date HERE👉 https://bit.ly/46sijpI

🎟 Money-Saving Universal Tips (from a local)

✔ Focus on one park per day to avoid rushing

✔ Rope drop in the morning or stay late — crowds thin out

✔ Buy tickets ahead of time online for better pricing

✔ CityWalk is free to enter and great for food and vibes without a park ticket

✔ If you’re a Harry Potter fan, park-to-park tickets are worth it so you can ride the Hogwarts Express

✔ Use single rider lines to cut wait times on major attractions

✔ Bring a refillable water bottle — quick service spots will give free ice water

✔ Download the Universal Orlando app for wait times, mobile ordering, and maps

✔ Plan locker time for rides like Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster — smaller bags make it easier

✔ Florida weather changes fast — pack sunscreen and a light poncho

🚐 Transportation from Port Canaveral

Getting from Port Canaveral to Universal Studios Orlando is easy with several cruise-friendly options. Shared shuttle services like Cocoa Beach Shuttle, Port Canaveral Connection, Port to Port Shuttles, and Orlando Shuttle Cruise offer per-person pricing to the Universal and International Drive area, while Jay’s Port Canaveral Transportation is a solid option for private, door-to-door service. Uber and Lyft are also widely used.