Exploring the Kennedy Space Center | Port Canaveral

Our journey aboard MSC Meraviglia led us to Port Canaveral, where we embarked on a family-friendly excursion to the Kennedy Space Center. This was a must-do for us, and MSC Cruises made it incredibly convenient by offering a seamless round-trip transfer. The ride was smooth, taking less than 30 minutes, making it an easy and stress-free experience with young kids in tow.

On arrival, we were met with beautiful weather and an unexpectedly quiet atmosphere, allowing us to explore at a leisurely pace. One of the first highlights was strolling through the Rocket Garden, where towering historic rockets stood proudly against the bright blue sky. It was a peaceful and awe-inspiring moment to stand among these engineering marvels that once soared beyond Earth's atmosphere.

For families traveling with little ones, Kennedy Space Center offers an engaging indoor play area called ‘Planet Play.’ This interactive space is designed for young astronauts-in-training, and even has a designated section for younger children. Our son, who was nearly 1.5 years old, was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and glowing lights—an absolute hit for curious little explorers!

No visit to Kennedy Space Center is complete without seeing the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis. Standing beneath the orbiter and witnessing real-life artifacts from space missions was a surreal experience. The sheer scale and history behind these exhibits never fail to impress, even if you've visited before.

A true highlight of our excursion was meeting a real astronaut who had spent over 200 days in space. Not only did he share fascinating insights about life beyond Earth, but he also signed an autograph for our son—an unforgettable keepsake from this special day.

After an enriching few hours filled with discovery and wonder, we hopped back on the transfer to return to the ship. As we made our way back, our little one peacefully dozed off—a sure sign of a day well spent.

For families cruising with young children, excursions like this are ideal. The Kennedy Space Center provided just the right mix of education, entertainment, and hands-on experiences, making it a memorable stop on our MSC Meraviglia Cruise adventure. We can’t wait for our next journey!

Thinking about your next cruise adventure? Let us help you plan the perfect getaway! Reach out to us today to start making unforgettable memories on the high seas.