Cruise Ship Travel Alert by AAA During 4th of July Weekend

AAA has issued a travel alert for people driving on the roads during the 4th of July weekend, especially those going on cruise ships in Florida.

This Independence Day weekend is expected to be the busiest than ever before, according to an official travel advisory issued by AAA.  With 43 million Americans behind the wheel, this represents the highest 4th of July “travel volume on record.” That means five million more travelers compared to Memorial Day weekend.

“Spurred by the lowest gas prices since 2005, more people than ever are planning to travel this Independence Day weekend,” said Marshall Doney, AAA President and CEO, said in the travel advisory. “Whether they’re traveling by car, plane, train, or cruise ship, it will be exciting to see so many Americans celebrating our nation’s freedom with their friends and family over the long holiday weekend.”

The good news is that drivers are paying the lowest 4th of July weekend gas prices in more than a decade. That’s pretty amazing since the national average price right now for a gallon of gas is only $2.31, and that’s 47 cents less than a year ago. As gas prices are low, many vacationers decided to drive directly to the cruise ports in Florida instead of flying. 

If you’re going on a cruise ship this fourth of July, and are driving on the road in Florida, we have a few tips that will save you time and make your trip to the port less difficult.

If you’re driving north or south to Port Canaveral, stay completely out of the city of Orlando. Stay on I-95 and take exit 205 East to Hwy 528 until you see the terminal. 

When traveling south to the Port of Miami or Port Everglades, take the Florida’s Turnpike and don’t go on I-95 unless you have to. The highway is very congested in areas of West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Buy a SunPass and put about $15 on it for tolls. This card will allow you to cruise through the toll booths without stopping.

The roads might be busy, but it doesn’t have to ruin your cruise. Have a safe and happy July 4th!