We are thinking about crusing on the Mariner of the Seas on 09/02/07. What's the best airport to fly into? Any ideas on a modest priced place to stay near the port?

gss,

I would suggest flying into Orlando. From there the IMHO best (and cheapest) way to get to Port Canaveral is to rent a car.

Yes, Orlando is the fastest way. You can rent a car in Orlando and drop it off at Port Canaveral (they have shuttle service from the rental car companies to the port) for about the cost of one cruise provided transfer, so if there is more than one of you, you can save money that way.

West Palm beach would be the next closest airport but it is further than Orlando and there are more flights going into Orlando than WPB, but if you can get one cheaper into WPB, it is an option.

The majority of people fly in to Orlando. Melbourne (MLB) would be an option. However; MLB can be tricky and quite expensive depending where your flying from.