Planning a cruise out of Los Angeles with Carnival Cruise Line and need to know some basic tips about the Long Beach cruise terminal? We’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know before your cruise out of Port of Long Beach.
26 miles from the heart of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach is the gateway to the Pacific and one of the busiest container shipping ports in the US.
Hundreds of cruises a year sail from the Long Beach cruise port, mostly reaching destinations in the Mexico Riviera like Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo. Some longer cruises also visit Hawaii and other Pacific destinations.
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is the Los Angeles departure and arrival port for Carnival Cruise Line. Other cruise lines use the Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro, which is literally on the other side of the Los Angeles Harbor.
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal was inaugurated in 2003 for Carnival Cruise Line and is used exclusively for the line. The first thing you will notice at the port is the large Geodesic Dome which was a museum before being converted.
But what should you expect upon arriving in Los Angeles? Is there a place to park, or hotels to stay in? What is there to do for fun in the nearby area?
Keep reading. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the Port of Long Beach so you can plan your cruise more efficiently to save money and have fun.
How to Get to The Long Beach Cruise Terminal
The address for the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. If you are driving and using a mapping or navigation device, this is the address you will need to use.
Directions from the Los Angeles Airport & Long Beach Airport
If you’re driving from LAX, it should take you roughly 50 minutes to drive to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal depending on traffic. From the Long Beach Airport it should only be about 20 minutes.
To get there from LAX:
- Get on The San Diego Freeway South (405 S)
- Take that to the Long Beach Freeway South (710 S)
- Continue down 710 South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
- Drive past the Queen Mary entrance, staying to the far right. This will put you into the lane for the Carnival Cruise terminal
- Follow signs for parking and luggage drop-off
From the Long Beach Airport:
- Take Lakewood Blvd South and get on the San Diego Freeway (405)
- Take 405 South to 710 South (Long Beach Freeway)
- Follow the signs for the Queen Mary
- Keep to the right past the entrance for the Queen Mary
- Follow the signs for parking and luggage drop-off
For directions from other places, visit the official sources or https://sanpedro.com/long-beach-cruise-ships/.
Transportation Options to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
You can either drive to the port from where you live, or rent a car from the airport and drive it to the terminal.
Other travel options from either LAX or Long Beach airport are shuttles, private car service, Uber or Lyft, or getting a taxi.
Shuttles
There are shuttle services and options in the Long Beach area that serve cruise terminals and airports. Availability and pricing can vary, so book ahead and confirm current options.
Cruise Line Shuttles
Carnival Cruise Line may offer shuttle options to their passengers from airports. Check your booking or Carnival’s site for current details and pricing.
Uber/Lyft
If you’re looking for a great option for both convenience and price, using Uber or Lyft are going to be your best options.
You just book your ride on your smartphone, and the car arrives at the airport to pick you up and take you to the cruise terminal. Costs vary with demand, time of day, and traffic—expect roughly $35-60+ from LAX and $15-25 from Long Beach Airport.
Taxis
Taxis charge for the car rather than per person. They will cost more than rideshares but remain a convenient option. Flat rates or metered fares apply; confirm with the driver.
Terminal Information
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is dedicated to Carnival Cruise ships. Current ships sailing from here include vessels like the Carnival Panorama, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Splendor, and others on rotation for Mexico, Hawaii, and Pacific itineraries.
If you haven’t yet chosen your cruise and you need more information regarding costs and itineraries, go to the Carnival website.
Arrival Tips
At the terminal entrance there will be porters available to help you with your luggage and will direct you to the parking garage. Look for the folks wearing red caps as those are your porters.
If you arrive close enough to when your ship leaves, there will be ample seating available inside the terminal as you wait to board your ship.
However, arrive too early and you’ll have to sit outside and wait, which won’t be nearly as comfortable.
Cruisers can check-in and board during the window specified on your ticket. Departure times vary by ship, so check your documents for recommended arrival.
Facilities
The terminal has restrooms inside and outside, plus free public Wi-Fi. There is no luggage storage available at the terminal, but you can arrange with Carnival ahead of time to check your baggage onto the ship early. Any carry-ons you have will need to stay with you until you board.
If you or someone in your group needs wheelchair assistance, make arrangements with Carnival ahead of time, as the terminal does not provide it.
Does the Long Beach Cruise Terminal Provide Parking?
Yes, there is parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in their parking garage.
No advance reservations are typically needed. Payment is due upon exiting. Current rates are around $23 per day (subject to change; check official sources). Oversized vehicles may not fit or incur extra charges—height limit is typically 7’0″. Handicap parking is available with a valid permit.
For more information about parking, contact the port or visit official Long Beach sites. Off-site parking options exist through hotels or private lots, often with shuttles.
Hotels Near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
There are many hotels near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal that cater to cruisers with lodging, amenities, parking, and shuttle service.
Editor’s note: My favorite place to stay when sailing out of Port of Long Beach is the iconic Queen Mary. It’s so close to the port that the only shuttle you will need is your two legs. The floating hotel is full of history and intrigue, and is the perfect way to start a cruise vacation.
See our video tour of Queen Mary below:
Here are some other hotels nearby the Long Beach cruise port if you’d like a more traditional place to stay.
Hotel Maya
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802 | 562-435-7676
Hotel Maya, a beautiful waterfront Latin-themed resort in Long Beach, provides an excellent location to stay before or after your cruise. Inquire about current parking and transportation packages.
Courtyard Marriott Long Beach
500 East 1st St, Long Beach, CA | 562-435-8511
The Courtyard Marriott Long Beach is conveniently located close to the Long Beach Airport, subway station, and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Look for their Park & Sail packages that include parking.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802 | 562-491-1234
This stunning beachfront hotel provides a view of the harbor and great amenities. Inquire about cruise packages for parking and shuttle options (fees may apply).
Things to Do in Long Beach Before or After Your Cruise
Southern California is full of attractions and fun things to do before or after your cruise. If you have the time to arrive a day or two ahead of time, we highly recommend that you do so. It will both help in case any travel delays occur, and it’ll give you the chance to take advantage of what Long Beach and LA have to offer.
Disneyland
Yes, we know, this is in Anaheim and not in LA or Long Beach. However, if you can spare a few days, Disneyland is a great place to visit while you’re in Southern California.
Visit Mickey’s Toontown, Main Street Electrical Parade, Disneyland Forever, and so much more. If there are any Disney lovers in your group (or you ARE the Disney lover) you won’t want to miss this opportunity.
Visit the Queen Mary
Just down the road (you probably passed it) from the cruise terminal is the Queen Mary. Originally from Scotland, built in 1930 by Cunard Cruise Lines, the Queen Mary serves as a hotel, a place to book meetings or weddings, a history museum, and so much more.
Visit https://www.queenmary.com for more information.
Conclusion on Things to Know About the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is dedicated to Carnival cruise ships coming in and out of port.
However, it can still be helpful to know what to expect in regard to parking, hotels, and the surrounding area.
In this article we have provided for you everything you need to know about cruising from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Have a fun and safe trip!
This guest post was written by Justin Stewart and it has been updated since first published.
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