With the powerful Hurricane Polo Churning off Mexico’s Pacific coast, Royal Caribbean is taking no chances and has informed booked guests about an itinerary change. Navigator of the Seas‘ September 25 sailing out of Los Angeles, California, has been impacted.
Royal Caribbean stated in a letter that was sent to booked guests on September 23, “Due to inclement weather from Hurricane Polo near Western Mexico, we’ll now enjoy a relaxing Sea Day instead of our scheduled visit to Ensenada, Mexico.“
The 3,990-passenger vessel was originally scheduled to make a call in Ensenada on Saturday, September 26, but that has now been cancelled. Navigator of the Seas has also cancelled its call to Cabo San Lucas, which was scheduled for Monday, September 28. The cruise line will instead call at Mazatlan on September 28 rather than the port’s original date of September 29.
There is some good news for guests, as Royal Caribbean is adding the port of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico to the altered itinerary on Tuesday, September 29. Passengers will be able to spend a big chunk of the day there from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM before spending full sea days to return to Los Angeles on October 2.
Navigator of the Seas Storm Change Letter
Royal Caribbean also stated in the letter, “We’re sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know being onboard is one of the safest places to be because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather.“
The cruise line is also making sure that any pre-paid shore excursions booked through them for Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas are being refunded to guests’ SeaPass account as Onboard Credit.
Hurricane Polo Update
Hurricane Polo Advisory 14 (Credit: NOAA)
As of publication time, Hurricane Polo is a very powerful Category 5 with maximum sustained winds of 160 MPH. Advisory 14 from the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) puts Polo about 240 miles southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico, moving Northwest at 6 MPH.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to call at Ensenada on September 29 on its 3-night sailing from Los Angeles, departing September 28. Cruise Hive will keep readers updated on any further impact on cruise operations due to Hurricane Polo.
Icon of the Seas will remain overnight in PortMiami following embarkation for her September 26, 2026 departure due to the need for maintenance.
Because of the delayed departure, the ship’s visit to Costa Maya on September 28 has been cancelled but no other stops on the itinerary are impacted.
Royal Caribbean is providing refundable onboard credit as compensation for the delayed departure and missed port visit.
Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will be remaining at PortMiami longer than anticipated on Saturday, September 26, 2026. In fact, they will be in The 305 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, as the ship’s departure is now delayed.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked on the 7-night sailing to alert them to the change and what their options for exploring Miami include.
“Due to required maintenance, we’ll now depart from Miami, Florida on Sunday, September 27, 2026, instead of Saturday, September 26, 2026,”the email, which has been shared on Reddit, confirmed.
The cruise line does note that all guests are still required to board Icon of the Seas on Saturday as planned, per US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines.
Onboard the 5,610-guest ship, bars, lounges, entertainment, dining, and spa services will be available, but the Casino Royale and onboard shops must remain closed until Icon of the Seas departs. That departure will now be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27.
After boarding, guests can leave the ship for time ashore in Miami, though the gangway will close at 8 p.m. Saturday night. The gangway will reopen Sunday morning (the exact time has not been specified but will likely be announced onboard), with an all-aboard time of 2:30 p.m. before the ship’s departure.
Royal Caribbean has not offered any details about what “required maintenance” is needed for Icon of the Seas that necessitates the ship remaining in Miami overnight, but hopefully any issues can be quickly resolved.
Icon of the Seas at Night (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Serenade of the Seas has also experienced difficulties and cancelled a sailing due to urgent repairs after initially delaying her departure from Vancouver for two days for the August 30, 2026 cruise.
Icon of the Seas Port Visit Cancelled
Icon of the Seas was scheduled to spend Sunday, September 27 at sea, with a visit to Costa Maya from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 28, followed by Roatan from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29 and Cozumel on Wednesday, September 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After another full day at sea, the ship will visit Perfect Day CocoCay on Friday, October 2 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. before returning to Miami on Saturday, October 3.
Due to the delayed departure from Miami, the port visit to Costa Maya has now been cancelled and Icon of the Seas will spend Monday at sea. The visits to Roatan, Cozumel, and Perfect Day CocoCay are unchanged.
Royal Caribbean is offering a refundable onboard credit to guests as a “gesture of goodwill” for the delayed departure and loss of a port visit.
The amount of the credit is $300 (USD) for inside and oceanview staterooms, $350 for balconies, and $800 for suites. The totals are per stateroom, not per guest, but an extra $50 for third and fourth guests booked in the same stateroom, regardless of category, will be added.
As is standard procedure for port cancellations, the cruise line also notes that any shore tours booked through Royal Caribbean for Costa Maya will be automatically cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment.
At this time, there is no impact on additional sailings, but booked guests should stay in close contact with Royal Caribbean in case of further updates.
Liberty of the Seas will depart from one cruise terminal but return to another for her Friday, September 25, 2026 sailing from Southampton.
ABParking has notified guests with parking reservations about the terminal change, which the cruise line has requested for shore power availability.
Traffic to the cruise port may also be challenging because of the annual Southampton International Boat Show that runs through September 27.
Guests embarking Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas on Friday, September 25, 2026 will want to pay special attention to their parking arrangements, as the 3,948-guest ship will be departing from one terminal but returning to another at the end of the 8-night sailing.
ABParking at the Port of Southampton has reached out to guests with spaces reserved for the sailing to alert them to the adjustment and what it means for parking before and after the cruise.
“We are writing to advise you of the parking arrangements for your upcoming sailing on Liberty of the Seas, which is scheduled to depart from Horizon Cruise Terminal on 25th September 2026 and returning to City Cruise Terminal on 3rd October 2026,”the email read.
“Please note that these arrangements have been requested by your cruise line, rather than ABParking, to allow shore power from the local grid to supply the ship while it is in port.”
Horizon Cruise Terminal and City Cruise Terminal are adjacent and approximately one-quarter of a mile apart, making it easy for guests to move between them.
Embarkation will be at the Horizon Cruise Terminal and ABParking advises guests to enter the port through Dock Gate 8 at the east end of Herbert Walker Avenue. Staff will be on hand to direct drivers to the proper parking lot, and porters will be available to collect luggage after parking.
For guests who have booked accessible (Blue Badge) parking, complimentary shuttle service that is also fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters will be available between the parking lot and the terminal.
Liberty of the Seas in Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
Following the cruise, the ship will return to the City Cruise Terminal for debarkation and guests will have just a short walk to the appropriate parking lot.
ABParking also notes that guests should have their parking permits printed and clearly displayed as they arrive at the cruise terminal. This will keep traffic moving smoothly and minimize delays.
Local Event Will Also Impact Traffic
While the cruise terminal change has been requested by Royal Caribbean to permit shore power use for the September 25 embarkation, it should also be noted that the Southampton International Boat Show runs from September 18-27, 2026, and will cause more traffic congestion near the cruise terminals.
The show attracts roughly 100,000 visitors annually to Mayflower Park and the adjacent marina, next to the City Cruise Terminal.
Live music, attraction boats, a trade show, lectures, and water activities including a dive tank and both paddleboarding and kayaking sessions are all part of the event.
Guests driving to the Port of Southampton should stay alert to the possibility of road closures or delays and plan sufficient time to reach the terminal on time for embarkation and the ship’s departure.
Liberty of the Seas is scheduled to depart Southampton at 5 p.m. There are no changes expected for the ship’s departure or her itinerary with its visits to Le Havre (Paris), Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, and Cherbourg before the vessel returns to Southampton on Saturday, October 3.
Cruise Hive has frequently reported when local events may impact cruise traffic and guests’ plans to reach their cruise terminals. Different events such as parades, marathons, concerts, art festivals, and seasonal activities can all affect traffic near popular cruise ports, and cruise lines have been very clear that if guests are late to the terminal, they will not be permitted to board their ship.
The final boarding time for guests embarking a ship is often determined by the local governmental and port authorities and cruise lines must abide by those restrictions.
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals and Beaches Resorts have confirmed the signing of a partnership agreement expected to close in early 2027.
The $3 billion investment from Royal Caribbean Group secures a 50% equity interest in the land-based resort properties.
Both cruise and resort operations will continue as normal for now, but exciting new options may integrate loyalty programs or vacation planning in the future.
Fast on the heels of rampant rumors, Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have confirmed the signing of a joint partnership agreement that includes a 50% investment in Sandals Resorts by Royal Caribbean Group. This joint venture will now continue resort growth as well as at-sea vacations in ways previously unprecedented in the cruise industry.
The signing was announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Royal Caribbean Group’s Miami headquarters.
Under the agreement, which is still subject to typical closing and financial terms and conditions, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for an approximately $3 billion (USD) investment. Funding from Morgan Stanley is backing the investment through committed debt financing.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2027 subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and should start impacting both companies’ portfolios from that point.
Together, the companies expect to continue growing both land-based vacation options as well as expanding Royal Caribbean Group’s presence across the broader global vacation market beyond just cruise vacations.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,”said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests.
“Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy.”
Liberty describes the partnership as “turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” Through the partnership, guests will have expansive choices across all three brands in the Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as new river cruises and now, the land-based resorts.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,”said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.
“This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands.”
Stewart confirmed that the resorts are not slowing down, and in fact, continued expansion for both companies is expected.
Royal Caribbean and Sandals Signing
“As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud,”he said.
Liberty and Stewart will share leadership responsibilities to govern the board of the joint venture. No further details on executive leadership of the new partnership have yet been disclosed.
What Will This Mean for Cruise Guests?
At the moment, nothing is changing for “Loyal to Royal” guests, but there are interesting prospects that could evolve in the coming years.
Existing reservations, loyalty programs, and the operations for both the cruise lines and resort properties will remain unchanged for now, but it is possible that cross-brand loyalty might be one consideration as the companies begin working together.
Another option might be combination cruise vacation options with pre- and post-cruise stays available at Sandals and Beaches properties. This might also lead to new homeport options more closely connecting the resorts with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea ships, or even offering day visits to Sandals and Beaches properties as shore excursions.
While no such plans have yet been confirmed by either company, this new partnership will certainly yield some exciting vacation options for eager travelers in years to come.
Royal Caribbean Group is reportedly in talks to purchase a majority stake in the largest private employer in the Caribbean, Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts International.
If finalized, the deal would bring the popular land-based resorts into the Royal Caribbean portfolio and potentially expand vacation options for travelers.
Neither company has commented publicly on any negotiations or potential deal, which could still collapse before a final agreement is reached.
Royal Caribbean Group is reportedly in talks that may culminate in the purchase of a majority stake in Sandals Resorts International, including 20 all-inclusive hotel resorts across the Caribbean. With Sandals valued at more than $6 billion (USD), this could be the biggest deal in the cruise company’s history.
According to the Financial Times, the cruise company is in talks for the purchase, though no deal has yet been finalized and sources close to the negotiations note that the deal could still collapse without an agreement.
If successful, however, Royal Caribbean Group could gain the position of controlling shareholder in the resort company, with the possibility of taking full control in the future.
This would give Royal Caribbean Group the ability to sell both land and sea vacations, as well as create combination packages and integrated marketing that could appeal to a wide range of travelers familiar with one brand or both.
Neither Royal Caribbean Group nor Sandals Resorts International has commented publicly or released any statement on a potential deal or negotiations. Sandals Resorts International noted to the Jamaica Gleaner that it does not comment on market speculation.
Royal Caribbean’s Land-Based Operations
With the success of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau and further development of the “Ultimate Destinations” under the Royal Caribbean brand, the cruise company is showing growing interest in land-based opportunities.
Perfect Day CocoCay has become a favorite destination of cruise guests, while the beach club concept is being expanded to Santorini, Cozumel, and Lelepa, Vanuatu.
Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club
This diversity gives Royal Caribbean additional revenue streams, even when ships are not visiting the destinations, as day passes and chartered events can be accommodated at land-based locations.
Following this model, acquiring dedicated land-based resorts would further expand Royal Caribbean Group’s influence in different types of vacation travel and give guests both on ships and at resorts even more options to enjoy with a familiar brand.
Would Sandals Fit the Royal Caribbean Brand?
Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts International was founded in 1981 by Gordon “Butch” Stewart and today operates couples-only resorts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, the Bahamas, Antigua, Curacao, Grenada, and Saint Vincent.
The first resort opened in Montego Bay, which has also been the site of numerous vacation innovations from the company through the years, including the first swim-up bar in the Caribbean as well as the first-ever overwater villas in the Caribbean.
While Royal Caribbean is not an adults-only cruise line, the addition of adults-only spaces at different destinations has proven popular with cruise guests.
Furthermore, options such as The Key and different dining and drink packages mimic some of the resorts’ all-inclusive features and elevated service. Sandals Resorts already bundle most vacation costs into a single fee, including all dining, accommodations, select watersports and land-based activities, WiFi access, airport transfers, drinks, and gratuities.
Sandals Resorts have become popular as destination wedding venues, honeymoon hotspots, and of course, luxury vacations, all the same market highlights of many cruise vacations.
In addition to the couples-only resorts, the company also operates its sister brand, Beaches Resorts, for families. Together, the brands are one of the largest private employers in the Caribbean.
Should this purchase become reality, the options for Caribbean cruise-and-resort vacations could change dramatically in the years to come, with Royal Caribbean pioneering a new model far more extensive than other cruise lines can offer at this time.
Five Carnival Cruise Line ships will have full, in-person safety briefings in the coming days as required by the US Coast Guard and other agencies.
Impacted ships are Horizon, Panorama, Sunshine, Vista, and Firenze, with departures from September 26-28, 2026.
All guests are required to participate in the safety briefings, which include everyone gathering at their assigned muster stations onboard before the ships can depart.
More than 18,700 Carnival Cruise Line guests will be participating in full, in-person safety briefings in just three days as five different ships from four different homeports are scheduled for full drills before setting sail from September 26-28, 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line reached out to booked guests to alert them to the process so there are no surprises about the in-person safety briefing and everyone is aware of what to expect.
“The safety of everyone on board is always our priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining responsible and secure operations,”the email notification explained.“Shortly before departure, a full safety drill will take place on your upcoming sailing. This is a mandatory procedure, and all guests will be required to participate in this brief but essential exercise.”
The departure dates and ships that will feature the in-person safety briefings are:
September 26, 2026, Carnival Horizon: 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing from Miami to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
September 26, 2026, Carnival Panorama: 8-night Mexican Riviera itinerary from Long Beach to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas
September 27, 2026, Carnival Sunshine: 8-night Canada itinerary from Norfolk to Saint John, Halifax, and Sydney
September 27, 2026, Carnival Vista: 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral to Amber Cove; RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; and Celebration Key
September 28, 2026, Carnival Firenze: 3-night Mexican sailing from Long Beach to Ensenada
Four of the ships (Horizon, Panorama, Vista, and Firenze) are scheduled to depart their respective homeports at 3:30 p.m., while Carnival Sunshine will be leaving Norfolk, Virginia at 4 p.m. For all five vessels, the full safety briefing must be completed before departure.
Cruise Hive reported earlier this month that two other Carnival cruise ships, Carnival Magic and Carnival Paradise, were also scheduled for full safety briefings on their September 13 and September 14 departures, respectively.
It can be startling to guests who are accustomed to the much briefer self-mustering or “e-muster” format to have to participate in an in-person safety briefing.
Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has previously clarified that full drills are required for every ship in the fleet twice a year to comply with governmental and international regulations.
“This is something that every single ship needs to do twice a year as per US Coast Guard, Australian Coast Guard, and other government agencies, and SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea,”he explained in October 2025.
Full drills help ensure all crew members are familiar with safety procedures when hundreds of guests are involved at each muster station. While cruise ship crew members do have their own safety drills and training, the experience can be quite different when passengers are also participating.
About the Full Safety Briefing
Guests who will be participating in the mandatory in-person safety briefings should pay attention to the onboard announcements that will be made before the drill begins.
“Ship-wide announcements will provide guidance on the process, which will include collective gathering at your assigned muster station to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to take in the unlikely event of an emergency,”the notification explained.
Drills typically begin shortly before the scheduled sailaway time. Guests’ staterooms should already be open (typically staterooms are open at roughly 1:30 p.m.) and guests do not need to take their luggage along to their muster stations. Food and beverage service will also close just before the drill begins.
Once everyone is gathered at the various muster stations onboard, crew members will offer instructions on how to wear life vests, how lifeboats would be boarded if necessary, how children will be reunited with their parents if they have been at youth activities, and what the ship’s emergency signal sounds like.
That emergency signal will be sounded (seven short blasts and one long) as part of the drill.
After all demonstrations and instruction are complete, guests will be released from the safety briefing and all onboard activities will resume as the cruise ship departs.
While the time to complete a full, in-person drill can seem like a damper on the beginning of a cruise vacation, safety is always the top priority and a few minutes is a small sacrifice to ensure everyone is familiar with safety procedures.
Two cruisers found their car infested with baby spiders at the Port of Galveston after debarking a Royal Caribbean cruise recently.
The incident was shared by the Uber driver who took the guests to Walmart for pesticide so they could eliminate the spiders before driving home.
September can be spider season in Texas, with spiderlings hatching by the hundreds, much to the dismay of those with arachnophobia.
The end of a cruise can be a chaotic time, what with ensuring one has packed up everything appropriately, leaving the ship at the right time, and preparing for a drive home.
For several guests debarking a Royal Caribbean ship at the Port of Galveston recently, one more part of the chaos was most unwelcome: baby spiders.
According to Uber driver Donnie L. Broussard, the spider infestation involved several cars and caused an extra complication as guests were leaving their cruise.
“So I pick up two guys at the cruise parking lot for Royal cruise line,”Broussard shared on the Galveston Talk Facebook group on Sunday, September 20, 2026.“They get in and tell me they went to get in their car and it is infested with spiders, they showed me pictures and it was crazy, little spiders everywhere and a few other people in the lot had the same thing in their cars.”
Broussard noted that he’s been driving cruise guests from the same parking lot for seven years and has never seen this type of infestation before. He took the guests to a local Walmart so they could purchase pesticide to be able to drive their own car again.
The closest Walmart to Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal 10 at the Port of Galveston is just five miles away, so hopefully the trip was a quick option to combat the infestation of baby spiders.
Broussard did not disclose which ship the guests had debarked, but he mentioned to Chron that the incident occurred a few weeks ago. The only Royal Caribbean ships currently homeported at Galveston are Mariner of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas has been offering 4- and 5-night itineraries visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, while Symphony of the Seas is currently offering 6- and 8-night sailings to ports such as Perfect Day CocoCay, Nassau, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel depending on sailing date and cruise length.
Spider Web on Car (Photo Credit: Aart W. van Wijk)
To be clear, the spider infestation was not onboard a cruise ship nor in the Royal Caribbean terminal, which first opened in 2022. Cruise lines typically do not have any operational control over parking areas, which would instead be operated by the port facilities.
According to USA Spiders, there are nearly 1,100 species of spiders found in Texas. The exact species enjoying vehicle habitats at the Port of Galveston has not been identified, but fortunately, only black widows and brown recluses can be seriously venomous in the Lone Star State.
September Can Be Spider Season
Spiders are a common sight in Texas in September and October as eggs hatch and spiderlings spin silk balloons to float away to new areas. Baby spiders, also called spiderlings, hatch en masse and there may be hundreds of young spiders emerging from a single egg sack once hatching begins.
The exact time from when the egg sack is produced to when the spiderlings hatch can vary from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the spider species, moisture levels, and weather conditions.
Other posters commenting on Broussard’s story confirm that these unusual incidents can happen.
“September is a prime time for spiderlings,”one poster noted, while another described a similar incident they experienced.
“I was parked in my grandparent’s back yard overnight. Under a tree. The next morning I open the door and thousands of, it seemed, tiny spiders were everywhere!”they said.
Fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, is common for many people. This incident at the Port of Galveston even has some cruisers reconsidering their parking plans.
“Which parking lot, we [are] going on a cruise [and] don’t want park there, [sic]”one guest noted.
Fortunately, baby spiders quickly disperse after hatching, so while it can be disconcerting to have so many appear at once, they aren’t likely to stay nearby.
Nicknamed the “port of land and see,” the Port of San Diego features two cruise ship terminals right in downtown, putting you within easy access of off-site parking options, hotels, dining and entertainment.
Beyond positioning you nicely for an extended stay in San Diego, either pre- or post-cruise, the terminal also offers year-round cruises from a wealth of cruise lines to destinations such as Mexico, the Panama Canal and Hawaii. Here’s what you need to know.
The Port of San Diego is home to two cruise ship terminals: the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive, and Broadway Pier, located at 1000 North Harbor Drive.
Both terminals are just under a 3-mile drive from San Diego International Airport.
In addition to serving cruise passengers, Broadway Pier is also a venue for special events and provides public waterfront access.
The terminals sit right in downtown San Diego, surrounded by major hotels and nearby attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum, and more.
According to the Port, within two miles of the terminal, you can find 20 hotels, 10 art galleries, nine performing arts venues, 8 public parks, six museums, and more.
San Diego Cruise Port Address
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal Facilities
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal (Photo Credit: Manuela Durson)
The B-Street pier and cruise ship terminal is the largest and primary San Diego cruise ship terminal. It can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously.
The main terminal building is 30,000 square feet, with supplemental structures for passenger reception and baggage handling. In total, the terminal measures in at 120,000 square feet.
There are no dining options within this terminal, but you will find plenty of seating and restrooms.
Porters are available to assist with heavy luggage at the entrance to the terminal. The nearest place for food and drinks is on N. Harbor Drive about two blocks away. The terminal has free Wi-Fi (up to 4 hours) and the option for faster bandwidth at $5 per day.
Broadway Pier Facilities
San Diego Broadway Terminal (Photo Credit: Ken Wolter)
The Broadway Pier and Port Pavilion can be used to accommodate a third cruise ship, but is less likely to be used on a regular basis. Additionally, the Port Pavilion is used as an event venue and provides public access to the water.
Port Pavilion is located on Broadway Pier, just south of B Street Pier. It was redeveloped to accommodate cruise ships in 2010.
As well as handling cruise arrivals and departures, Port Pavilion also hosts many waterfront events, weddings and festivals. It includes a Visitor Center, restaurant and a public plaza.
Port Pavilion has a modern 52,000 sq.ft. terminal and events building “Tidal Radiance” on the 1000-feet-long Broadway Pier. It was the first green building at the port. It features a wall of artistic glass and metal sculptures and projected colored lights.
The pavilion received LEED Gold certification, a mark of sustainability made possible through efforts such as using water-efficient fixtures and reducing indoor lighting needs via the building’s 7,550 square feet of windows.
In another effort toward greater sustainability, in 2023, the port expanded its shore power capacity at both the Broadway Pier and B Street cruise ship terminals, so that two cruise ships can plug into the shore power system simultaneously.
Port Pavilion cruise terminal has a flexible pavilion that is used for passengers when cruise ships are berthed at the pier. It includes a forecourt with food and drinks stands, escalators and restrooms as well as a waiting area. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Foyer and Broadway View Room.
Broadway Pier is the perfect place for sitting in the sunshine watching ships and boats coming and going against the stunning backdrop at sunset.
Disabled Service for Wheelchair Users
Elevators and gangways are wheelchair-friendly, making it easy to get through the check-in and security process. However, the port does not provide wheelchairs for those with limited mobility.
Passengers are required to provide their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, or rent one from a specialist company for the duration of the cruise. Staff are always available to assist and you should request this through the cruise company before your arrival at the cruise terminal.
Cruise Lines that Use the San Diego Cruise Port
Cruise lines that use the San Diego cruise port include:
Holland America Line
Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line
Parking Information for San Diego Cruise Port
There are no on-site parking options at the San Diego Cruise Port. Instead, off-site parking is provided by a variety of third-party operators.
Ace Parking
Ace Parking Shuttle, San Diego
Ace Parking operates 11 lots in the general port area, with rates ranging from $15 to $40 per day. The closest lots to the cruise port are those located at the Wyndham hotel, and BRIC North and BRIC South. These lots are directly across the street from the cruise port.
For all other lot locations, you’re not going to want to walk from them, to the port, and will need to take a rideshare service. In some cases, shuttle service is provided, but it’s not guaranteed at all lots.
San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly
Park, Shuttle & Fly
Located right next to the San Diego International Airport, San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly does offer cruise parking starting at $24.95 per day, and provides free shuttle service to the cruise port.
However, the provider does recommend that, before parking, you drop off all other passengers and your luggage at the cruise ship terminal. This way, fewer people need to use the shuttle and everyone enjoys a faster experience.
San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly has two lots. Lot A is at 3405 Pacific Highway and Lot B is at 3275 Pacific Highway. Both are under a 10-minute drive to the cruise ship terminal.
The shuttle runs 24/7. Oversized vehicles such as RVs are not able to park here.
ABM Parking
ABM Parking offers parking at several different lots near the cruise port, but shuttle service is not provided and vehicles over 25 feet in length cannot be accommodated. ABM Parking lots include:
The 1384 Kettner Blvd. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
The 1304 India St. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
The 800 4th Avenue Lot (Less than a mile from the terminal)
Parking at San Diego International Airport
Additionally, because the airport is so close to the cruise port, you also have the option of just parking at the airport, as if you were arriving for a flight. The airport has two parking terminals.
Newly opened, Terminal 1 Parking Plaza features nearly 3,000 parking spaces over 1.1 million square feet, with more than 500 parking spaces reserved for “clean vehicles,” such as electric vehicles.
Furthermore, there are nearly 100 electric vehicle charging ports, and the plaza is 24/7 security patrolled. Rates are $38 per every 24 hours.
Terminal 2 Parking Plaza isn’t as new, but offers similar security and 16 electric vehicle charging ports. The same rate of $38 per every 24 hours applies.
There are plenty of options for parking near the cruise terminals on the Embarcadero. Long-term cruise parking is offered by several companies, some within walking distance of San Diego cruise terminals. Full details are available in our article San Diego Cruise Parking: What You Need to Know
Traveling from Nearby Airports
San Diego International Airport (Photo Credit: Roaming Panda Photos)
As San Diego International Airport is the closest airport to the port, and as the large airport offers plenty of service to other destinations around the country, chances are that if you’re flying in for a cruise, this is where you’ll land.
Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal is relatively easy. There’s really no need for you to get a rental car, since you’re so close. Instead, take a taxi, rideshare or public transit.
For a taxi, after disembarking from your flight, follow the signage to the transportation plazas. A customer service representative will direct you to the first available taxi.
If you want to take a rideshare service, the airport permits the following providers to operate from the airport terminals: Lyft, Uber, Wingz and Opoli.
Follow signage to rideshare passenger pickup locations. Pickup locations will differ depending on if you arrived in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
For public transit, you have two options.
You can take the Route 923 bus from the North Harbor Dr. & Spanish Landing stop (which will require you to walk for about six minutes down Airport Terminal Rd). The bus will drop you off at the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop, right at the terminal.
You can also take the Route 992 bus from the airport to the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop. Whichever option you choose, the bus fare will be $2.50 and the ride will be about 15 minutes.
Airport-Cruise Port Baggage Transfer Service
Another benefit of arriving by air is the new baggage transfer system operated by the airport. Cruise line staff collect guests’ checked luggage and deliver it directly to the ship. It avoids any delay in waiting for bags to be unloaded from the aircraft and allows cruisers to head straight to the port without having to struggle with heavy luggage. Cruisers should pre-arrange this service through their cruise line or travel agent.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Car
Photo Courtesy: Port of San Diego
If you’re driving to the San Diego cruise port, you’ll likely want to drop off your passengers at the port first, before heading on to your chosen parking options.
If you’re traveling from the north side of the city, take Interstate 5 South to Exit 17/Front Street. Turn right on Broadway, then right on North Harbor Drive and follow signs for the port.
If you’re traveling from the south side of the city, take Interstate 5 North to Exit 17/Front Street. Follow the signs to North Harbor Drive and then follow signs for the port.
Tips for Luggage and Passenger Drop-off
Both San Diego cruise terminals have drop-off points close to the ship and there are wheelchair accessible elevators and a passenger gangway. Customer service staff are available to help with any special needs.
Most car rental companies have offices just a short walk from B Street Pier. Most companies offer free transfers to and from the cruise terminals.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Rideshare
You can take a rideshare to the cruise port from anywhere in the city. Just ask your rideshare driver to drop you off at one of the port’s drop-off and check-in points.
At that time, you’ll be asked to present your ID (such as a passport) and a ship ticket or boarding document for that day. You’ll have to present both in order to access the port.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Shuttle Service
Cruise Ship in San Diego
You can book shuttle service to the cruise port via a handful of providers.
Transit Van Shuttle, for example, offers door-to-door shuttle service for groups of any number. The service provider operates vehicles that can fit up to 10 passengers and operates throughout Southern California. You have to submit a quote request, however, to get pricing.
Additionally, suppose you book a hotel stay in San Diego ahead of your embarkation date.
In that case, you will find that some hotels will offer free shuttle service to the port if you book a cruise and stay package (some of these packages also include free parking). Comfort Inn San Diego Airport at the Harbor is one such hotel that offers this service.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port Using Public Transportation
You can take various public transportation to the San Diego cruise port. As already mentioned, several bus routes stop within walking distance of the port, including the 992 and 923 bus routes.
Additionally, the Santa Fe Depot is located two blocks away from the cruise port and you can take many trains and buses to this depot, too, from elsewhere around the city or state, and then walk to the port.
Attractions Near San Diego Cruise Port
Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
As already mentioned, the San Diego cruise port is located near tons of different things to see and do, particularly in the Embarcadero area, along the waterfront.
Nearby museums include the USS Midway Museum, set on a decommissioned aircraft carrier. The museum is the most-visited ship museum in the world. There’s also the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
At the maritime museum, you can view and board historic ships such as the world’s oldest active sailing ship, the Star of India, which was built in the 1860s.
For those who enjoy museums of a different stripe, the New Children’s Museum is also easily accessible from the port, as is the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
If you have enough time before or after your cruise, and if you’re visiting during the spring or summer baseball season, you might consider heading to Petco Park to catch a Padres game.
For more general sightseeing and exploring, walk the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find seemingly endless dining, drinking and shopping options.
While not exactly within walking distance, San Diego’s famed Balboa Park is a short bus or Uber ride away, and where you’ll find additional attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Best Time to Visit San Diego
San Diego boasts great temperatures all year-round, with averages hovering in the 70s just about every month of the year. The weather, though, can be rainy or cloudy, with rainfall most common in the winter and cloudy, overcast days common in May and June.
Otherwise, if you’re looking to visit when you can find the cheapest travel rates, including flights and hotels, you might be able to snag a good deal during the city’s low seasons, which include the spring and fall.
You might also choose to time your trip around things to do and experience, rather than weather or cost. For example, winter is a good time for whale watching off the coast, while also offering annual events such as the city’s restaurant week and museum month (February).
FAQs on San Diego Cruise Terminal
How far is it from San Diego airport to the cruise ship terminal?
San Diego International Airport is just under a 3-mile drive from the cruise ship terminal on B Street Pier. Allow 10 minutes by taxi to make the short journey along N. Harbor Drive.
How far from San Diego cruise terminal to Safari Park?
San Diego Safari Park is 33 miles north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. The journey takes about 30 minutes by car.
Zac Brown has been announced as the godfather for Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, Beachcomber.
Beachcomber will be christened in Miami on January 9, 2027, the same day she departs on her inaugural cruise, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.
Brown has collaborated with the cruise line to design the Same Boat live music venue onboard and has a long history with Jimmy Buffett.
Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line has announced the godfather for the upcoming Beachcomber, the third ship in the Margaritaville fleet and formerly Costa Fortuna.
Zac Brown will be the ship’s official godfather and will perform onboard the 2,716-guest ship during the inauguration festivities in January 2027. The official christening of the new ship will be January 9, 2027 in Miami, during which Brown will offer a special performance before the ship’s inaugural sailing.
Few details about the christening ceremony have been released, but live music, official blessings, and ceremonial events to welcome the ship into the fleet and offer good wishes to her crew and all who sail on her are sure to be part of the event.
The godfather announcement follows the previous release that Zac Brown collaborated with the cruise line to design the first-of-its-kind Same Boat live music venue onboard the ship, which will serve as a concert venue on select sailings. Same Boat is located aft on Deck 5, the “Livin’ It Up” deck.
Same Boat Live Music Venue on Beachcomber
“It’s been so much fun working with the Margaritaville at Sea family to bring Same Boat on Beachcomber to life. I’m really proud of what we’ve created together, and being named Godfather of Beachcomber is a true honor,”said Brown.
“What I love most is knowing that people are going to step on this ship with their families and friends, have an amazing time and make memories they’ll have forever. I’m just really excited to be a part of it and can’t wait for people to experience her.”
Brown’s connection to Margaritaville at Sea goes beyond the design of one venue, however, no matter how unique it is in the cruise industry. Brown had a longstanding musical relationship and personal friendship with Jimmy Buffett and the pair collaborated on several songs, including “Knee Deep” and “Same Boat,” which inspired the venue’s name.
“Zac has become an important part of the Margaritaville at Sea family, and naming him Godfather of Beachcomber is a natural next step in a partnership that continues to grow,”said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea.
Beachcomber Cruise Ship Render
“He shares our belief that great music, memorable experiences and bringing people together can turn a vacation into something much more. Zac has already put his own stamp on Beachcomber, and we couldn’t imagine a better person to help us officially welcome her to the fleet.”
Margaritaville at Sea is also the presenting sponsor of Brown’s 27-show Love & Fear US tour, which included the largest audience giveaway in live entertainment history when Brown gave more than 35,000 concertgoers a free Margaritaville at Sea cruise vacation at his August 2, 2026 performance at Fenway Park in Boston, totaling $43 million in vacations.
Her inaugural cruise is a weeklong Eastern Caribbean itinerary with visits planned to St. Thomas, San Juan, and Puerto Plata. Other ports the ship will visit while sailing 4-8-night itineraries from Miami include Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Key West, Nassau, Bimini, and more, depending on sailing date and cruise length.
While she will debut in January 2027 in Miami, Beachcomber will only sail from the Sunshine State for a few months.
Cruise Hive has already reported that the ship will reposition to Galveston, Texas in October 2027. From the Lone Star State, Beachcomber will offer diverse Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas itineraries, including Margaritaville’s first-ever call to Veracruz, Mexico, a unique option no other cruise line offers from Galveston.
