Long Beach, California, is a major cruise hub on the West Coast. In fact, most Carnival cruises on the US West Coast depart from Long Beach, and Carnival’s Long Beach terminal is one of the busiest cruise terminals in the country.
You can take a look at the best cruises out of Long Beach below, with sailing options to the popular Mexican Riviera, including ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Ensenada.
Top Cruises From Long Beach
Prepare for Your Long Beach Cruise
- IDEAL Hotels Near Long Beach Cruise Terminal
- How to Get From LAX to Long Beach Port for a Cruise
- Must-Know Things About the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
- Full Guide on Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Carnival cruise lines are the only lines that sail from Long Beach. While it is nearby, the World Cruise Center used by other cruise lines is in San Pedro, not Long Beach.
We’ll give you two: The Queen Mary and the Hotel Maya. Both are right next to the terminal for easy access, and both offer comfortable accommodations. Hotel Maya is probably more family friendly, with beach access, a pool, and other amenities. The Queen Mary has a lot of attractions and the rooms are luxurious, but there’s less for children to do.
It’s difficult to find an average that’s useful, because prices vary and deals are being offered all the time. Different booking services will have different prices, too. In general, though, somewhere around $200 per person, per night seems to be the standard. Always check multiple sites before you book.
3 nights is the most common cruise length, followed by 4 nights. In each case, the first day and last day of the cruise is embarking/disembarking. So, on a three night cruise, you get two days on the ship and/or in the ports of call. On a four night cruise, you get three days on the ship and/or in ports of call.
Most cruises begin check-in and boarding at 1pm. Don’t arrive much earlier than that, as the building will be closed until check-in and boarding begin. Be sure to check your ticket though, as those times may change. Your ticket will tell you what time to be there.
There are no restaurants in the terminal. If you are going to be hungry, it’s best to eat before you arrive.
There are no lockers available in the terminal. You will need to keep your baggage with you until you board the ship and can put it in your room. Alternatively, you can call ahead and arrange an early baggage check-in with Carnival. In that case, on of the porters will take your luggage on board for you.
Yes, there is free WiFi available in the terminal.
Yes, the terminal has restrooms.
The terminal building is closed until the staff is ready to begin boarding and check-in. If you arrive before that time, you will have to wait outside. If you have time, you could walk to the Queen Mary and enjoy the exhibits there.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal is 26 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
LAX is 22.4 miles from the Cruise Terminal.
You have several choices. You can use a service like Uber or Lyft, or take a Taxi. Both LAX and Long Beach Airports have shuttles services as well. There are four different shuttle services that can transport you from the airport to the cruise terminal, and back again.
