Long Beach Cruise Terminal Guide: Piers, Amenities and Getting Around

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is operated by Carnival Cruise Corporation and is one of the busiest cruise terminals in Southern California.

Situated near downtown Long Beach and directly beside the iconic Queen Mary, it is a major departure point for Carnival cruise ships traveling to popular West Coast cruise destinations, like the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal Location and Address

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located roughly 23 miles south of downtown Los Angeles along the waterfront of Long Beach, California.

This strategic location provides visiting cruise ships with straightforward access to the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal departure point for cruise ships with itineraries that involve traveling south along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, out to the Hawaiian Islands, or even north along the American Pacific Coast. 

The cruise terminal is also located just a few miles southwest of the downtown core of Long Beach, making it a convenient location for cruise passengers hoping to do a little bit of sightseeing before boarding their cruise ship.

As mentioned, the cruise terminal is also located directly beside the iconic RMS Queen Mary Ocean Liner, which now operates as a floating hotel and museum, so visiting cruise guests do not have to travel far to see the sights.

Although the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is almost exclusively used by cruise ships owned by Carnival Cruise Line, it is also located just 3 miles from the much larger Port of Los Angeles, frequented by a much wider range of cruise lines. The Port of Los Angeles is also one of the busiest ports in the world, so many cruise passengers depart from this part of California. 

Long Beach Cruise Terminal Address:

Long Beach Cruise Terminal, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA, USA 90802 

Which Cruise Lines Use Long Beach Cruise Terminal?

As mentioned, Long Beach Cruise Terminal is owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation, so it is exclusively used by ships under the Carnival Cruise Line banner and some of Carnival’s affiliated cruise lines. These include the following: 

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Cunard Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Costa Cruises 

While all the cruise lines listed above belong to the Carnival Corporation and can use the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, it is primarily used by Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships. Other major cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, depart from the nearby Port of Los Angeles-operated World Cruise Center in San Pedro, California. 

Long Beach Cruise Terminal Pier and Terminal

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal consists of a single main pier, which is large enough to dock some of the largest cruise ships in the entire Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

While the pier stretches 1,550 feet and has two cruise ship berths, it is rarely used to dock more than a single cruise ship at any given time, as it was made to accommodate full-sized cruise ships. 

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal really stands out because of its unique character. The building is actually a large converted geodesic dome that was previously used as a film location for major Hollywood movies. 

Today, this unique, 12-story high domed structure houses all the check-in and security areas required of a major cruise port, but it still retains a truly unique character.

The charm of this former film location is enhanced by the fact that the interior of the terminal building also contains props from movies that were filmed there, as well as photos of the iconic World War II era floating plane prototype, the Spruce Goose, which was once housed inside the dome. 

Another unique feature of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is that visiting cruise passengers find their way to and from the pier by following an elevated bridge, which extends from the interior of the domed terminal building itself.

While there are stairs, the bridge also features elevators at either end, enabling passengers with mobility needs to find their way to and from the terminal building easily. 

The unique Long Beach Cruise Terminal offers a wide range of services, ensuring all visiting cruise passengers enjoy a smooth embarkation process. These features include the following: 

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Although connection speeds vary, visiting passengers can access complimentary Wi-Fi inside the domed terminal building. Just sign up with a valid email address, and you can enjoy free internet access for a full hour. 

Check-in Counters

The domed terminal building is outfitted with plentiful check-in counters, including a separate area for priority boarding, which ensures all guests are processed quickly. There is also a dedicated luggage drop-off area, which functions like an airport.

If you choose to use this service, your bags are taken directly to your cabin or suite, where they will await your arrival. Since the Long Beach Cruise Terminal only deals with Carnival passengers, the check-in process is incredibly streamlined. 

Seating Areas

Carnival Corporation made full use of the dome when renovating the structure, so you will find numerous seating areas throughout. The curved benches follow the dome shape, giving the interior a more welcoming atmosphere than a typical cruise terminal building so passengers can easily find a place to relax before boarding. 

To the left of the entrance, you will see a spacious seating area decorated with a tropical theme, including fake palm trees and clouds and a large model of the Spruce Goose suspended from the ceiling. 

Preferred Suite Waiting Area

A dedicated luxury waiting area exists for Preferred, Platinum, and Suite guests. Lounge chairs, televisions, and a complimentary menu of snacks and drinks await passengers staying in suites or qualifying through Carnival’s VIFP Club. 

Full Accessibility

There is also a dedicated wheelchair assistance counter located at the end of the check-in counters. From here, passengers can request assistance with their luggage, borrow a wheelchair, or have dedicated assistance boarding the ship. 

Several wheelchair-friendly restrooms are available, ensuring all guests can easily access these facilities. With proof of a valid permit, you can also book handicapped parking, which is located directly beside the terminal building. 

Security Desks

Like the check-in counters, the security desks are designed to ensure a simplified and streamlined screening process. They are located immediately after you pass through the main entrance. 

Parking at Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Long Beach Cruise Terminal offers its own official on-site parking in a multi-level structure that sits directly adjacent to the domed cruise terminal.

On the off chance that the parking garage is fully booked, several nearby off-site parking options are available to those looking for overnight parking. Here’s a basic breakdown of your parking options: 

Official On-Site Parking

As mentioned, parking at Long Beach Cruise Terminal is incredibly straightforward, thanks to a dedicated passenger parking garage. This five-story covered parking garage holds over 1,450 parking spaces.

All vehicles pay a standard rate of $23 per day, but oversized vehicles that take up more than one space will have to make other arrangements. An hourly rate of $4 per hour is charged for vehicles that do not require overnight parking, but the first 30 minutes is free. 

There is also a dedicated handicapped parking available to visiting guests with a valid permit. These parking spots are near the terminal entrance, and porters are available with wheelchairs upon request. 

Parking at the official garage or outdoor lot requires no advanced reservations, but full payment is required upon exit. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. 

Unofficial Off-Site Parking Options

Even though the official parking lots have nearly 1,500 spots available, they can fill up, especially when the larger cruise ships use the port. If this is the case, several off-site options are available with complimentary shuttle services to the terminal. 

There is a large, open-air public parking lot located directly beside the nearby DoubleTree Hotel Maya. Located just 0.7 miles from the cruise port, this parking lot is easy to travel to and from.

The hotel operates a complimentary shuttle to the cruise terminal, which is free for those paying to use the parking lot. The parking lot also has charging stations for electric vehicles. Keep in mind that the parking is a steep $40 per day, but valet parking is included in the cost. 

Traveling to Long Beach Cruise Terminal from Nearby Airports

For those flying into Long Beach before their cruise, several airports are located within driving distance. Here is a basic breakdown of the three main airports that are used by traveling cruise passengers: 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

As one of the busiest airports in the world, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport that serves the greater Los Angeles area. Given that it is only 22.5 miles northeast of Long Beach Cruise Terminal, it is also the main airport used by cruise passengers flying in from outside of LA. 

Even though it is only 22.5 miles away, you should anticipate a drive that could take 40 minutes to over an hour due to LA’s infamous traffic congestion. With that said, the drive is relatively straightforward. If you are planning to drive yourself, follow these directions: 

• From LAX, get on I-105 E
• Merge onto the I-110 South towards San Pedro and continue for 6 miles
• Merge onto the I-710 S towards Long Beach and continue for 2 miles
• Take the exit towards South Harbor Scenic Drive and continue until you see signs for the Long Beach Cruise Terminal 

If you do not plan on driving, plentiful taxis and rideshare vehicles are available at the airport. As the main airport in California, thousands of taxis strictly provide rides to and from the airport, so you won’t have to worry about calling your own cab. Expect the fare to be between $45 and $60, depending on the day of the week and time of day. 

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Although much smaller than LAX, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport to the cruise terminal. Located just over 11 miles away, LGB still serves nearly two million passengers per year, so there are daily flights from domestic airlines to other major American cities, including New Orleans, Nashville, Houston, and Salt Lake City. 

Due to its proximity and the availability of budget flights, many cruise passengers will choose to fly into LGB rather than the much busier LAX. In most cases, the drive will take roughly 20 minutes; however, like driving anywhere in Los Angeles County, traffic can be an issue. 

• Take the exit for the I-405 N and continue for 8.5 miles
• Take exit 32B, merge onto the I-710 S, and continue for 2 miles
• Exit onto S Harbor Scenic Drive and continue until you see signs for the Long Beach Cruise Terminal 

While there are not as many taxis operating out of LGB as LAX, there is still a dedicated taxi and rideshare area, so you can easily get a ride without having to call one yourself. Whether you take a traditional taxi or a rideshare vehicle, like an Uber or Lyft car, you can usually secure a ride for about $30. 

Carnival Cruise Line occasionally offers complimentary shuttle buses from the airport, but you must check ahead of time. 

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Located in Orange County, roughly 26 miles from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is another airport that some cruise passengers will fly in and out of.

With dedicated services from major Canadian airlines, like Air Canada and WestJet, John Wayne Airport is a particularly popular arrival point for Canadian cruise passengers and those from Alaska. They also serve American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, so passengers fly in from all over the United States.

Since it is located in Orange County, you should anticipate plenty of traffic and a drive that will take between 45 minutes to well over an hour. 

• Get on CA-73 N from John Wayne Roadway and continue for 2.3 miles
• Take the exit for I-405 for 15.5 miles, then take Exit 23 for CA-22 W
• Continue on CA-22 W until you reach the Long Beach Cruise Terminal 

Like the other two airports, getting a cab or rideshare vehicle from SNA is fairly straightforward. There is a designated waiting area for taxis, which operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Taxis tend to be about $75, as the traffic can be pretty heavy. If you want to save money, the airport offers a shuttle service, which can be booked 24 hours before your flight. 

How to Get to Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Whether you are going to the cruise terminal directly from one of the nearby airports, a hotel in Long Beach, or anywhere else in LA County, there are various transportation options available to you: 

Rideshare and Taxis Vehicles

Taxis and rideshare services, like Uber, Lyft, and Wingz, are widely available throughout Long Beach and the surrounding area. Taxis do not have to abide by a mandated flat rate, so most use a meter rate, which is $2.97 per mile.

That said, most drivers will negotiate a flat rate for a specific location, especially if the destination is a popular spot, like the cruise terminal, so it is always worth asking. 

Public Transportation

While public transit isn’t the fastest option, it is by far the most affordable. The Metro Blue Line also connects downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach.

From here, you can transfer to a Long Beach Transit Bus (LBT) and take Route 121, which has a stop directly in front of the Queen Mary. With regular single rides only costing $1.25 for a single ride or $4 for a full-day pass, it is the most budget-friendly option available. 

Shuttle Services

Most of the hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttle services to the cruise terminal, as a significant number of their guests book a room before or after their cruise.

On occasion, Carnival will also run free shuttle services to the cruise terminal from the airports, but you always have to check with your cruise line ahead of time. 

Dining Near Long Beach Cruise Terminal

It is no secret that Long Beach has an amazing restaurant scene. Luckily, several great options are located within a reasonable distance of the cruise terminal. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat before boarding, we recommend the following: 

BO-Beau Kitchen & Roof Tap

Located just 1.9 miles from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, BO-Beau Kitchen & Roof Tap offers upscale dishes in a casual environment.

With its unique rooftop beer garden, it’s a great place to enjoy a cold drink and a delicious plate of food while soaking up some of that Long Beach sunshine. With over 50 craft beers on tap, its famous house-made burger, and steak frites that are incredibly popular with locals, it’s a great option. 

Fuego at the Maya

Located just 0.8 miles away on the main floor of the Maya Hotel, Fuego at the Maya is one of the closest options to the cruise terminal. With a Latin-inspired menu, this restaurant and lounge has a full outdoor patio with incredible harbor views.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they serve throughout the day and have an amazing cocktail menu. 

Chelsea Chowder House

For a unique dining experience, you can book a table at the Chelsea Chowder House, located on the Queen Mary. This surprisingly modern seafood and steak restaurant has an incredible menu.

As the name implies, the seafood chowders are the real highlight, but they have a menu that would suit any taste. It is less than 500 feet from the terminal building entrance and incredibly easy to walk to. 

Gladstone’s Long Beach

Located just 1.6 miles away in nearby Shoreline Village, Gladstone’s Long Beach offers fresh seafood and a casual atmosphere. It also offers a full children’s menu and often has live music playing, especially on weekends, making it a fun, family-friendly restaurant for those traveling with kids. 

Shopping Near Long Beach Cruise Terminal

While the Long Beach Cruise Terminal does not have stores inside the building or surrounding it, like you get with some of the Caribbean cruise ports, there are still some great options for those hoping to do a bit of shopping before or after their cruise vacation. 

The closest and most popular option is the nearby Long Beach Pike Outlets, which are only 1.5 miles away on the other side of the Los Angeles River. This waterfront entertainment and shopping district offers a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and, of course, outlet stores from some major brands.

With dedicated outlets for brands like Columbia, Converse, Guess, Levi’s, Sunglass Hut, a Nike Factory Store, and much more, shopping enthusiasts can find something that interests them. Plus, this nearby shopping district is also home to a few smaller souvenir shops, as well as the major brand-name outlets. 

If you aren’t that into shopping but just want somewhere to kill some time, the Pike Outlets is well worth visiting. It is home to bars, nightclubs, a movie theater, and even a Ferris wheel. 

The Best Time to Visit Long Beach

Like all of California, Long Beach is a year-round tourist destination, so the best time to visit depends on personal preference. That said, the most popular time of year to visit Long Beach is between September and November. The weather is not quite as hot and humid as the summer months, and the spring can be a little wet.

Read Also: Los Angeles Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around, What’s Nearby

Keep in mind that Long Beach and the cruise terminal that shares its name can get a bit crowded in the late summer and early fall. Unfortunately, traffic is an issue in Long Beach throughout the year, so you should always give yourself extra travel time.