Two years ago, a cruise guest decided to bring a lounger from the Lido deck all the way down to their cruise cabin on Deck 1 – and the stunt is making waves on social media once again.
Their motive is unclear, but many in the cruise community have assumed that this person was going to great lengths to hog their favorite seat.
This stunt is obviously not allowed, but it’s unclear what consequences, if any, the cruise guest may have faced for their actions.
Just when I think I’ve seen it all during my time covering the cruise industry, I am only one Facebook post away from being shocked once again.
While it’s no secret that Carnival Cruise Line has been plagued by a chair hogging problem, I never would have expected to see a guest go so far as to drag a lounge chair from the Lido deck all the way down to their stateroom.
However, this is exactly what somebody did back in 2023 and the unusual stunt is going viral for a second time in the present.
At the time, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald posted on his public Facebook page to encourage others to not follow this example, along with a picture showing the lounger on the floor of the corridor with a man reaching down to grab it.
This could either be the cruise guest dragging the chair to his cabin, or judging by the blue shirt, a crew member trying to return it to its rightful place on the Lido deck.
“Please don’t bring one of the sunbeds down from the Lido to your own cabin. And this one was for an inside cabin on deck 1. Oh FFS,” Heald wrote.
This is still an outrageous stunt, but I could maybe understand if the cruise guest was looking to enhance the set up on their private balcony.
But in a tiny interior cabin, which is typically only around 185 square feet on Carnival’s ships, I don’t know that a full lounger could even fit inside.
I would also love to know how they managed to get the lounge chair from the Lido deck all the way to the ship’s bottom deck. It would be a tight squeeze in the often crowded elevators!
“The fact that they were even able to make it off the outside decks is beyond me! I mean, NOBODY saw them drag it off the decks, into an elevator and down the hall? NOBODY,”one person agreed with me.
It’s unclear if the cruise guest faced any consequences for their actions, but Carnival can levy fines of up to $500 for violating the cruise line’s code of conduct.
Carnival Continues to Crack Down on Saving Seats
Although the cruiser’s motive has never been confirmed, others in the cruise community have assumed that they wanted to guarantee that they had a reserved lounger for relaxing by the pool.
“That’s one way to make sure you get a lounger in the morning,” one cruise fan joked.
“This takes to a whole new level of hoarding the loungers,”another wrote, along with several laughing face emojis.
Another guessed:“I know there’s a chair hog problem, but taking the chair back to your cabin so you have it when you’re ready to get up?”
Over the years, Carnival has had to consistently reinforce that seat saving is not allowed, both at the pools and in other venues onboard, such as the theaters and Punchliner Comedy Clubs.
Carnival Towel Hut (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
But the biggest issue has been for the seating around the pools, where loungers are in high demand and the best spots go quickly.
Some inconsiderate guests ruin the fun for everyone by rushing up to the Lido deck early in the morning to reserve loungers for their travel party potentially several hours before they actually intend to use them.
Of course, this seat saving method is nowhere near as unique as bringing your preferred lounger to your cruise cabin.
Last year, Carnival really cracked down on chair hogging by rolling out the “chairing is caring” policy.
These crew members then leave stickers on unattended loungers notifying guests that their spot will be unreserved on their behalf if they don’t return in 40 minutes.
MSC Cruises advised guests onboard MSC Fantasia that they may experience some rough seas as she sails from Trieste, Italy, to Katakolon, Greece.
Wind gusts of over 45 knots per hour and swells up to 4 meters tall are expected for this portion of the voyage.
While MSC’s advisory worried some current guests, passengers can rest assured that they are not in danger and that the ship is well equipped to handle these conditions.
Current guests onboard MSC Fantasia received a letter from the cruise line that was more nerve-racking than comforting.
The MSC cruise ship, which is currently operating multiple 9-night Mediterranean itineraries simultaneously, is preparing to weather some rough seas on her journey from Trieste, Italy, to Katakolon, Greece.
During this portion of the voyage, which will last from October 2 to October 4, 2025, the 3,274-guest ship may encounter wind gusts that reach speeds of over 45 knots (or 51 miles per hour).
“We are writing to inform you that rough seas are expected across the East Mediterranean Sea this weekend, with wind gusts forecasted to exceed 45 knots and up to four-metre swells,” MSC Cruises wrote to current passengers.
“We expected challenging navigational conditions during our navigation from Trieste to Katakolon,” the cruise line warned.
The strong winds may cause ocean swellsto reach up to four meters, or approximately 13 feet, in height.
When conditions are calm, ocean swells in the Eastern Mediterranean tend to range between 1 to 3 feet tall.
However, swells exceeding 5 meters (or 16 feet) have been reached by past October storms.
But while this may sound scary, keep in mind that the ship would have been rerouted to calmer seas if conditions were too dangerous.
No Danger to Current Guests
MSC Cruises most likely issued the letter so that guests would know to be extra cautious while navigating the Fantasia-class ship and to avoid panic if the seas do get especially rough.
However, it’s easy to see how a letter like this could be anxiety-inducing, especially for a novice cruiser.
One first-time cruiser took to Reddit to ask: “Very scared. My first cruise and I got this in the door. How horrible is this going to be?”
But this guest and others can rest assured that safety is always the top priority. While the 137,936-gross-ton ship may move or lurch unpredictably during this leg of the sailing, guests will not be in any danger.
Modern cruise ships are equipped with sophisticated stabilization systems and reinforced steel hulls that help to keep them balanced, even in severe wind and storms.
Photo Credit: Martchan / Shutterstock.com
And of course, the captain and his expert bridge team will be monitoring the weather closely to chart the smoothest and safest course possible.
“Our crew will be on hand to assist and ensure that everyone stays safe throughout the journey…Our priority is to always ensure your comfort, safety, and wellbeing,”MSC Cruises reassured guests.
Out of an abundance of caution, the onboard pools will likely be drained to prevent flooding and to enhance the vessel’s stability.
Additionally, guests have been advised to avoid the outer decks and to use handrails while moving around the cruise ship to avoid tripping or falling should the 2008-launched vessel lurch suddenly.
“For your safety, all pools on board may be emptied, and we strongly advise guests to avoid the outer decks. Please exercise caution when moving around the ship and always use handrails,” the cruise line advised.
This standard safety protocol is also currently being followed onboard MSC Euribia, which is similarly navigating strong wind gusts while sailing from Flåm, Norway, to Kiel, Germany, from October 2 to October 4.
MSC Magnifica’s 2027 World Cruise will be the first to feature the MSC Yacht Club, the line’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept.
For passengers looking to set sail on a global adventure, MSC Cruises’ is sweetening the deal but offering something it has never offered before: The MSC Yacht Club experience on a world cruise.
The cruise line revealed that MSC Magnifica, already slated to sail on an around the world voyage in 2026, will be adding the “ship-within-a-ship concept” ahead of its 2027 version after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
Along with an expanded spa, a new fitness center, and specialty restaurants, the ship will feature the Yacht Club with its own suites, lounge, restaurant, and sundeck for the 121-night sailing launching in January 2027.
“The 121-night journey across 25 countries on MSC Magnifica will be the first MSC Cruises’ World Cruise to feature the line’s luxury ‘ship within a ship’ experience,” the cruise line said in a statement.
The Yacht Club aboard the 95,128-gross-ton MSC Magnifica, originally built in 2010, will span five decks and include 63 suites across five categories, offering 24-hour butler and concierge service. Guests will find family-friendly connected balconies as well as the Royal Suite with its 840-square-foot terrace and private hot tub.
Only passengers booked within the Yacht Club will have access to the exclusive sundeck that offers a private pool, hot tub, cabanas, and outdoor dining at the Grill & Bar, as well as the premium Top Sail Lounge and MSC Yacht Club restaurant.
The ship is not the only one in the fleet getting the Yacht Club experience. The cruise line recently revealed MSC Poesiawill also be heading to dry dock to debut its Yacht Club ahead of its inaugural 2026 Alaska season.
MSC Magnifica, MSC Yacht Club Grand Suite
However, the refurbished MSC Magnifica will carry more than just the Yacht Club when it sets sail in 2027. The ship’s enhancements will include a new MSC Aurea Spa spanning nearly 3,000 square feet and equipped with panoramic sea-view saunas, steam rooms, a salt room, Kneipp path, and 10 treatment rooms.
Dining is also getting an upgrade with the addition of the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar joining the ship’s existing main dining venues.
Fitness will also be reimagined with an upgraded Technogym facility, dedicated yoga and spinning studios, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea.
MSC Cruises did not reveal when the drydock will take place but the cruise line primarily dry docks its vessels in Valletta, Malta’s Palumbo Malta Shipyard.
First World Cruise with Yacht Club
Guests who book into the exclusive MSC Yacht Club will be able to combine personalized service that spans six continents. But all passengers, of which the ship currently accommodates up to 3,223, will enjoy calls in 45 destinations across Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania, and North America.
Passengers can embark from four Mediterranean ports between January 4 and 7, 2027, including Civitavecchia and Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona.
The cruise is slated to include a Panama Canal transit, overnight stays in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, and extended visits to destinations as far afield as Papeete, French Polynesia; Hobart, Tasmania; Sydney, Australia; and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Like its 2026 world sailing, the 2027 itinerary diverts the vessel away from the Red Sea. It will offer multiple disembarkation points in the Mediterranean, as well.
Serenade of the Seas has now arrived in Miami, but with even higher numbers of ill guests and crew members than initially reported.
A total of 98 guests and crew members have reported gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea, which has been confirmed as norovirus.
Extra cleaning and sanitizing are being done onboard, but there appears to be no delay in the ship’s departure on her next sailing.
The gastrointestinal illness making the rounds aboard Serenade of the Seas‘ September 19, 2025 sailing continues to worsen even as the ship has reached PortMiami at the end of its 13-night, one-way repositioning cruise from San Diego.
The ship arrived in South Florida on Thursday, October 2, right on schedule.
The CDC requires cruise ships to report outbreaks to the Vessel Sanitation Program when the total number of cases reaches 3% of either the number of guests or crew members onboard.
Now, with 94 out of 1,874 guests onboard Serenade of the Seas reporting symptoms, 5% of guests onboard are feeling ill, up from 71 (3.8%) when the outbreak was first reported.
More crew members are also impacted. The initial report had just a single crew member (.1% of the 883 crew members onboard) reporting illness, but now four crew members (.5%) are ill.
Now that Serenade of the Seas has reached Miami on schedule, crew members will have a better opportunity to fully sanitize the ship after guests have debarked.
This may slightly delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing, a 3-day one-way voyage to Colon, Panama, as the ship prepares for her winter season offering Southern Caribbean itineraries with departures from both Panama and Colombia.
Even without delays, additional mitigation measures to prevent further spread and contamination are sure to be taken. So far, the ship has already increased cleaning and sanitation in all public areas and guest staterooms and is isolating sick passengers and crew members.
Testing has confirmed that this outbreak is due to norovirus, one of the most widespread and highly communicable causes of vomiting and diarrhea in the world.
Guests onboard any ship, whether an outbreak has been reported or not, should practice thorough and frequent handwashing with warm water and soap, especially after using the restroom and before dining.
Minimizing contact with high-traffic surfaces, such as elevator buttons, touchscreens, serving utensils, door handles, and stairway railings is another good step to avoid contracting norovirus.
Norovirus Outbreaks in 2025
According to the CDC, norovirus is the cause of more than 90% of gastrointestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships. Because cruise lines do not need to report outbreaks below the 3% infection threshold, it is possible that any cruise ship might have some of the illness aboard at any time.
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers,”the CDC notes.
CDC Sign (Photo Credit: Tada Images)
So far in 2025, there have been 19 cruise ship disease outbreaks reported to the CDC. Of those, 14 are confirmed as norovirus.
Of the remaining five outbreaks, three did not have a causative agent confirmed. One was an E. coli outbreak aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray in January, and the other case was due to ciguatera contamination aboard Sea Cloud Cruises’ Sea Cloud Spirit also in January.
Two other Royal Caribbean ships have been impacted by significant norovirus outbreaks this year. Radiance of the Seas had an outbreak with 160 (7.4%) guests and 8 (.9%) crew members in early February, while Navigator of the Seas reported an outbreak with 134 (3.4%) guests and 7 (.6%) crew members in July.
Other norovirus outbreaks have been reported aboard ships from Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, and more.
Already in 2025, the total number of norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships is nearly equal to the total number of norovirus outbreaks in 2024 (15), and more than the outbreaks reported in all of 2023 (13).
Thanks to Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, several cruise ships have steered toward Canada and New England instead of sailing to Bermuda or the Bahamas as planned.
Those who were diverted to Portland, Maine, were met with a funny sign welcoming them to “Northern Bermuda.”
So far, ships like Carnival Pride and Norwegian Escape have been diverted to the New England destination.
Some of the cruise guests visiting Portland, Maine, this week aren’t there because they wanted to be, but because they had no other choice.
Hurricane Humberto has now fizzled out, but Hurricane Imelda has strengthened into a Category 2 storm.
But regardless of the reason, the cruise port is happy to host them, as seen through their funny welcome sign.
As Imelda barrels down on Bermuda, Portland put out a sign welcoming diverted cruisers that reads “Welcome to Northern Bermuda.”
Portland, of course, is quite far north of Bermuda with a distance of approximately 750 miles between the destinations.
“I thought it was very thoughtful for them to greet those who were diverted…Sign is strategically placed just prior to the security check before reboarding the ship,” one recent visitor shared, although it’s not clear when exactly they were in the port.
Most cruise guests got a good chuckle out of the comedic sign.
“Born and raised within 30 minutes of Portland. That’s 100% Maine Humor, right there,”one person said.
“Love the humor,” another agreed.
Past guests also noted that the New England destination has pulled similar cheeky stunts in the past when they received unexpected visitors due to stormy weather.
The Spirit-class ship joined TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 and American Cruise Lines’ ACL American Song in the port on Wednesday, October 1.
Cruise Ships Docked in Portland, Maine (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Notably, Portland can accommodate two large cruise ships at once at the Ocean Gateway Terminal, and an additional smaller vessel at the Portland Ocean Terminal (Maine State Pier).
On October 2, Norwegian Escape will also make a last-minute appearance in Portland. She will join Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Quest, which was already on the port schedule.
The NCL ship is in the middle of a 12-night voyage that was supposed to sail to the Caribbean, but as with Carnival Pride, she had to adjust due to the hurricanes.
There is also a possibility that Carnival Venezia might stop in Portland in the coming days as part of a 5-night Bermuda voyage that may be redirected to Canada.
The Italian-themed ship is supposed to visit Bermuda for an overnight call on October 3 and October 4, but the cruise line has warned that this could change due to dangerous maritime conditions and potential damage to the cruise port.
One Carnival guest feels that being required to pre-pay for specialty dining is an inflexible, money grab practice that needs to end.
While the issue was opened for an online vote, there is not much support for the idea of free reservations and charging only after the meal.
Different cruise lines have different policies to curb the practice of making reservations than not showing up, including no-show and late cancellation fees.
It can be a treat to indulge in one (or more!) specialty dining reservations while on a cruise, but some less-than-friendly practices have made cruise lines reconsider how they charge for these exclusive venues.
Pricing policies have varied from full charges up front to a reservation that is only charged after the meal, with each cruise line taking steps to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to try out different tastes.
One Carnival cruise guest, however, has taken issue with the pre-pay policy. They reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, to express their outrage.
“Making us pre-pay for dinner at the steak restaurant is nothing but the money grab. it shows you do not trust your customers,”the guest claimed.“You need to stop this policy. There needs to be flexibility.”
To be fair, fine dining restaurants, including steakhouses, on land do not charge for reservations. Costs are only applied after a customer’s meal and vary widely depending on what is ordered, as different drinks and dishes have different prices.
Onboard Carnival ships, however, specialty restaurants are “prix fixe” (French for “fixed price”) with a flat rate charge regardless of what guests order. For Carnival’s signature Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, that price is currently $52 per adult and $15 per child.
While Heald did not respond to the guest directly, he included their outrage on his daily poll, leaving it up to his more than 642,000 Facebook followers to vote and share their thoughts on the pricing.
The original guest is not receiving a great deal of support, as fewer than 400 votes agree with their assertion that the pre-pay pricing is a money grab that needs to stop.
In contrast, more than 5,750 voters understand the policy and the need for pre-payment.
By pre-paying, not only do guests guarantee their specialty restaurant reservation, but the cruise line is assured of payment even if guests do not show up for the mealtime they reserved.
If guests are unable to make their reservation because their plans or preferences change, they can speak with the restaurant manager to make adjustments or cancel if necessary.
Guest reactions to the pre-pay policy are generally positive, noting that it forces travelers to be accountable to the plans they’ve made.
Will Carnival Implement Cancellation Fees?
At the moment, Carnival Cruise Line has no clear policy on whether or not fees are charged for changing or cancelling one’s specialty dining reservation. Because the specialty restaurants are pre-pay, it stands to reason that guests who simply no-show for a reservation would forfeit that fee without any refund.
In recent weeks, both of Carnival’s major competitors, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have implemented no-show or cancellation fees.
On Royal Caribbean ships, no-show fees are intended to “preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options,” according to the cruise line.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouse (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
This is meant to help end the less-than-polite practice of guests making multiple reservations at different restaurants for the same night.
Some guests have been snagging highly desirable times and days for the dining experiences, then simply cherry picking which ones they want at the time of their cruise and letting the rest lapse.
The fee helps the cruise line recoup some of that lost revenue and is an attempt to discourage this “restaurant hogging” behavior.
Norwegian Cruise Line also recently implemented a $10 per person no-show fee for specialty dining reservations. While this is a minimal amount, it is at least a step toward curbing unused reservations.
If Norwegian Cruise Line guests are able to cancel or modify their reservation more than two hours before its specified time, there is no fee. Presumably, an onboard wait list would likely be able to fill that reservation with enough advance notice of a cancellation.
The final port call of MSC Euribia’s current 7-night voyage, which is in Flåm, Norway, will unfortunately be cut short.
This change was made to avoid the worst of the strong winds that will impact the vessel’s journey back to Kiel, Germany.
As the MSC ship may still encounter some rough seas, the pools will be drained and guests are encouraged to be extra cautious during the final leg of the voyage.
On the other side of the world in Northern Europe, strong wind gusts are bringing very rough seas, leading to an itinerary change for MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia.
The 6,327-guest ship is nearing the end of a 7-night sailing to Denmark and Norway that embarked in Kiel, Germany, on September 27, 2025.
Unfortunately, strong winds reaching over 50 knots per hour (or 57 miles per hour) will impact the final port call of the voyage, which is scheduled for Flåm, Norway, on Thursday, October 2.
Specifically, the winds are expected to impact the 184,011-gross ton vessel during its journey from Flåm back to Kiel, where disembarkation will take place on the morning of October 4.
As a result, the time in Flåm will be shortened from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – which is a difference of four hours and thirty minutes.
“Rough seas are expected in the Northern Sea this week, with wind gusts forecasted to exceed 50 knots on Thursday, 2 October. This may affect our navigation to Kiel,” MSC Cruises wrote to current guests.
“To ensure your safety and comfort, we will now be departing earlier, at 13:30, so that we can sail ahead of the worst of the weather,” the update continued.
Due to the new time constraints, shore excursions like the popular “Norwegian Waterfalls and Dramatic Sceneries by Train (FLA04 and FLA22)” have been cancelled.
They will be automatically refunded in the form of an onboard credit, which can be used to book alternative shore excursions.
A Rough Voyage Home
Thanks to sophisticated stabilization systems and heavy steel hulls, modern cruise ships are perfectly capable of handling rough seas.
However, the forecasted winds may cause big swells, which can make the journey back to Kiel uncomfortable, especially for passengers who are prone to seasickness.
Every now and then, a rogue wave can make cruise ships rock or tilt dramatically, but these events are rare, and it’s extremely unlikely for a vessel to completely tip over.
As disappointing as the early departure from Flåm may be, it will help mitigate the rockiness onboard at least somewhat.
But as the Meraviglia-Plus Class ship is still expected to encounter some bad weather, the 1,711 crew members are taking precautions to make sure everyone stays safe.
“Following our departure on Thursday, we expect challenging navigational conditions due to this weather system,”MSC Cruises advised.
“For your safety, all pools on board will be emptied, and we strongly advise guests to avoid the outer decks. Please exercise caution when moving around the ship and always use handrails.”
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 1100 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, 1100 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal Facilities
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.
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal (Photo Credit: Manuela Durson)
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, as well as free WiFi. (Internet packages are available if you want faster WiFi than what is provided for free, or longer access to free WiFi.)
Broadway Pier Facilities
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.
Since the Port Pavilion is more of a tourist attraction, it also includes amenities such as a visitors’ center and restaurant. It’s likewise meticulously designed to act as a piece of waterfront architectural art, with sculptures and a light garden.
San Diego Broadway Terminal (Photo Credit: Ken Wolter)
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.
The Broadway Pier’s terminal area measures in at 52,000 square feet.
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
Of these, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line visit the port the most.
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 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.
Ace Parking Shuttle, San Diego
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
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.
Park, Shuttle & Fly
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.
There are two parking terminals at the airport.
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.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
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.
San Diego International Airport (Photo Credit: Roaming Panda Photos)
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.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Car
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.
Photo Courtesy: Port of San Diego
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.
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
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.
Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
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
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.
USS Midway Museum (Photo Credit: Raimundo79)
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-long, 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.
Cruise Ship Docked in San Diego (Photo Credit: meunierd)
Otherwise, if you’re looking to visit when you can find 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).
Royal Caribbean has officially unveiled the fleet of five brightly-colored ferries that will be used to bring guests to the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
The ferries will be owned and operated by the 100% Bahamian-owned Bahamas Transport Logistics and offer efficient navigation and operation.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open in December 2025 and will offer a variety of day pass admission options with all-inclusive amenities.
From the moment guests embark on excursions to Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, they’ll be immersed with tropical vibes.
The cruise line has unveiled the fleet of water ferries that will transport guests to the exclusive, first-of-its-kind destination, each one in a different vibrant shade:
Flirty Flamingo in bright pink
Sassy Starfish in oceanic blue
Coral Calypso in energetic orange
Twisted Turtle in bold green
Lucky Lizard in happy turquoise
The ferries are decorated with the iconic crown-and-anchor logo and energetic swirls to immediately set the mood when guests set off for their beach club experiences.
Royal Caribbean Nassau Beach Club Ferry
“We are committed to delivering an exceptional, sustainable, and authentically Bahamian experience for our guests,” said Philip Simon, President of the Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas.
“These new vessels exemplify our dedication to operational excellence and innovation, seamlessly connecting visitors with the natural beauty and lively culture of The Bahamas from ship to shore.”
The ferries will be owned and operated by Bahamas Transport Logistics (BTL), a 100% Bahamian-owned company. This emphasizes Royal Caribbean’s commitment to local benefits and involvement with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which has been a core value of the project from the beginning.
Royal Caribbean Nassau Beach Club Ferry
Each double-decker ferry is equipped with advanced navigation and propulsion to ensure smooth operation and quick turnaround times for the most efficient transport possible. This will give guests the maximum amount of time to enjoy their exclusive beach days without overcrowding or delays.
Ferries will stop at both the Chill Pier and the Family & Party Pier, so guests are brought right to their destination of choice.
Immersion in Bahamian Culture and Hospitality
Boarding one of these colorful ferries during a day in Nassau, Bahamas is just the very first step for an authentic Bahamian experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Currently under construction on Paradise Island, just across the harbor from the Nassau cruise docks, the new 17-acre beach club will offer multiple options for cruise guests with a Chill Beach, Party Cove, and Family Beach.
Artisan huts will sell Bahamian-made goods and various eateries will offer authentic tastes of the islands, including shrimp kabobs with a guava glaze, corned beef fritters, and a tropical salad with pineapple and candied walnuts.
In Party Cove, guests can enjoy an energetic atmosphere at The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar, perfect for getting one’s groove on.
Different luxury experiences and entertainment will also be available, including family cabana and day bed rentals, VIP areas, DJ music, beach games, and poolside service.
Prices for day passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island have not yet been revealed, but are being advertised as “everything you need for the ultimate beach day” and “where exclusive meets all-inclusive” according to the promotional website.
All three Paradise Grill eateries as well as seven beach bars and three poolside bars will all be included, along with Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, lockers, and more. Cabanas and day beds will still have an additional rental fee.
There will be two different levels of passes guests can choose from to further customize their experience. One includes an unlimited open bar, while the other is an unlimited non-alcoholic drink pass.
Guests on select itineraries will also have the opportunity to bundle their Royal Beach Club Paradise Island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay options for savings up to 45% off purchasing passes and amenities separately.
Construction began on the new destination in April 2024, and it is slated to open in December 2025. With that opening just weeks away now, new details are sure to entice guests to consider the new hotspot for their next visit to the capital of the Bahamas.
