Is your dream sailing departing from or arriving to the San Diego cruise ship terminal? If so, you're in for a real treat. There's a lot to see in this modern terminal set in one of the world's greatest cities. From arts and culture to beaches, attractions and nightlife, the city of San Diego offers endless opportunities for recreation. Dubbed "the fastest growing cruise port on the West Coast," the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal in San Diego services more than 180 cruise ships each year.
About San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal
The San Diego cruise ship terminal is a year round home port for Carnival and it is a seasonal home port for:
If you're planning a cruise that departs from San Diego, you'll find a variety of packages that offer everything from pre- and post-cruise tours of the city to complimentary hotel shuttles and complimentary airport shuttles. Your ship may be berthed at one of three terminals:
- B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal: Situated on the Big Bay® in downtown San Diego, the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal terminal puts you within ten minutes of the San Diego International Airport and the train terminal, with easy access to an Amtrak station. the terminal is located at 1140 North Harbor Drive on the B Street Pier.
- Midway Pier: Midway Pier is only in use for cruise ships while Broadway Pier Terminal is under construction. Be sure to visit the USS Midway Museum, open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Broadway Pier Terminal: As of January 2010 this terminal is still undergoing a major facelift. Visit the port of San Diego's website to learn more about this modern two-story, 52,000-square-foot terminal.
Travel Advisories
Plan for traffic delays along North Harbor Drive. Before you leave for the terminal, check the port's website. The site features travel advisory details, including driving conditions and details on where your particular ship will be berthed.
Port Amenities
Once you reach the Port of San Diego, you will enjoy the use of wheelchair accessible elevators and a passenger gangway, along with a variety of other helpful amenities. The terminal employs a number of customer service representatives. If you need any type of assistance, head for the service desk. The Port of San Diego offers a 30,000-square-foot main cruise ship terminal building. You'll find two additional structures for passenger reception and baggage handling, totaling an additional 15,000 square feet. There are also two warehouse areas at the port.
Security
You may drive onto the pier, but be prepared to present a photo ID and a ship ticket for your date of arrival. Luggage must display your name and address. You will also need your government issued ID to:
- Enter the cruise ship terminal
- Check-in with the cruise line (along with your passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Access the pier and board the ship
Things to Do in San Diego
If you have time prior to your cruise, or after your cruise to tour San Diego, consider the following options:
Major Attractions
There are many major tourist attractions in San Diego, such as:
- Sea World San Diego
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Wild Animal Park
- Legoland California
Beaches
There are more than 19 beaches in San Diego, including Mission Beach, San Onofre State Beach and Ocean Beach.
Casinos
Enjoy any of the eight casinos located in San Diego, all of which are within 30 to 45 minutes of the downtown area. The minimum age to get in varies from 18 to 21.
Cruise Itineraries
Among the many cruises departing San Diego, you may sail to Cabo San Lucas or Acapulco, Manzanillo and the Panama Canal. Enjoy Silversea cruises to the Panama Canal and Hawaii. The following are more of the itineraries and destinations available:
Azamara
Take an 11-day Mexican cruise to explore:
- Mazatlan
- La Paz
- Topolobampo
- Guaymas
- Loreto
- Cabo San Lucas
Carnival
The world's largest cruise line calls San Diego a home port for its ships, the Carnival Spirit and Elation. Take a four or five-day cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Or enjoy an eight-day cruise to Mexico and the Panama Canal.
Celebrity
This major cruise line features trips to Mexico and Hawaii. The Celebrity Infinity sails to Panama Canal, with an itinerary of:
- Acapulco
- Cabo San Lucas
- Guayaquil
- Puerto Vallarta
- Puerto Quetzal
- Fuerte Amador
- Huatulco
- Salaverry
- Lima
- Manta
- Puerto Caldera
- San Juan Del Sur
- Ixtapa
- Puerto Chiapas
Holland America
Take a world-class cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Enjoy a 14-day trip to the Panama Canal or a 15-day sailing to Hawaii. Make time for a three or four-day cruise to Canada. If you have a lot of free time and you really want to get away from it all, opt for a 30-day cruise to the South Pacific. These are on the Zaandam, Oosterdam and Maasdam cruise ships. Holland America's Statendam sails to the Pacific Coast, including Washington, Port Angeles and Vancouver. The Rotterdam has a 31-day itinerary to Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas. The Rotterdam also has a 30-day itinerary to explore the Incan empires.
Royal Caribbean
Jewel of the Seas sails on a six-day cruise to San Francisco, Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. While Radiance of the Seas sails from San Diego to Mexico.
