The Long Beach Cruise Terminal boasts a truly unique departure point, housed within a massive, converted geodesic dome that once served as a film set. Inside, you can still see props and photos from its Hollywood past, including reminders of the Spruce Goose aircraft that was once sheltered here.
This distinctive terminal offers a streamlined embarkation process for cruises departing from Southern California.
Unique Terminal Design
The terminal building itself is a marvel, a 12-story high dome that offers an expansive interior. This unique structure houses all the necessary check-in and security areas for cruise passengers. Within its walls, you’ll find remnants of its film studio days, like original props and historical photos, adding a distinct character not found in many other cruise ports.
Access to the ship from the terminal is managed via an elevated bridge extending from the building. This bridge is equipped with elevators, ensuring easy access for passengers with mobility needs.
Inside, the design cleverly uses the dome’s shape. You’ll find curved benches and numerous seating areas throughout. One notable area features a tropical theme with artificial palm trees and a large model of the Spruce Goose suspended overhead.
The terminal building offers complimentary Wi-Fi for one hour with a valid email sign-up.
Dedicated areas cater to different passenger needs. A separate section is set aside for priority boarding, and a luggage drop-off functions much like an airport curbside check-in. For premium guests, there’s a special waiting area with lounge chairs and complimentary refreshments.
Cruise Lines and Itineraries
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is primarily operated by Carnival Corporation. This means it is mainly used by Carnival Cruise Line ships, along with some affiliated brands such as Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises. The most common destinations from this port include the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii.
While Carnival Cruise Line dominates the departures from this terminal, it’s worth noting its proximity to the larger Port of Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles, just three miles away, services a much wider array of cruise lines and is one of the busiest ports globally. Other major cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, typically use the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.
Parking and Transportation
For those driving to the terminal, convenient parking is available in a five-story covered garage directly next to the building. This garage offers over 1,450 spaces.
Parking fees are applied daily, with an hourly rate for shorter stays and a grace period for the first 30 minutes. Oversized vehicles may require special arrangements. Handicapped parking spaces are also available close to the terminal entrance, with wheelchair assistance readily offered.
Should the official parking garage be full, several off-site options exist. One such option is a public parking lot near the DoubleTree Hotel Maya, about 0.7 miles away. This lot provides a complimentary shuttle service to the cruise terminal for those who pay to park there. Be aware that this option has a higher daily rate and includes valet parking.
When arriving from the local airports, several choices are available. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 22.5 miles north and can take 40 minutes to over an hour to reach due to traffic. Taxi and rideshare services are plentiful at LAX, with fares typically ranging from $45 to $60.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest option, just over 11 miles away, with a drive usually around 20 minutes, though traffic can extend this. Taxis and rideshare services are available here as well, with rides usually costing around $30.
- Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
- Negotiating a flat rate with taxi drivers for popular destinations like the cruise terminal is often possible.
- Public transportation involves the Metro Blue Line to Long Beach, then transferring to Long Beach Transit Bus Route 121, which stops directly in front of the Queen Mary.
- Many local hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for cruise passengers.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is roughly 26 miles away, with travel times between 45 minutes and over an hour, again depending on traffic. Taxi services from SNA can cost around $75, and a shuttle service can be booked in advance.
For those using public transit, the Metro Blue Line connects downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. From there, a transfer to Long Beach Transit Bus (LBT) Route 121 provides a stop directly in front of the iconic Queen Mary, which is adjacent to the terminal. Single rides on LBT are inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Numerous hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttle services to the cruise terminal, which can be a convenient option for cruise passengers looking to stay nearby before or after their voyage.
Dining Options Near the Terminal
Long Beach provides a vibrant dining scene, with several good choices situated close to the cruise terminal, perfect for a pre- or post-cruise meal.
Fuego at the Maya, located just 0.8 miles away on the main floor of the Maya Hotel, is one of the most convenient dining spots. It offers a Latin-inspired menu and features an outdoor patio with harbor views. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and have a cocktail menu.
The Chelsea Chowder House, located on the Queen Mary itself, offers a seaside dining experience with a menu focused on seafood and steak. Their seafood chowders are a particular highlight. It is within very easy walking distance of the terminal.
Gladstone’s Long Beach, about 1.6 miles away in Shoreline Village, serves fresh seafood in a casual setting. It’s noted as a family-friendly option with a children’s menu and often features live music on weekends.
For a more upscale casual experience with a unique rooftop beer garden, BO-Beau Kitchen & Roof Tap is about 1.9 miles from the terminal. They boast over 50 craft beers on tap and are known for their house-made burgers and steak frites.
Shopping Nearby
While the cruise terminal itself does not have shops, the Long Beach Pike Outlets are a popular shopping destination located just 1.5 miles away, across the Los Angeles River. This waterfront district combines shopping with entertainment and dining.
At the Pike Outlets, visitors can find a variety of shops including Columbia, Converse, Guess, Levi’s, Sunglass Hut, and a Nike Factory Store. Beyond brand-name outlets, there are also smaller souvenir shops.
If shopping isn’t the primary goal, the Pike Outlets also offers other attractions such as bars, nightclubs, a movie theater, and a Ferris wheel, making it a place to spend time before or after a cruise.
Best Time to Visit Long Beach
Long Beach is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the period between September and November is generally considered the most popular time to visit. During these months, the weather is typically less hot and humid than in the peak of summer, and the spring can sometimes be a bit wet.
It is important to note that Long Beach, including the cruise terminal area, can become quite crowded during the late summer and early fall. Traffic is also a consideration throughout the year in Long Beach, so it is always advisable to allow extra time for travel when planning your journey.
- Confirm which Carnival Corporation cruise line your ticket is with.
- Check the Long Beach Cruise Terminal website for any updates on services or hours.
- Verify parking availability and rates if you plan to drive.
- Consider booking airport shuttles or rideshares in advance, especially during peak times.
- Note that the Long Beach Pike Outlets are a good spot for last-minute shopping.
- Allow extra travel time for traffic, particularly if arriving from LAX or SNA.
Planning a cruise from Long Beach offers a unique embarkation experience, blending a distinctive terminal with convenient access to dining, shopping, and transportation options. It’s a well-equipped starting point for voyages to popular Pacific destinations.
