Your Complete Guide to the Los Angeles Cruise Port

Los Angeles-area cruises depart from two different terminals: the World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. They are separate facilities in different cities, roughly 10 miles apart, so confirming the terminal shown on your cruise documents is an essential first step.

Do not book transportation, parking, or a pre-cruise hotel until you have checked your cruise line’s embarkation instructions. Terminal assignments can vary by ship and sailing.

The Two Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

World Cruise Center: San Pedro / Port of Los Angeles

The World Cruise Center is located at 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, within the Port of Los Angeles. Royal Caribbean is the year-round homeported cruise line in Los Angeles. During the winter cruise season, the terminal also welcomes sailings from Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, and other visiting lines. As a charming bit of cruise history, The Love Boat’s Pacific Princess sailed from Berth 93—an especially fitting connection for this iconic harbor. You can see the entire upcoming schedule at: Ports America Los Angeles Terminal Schedule. Always rely on your cruise line’s documents for the correct terminal and arrival instructions.

San Pedro is about 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), although drive time varies considerably with traffic. It is also about 10 miles from Long Beach.

The surrounding LA Waterfront is an enjoyable place to begin or end a cruise, with harbor views, the USS Iowa Museum, maritime attractions, restaurants, and waterfront walks.

Long-term parking is available near the World Cruise Center. Rates, availability, reservation procedures, and shuttle arrangements can change, so check the Port of Los Angeles parking information or your cruise line’s directions shortly before departure.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, beside the historic Queen Mary. The terminal is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation and is the primary departure point for Carnival cruises from the Los Angeles area.

Long Beach is a good choice for travelers arriving a day early. Its downtown and waterfront areas offer a wide range of hotels, restaurants, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, the Pike Outlets, and the Queen Mary. However, “near Long Beach” can still mean a meaningful drive on embarkation morning, so allow extra time.

Cruise-terminal parking is available in the Long Beach Cruise Terminal parking garage. The published daily rate is subject to change, and oversized vehicles may need alternate arrangements. Check Carnival’s current embarkation information or the terminal’s parking guidance before you travel.

Where Can You Cruise From Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is an important West Coast homeport, especially for cruises to Mexico. Common itineraries include short Baja California sailings and longer Mexican Riviera cruises that may visit Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Other itineraries can include California Coastal voyages, Hawaii, Panama Canal crossings, and one-way repositioning cruises. Alaska sailings may also be available seasonally, often as one-way itineraries connected with the Pacific Northwest or Vancouver. Available routes change by ship, cruise line, and season, so it is best to search current sailings rather than assume a particular itinerary operates year-round.

When to Cruise From Los Angeles

Cruises from the Los Angeles area operate throughout the year, with Mexico itineraries especially common. Southern California weather is generally mild year-round, though coastal mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer.

For the widest selection of dates and ships, compare multiple months rather than focusing only on one season. If weather at the destination matters most, review the climate and itinerary carefully: Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta can be much warmer than Los Angeles, while Pacific crossings and coastal itineraries can be cooler and windier.

Embarkation-Day Tips

Follow the arrival time assigned by your cruise line. Arriving extremely early does not always mean boarding earlier, and terminal access can be limited before check-in opens.

Bring your boarding documents, government-issued identification, and any required travel documents in a carry-on bag. Keep medications, valuables, and items you may need on the first day with you rather than placing them in checked luggage.

Traffic is a major factor in Southern California. From LAX, allow generous time for the drive to either terminal, especially on weekday mornings, Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and days with large events. Long Beach Airport may be more convenient for some Long Beach departures, but flight schedules and fares should determine whether it is the right option for you.

Plan Around Your Terminal

For San Pedro departures, look at San Pedro, the LA Waterfront, or nearby harbor-area hotels. For Long Beach departures, downtown Long Beach and the waterfront provide the broadest range of nearby hotels and activities.

A pre-cruise hotel night can make embarkation day less stressful, particularly for travelers flying in or driving a long distance. Before booking, confirm the hotel’s distance from your actual terminal and verify whether any advertised cruise-parking package includes transportation, parking duration, and applicable fees.

Start Your Cruise With Confidence

The Los Angeles area offers excellent access to Mexico, the California coast, Hawaii, Alaska, and special one-way voyages. Confirm your terminal, leave room for traffic, and check current cruise-line instructions before you go. With those details handled, you can start your vacation focused on the journey ahead.

Ben’s Travel can help with cruise planning, pre-cruise hotels, flights, transportation, and the details that make embarkation day easy. Contact us to build a Los Angeles cruise vacation around your sailing, style, and budget.