Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Port, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Cruises from Baltimore, Maryland

Table Of Content

• Top 10 Cruises to Baltimore, Maryland
• Cruise News Recap: Carnival Hike, Overbooking, Stranded Passengers
• Baltimore, MD
• Crime and Public Safety
• Why Choose Baltimore Cruise Port?

Read on for our breakdown of Port of Baltimore, including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. Located in the heart of Baltimore City, the port offers easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks like Fort McHenry or taking a stroll through the Inner Harbor, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse city. It’s recommended to book your hotel near the Baltimore Cruise Port in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. Many hotels offer special deals or packages for cruise passengers such as discounted rates, complimentary breakfast, or free parking.

Top 10 Cruises to Baltimore, Maryland

If you are arriving by car, you can also drop off your tagged luggage and passengers here before heading to the cruise parking lot. There are many aspects of embarkation and debarkation that cruise passengers may forget to schedule or consider. These include the time and method of transportation from the nearest airport, where to park your car for the duration of the cruise, and what exactly you and your family are going to do with your luggage. We also have some suggestions for what to do in the area to keep you occupied if you plan to stay a few days pre or post-cruise.

Cruise News Recap: Carnival Hike, Overbooking, Stranded Passengers

The links below should also help you answer some of the common questions about sailing from the port. Ships must travel 8-10 hours from open water up the Chesapeake Bay and under two bridges to get in and out of Baltimore’s harbor. Because there is a maximum clearance under the bridges, only smaller cruise ships can sail in and out of Baltimore. – Do not arrive at the port earlier than 2 hours after the ship has arrived from the previous cruise.

Baltimore, MD

This airport is one of the East Coast’s busiest transportation hubs. The port is the busiest in the USA for specialized cargo, mainly vehicles, bulk cargo, coal, and steel. It is also a busy cruise port, handling 224,000 passengers in 2019.

The port is located off of Locust Point, just off of Interstate 95 and just west of the Fort McHenry Tunnel. The terminal has a sitting area, but it's not nearly large enough to accommodate all passengers if there's a long delay. The seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Philipsburg in St Maarten along with San Juan and Charlotte Amalie in US Virgin Islands before returning back to Baltimore.

(112) Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it. Here's what we know so far - CNN

( Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it. Here's what we know so far.

Posted: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you’re planning a trip out of Baltimore Cruise Port, there are also plenty of hotels nearby that offer comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly motels, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city. The cost of parking at Baltimore Cruise Port varies depending on which option you choose.

Norwegian Cruise Line Has a Brand-new Home Port in Baltimore — Where It Will Sail

Wedged between Interstate 95 and the Patapsco River, the terminal on Friday was two days into serving as the command center for the response to Tuesday’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In 1793, as England warred with France, Maryland relinquished control of Fort Whetstone to the federal government. To protect coastal shipping and cities, the federal government began construction in 1794 of a series of Atlantic forts, among them Fort McHenry. To protect Baltimore's Port, Fort McHenry was constructed on the site of the Whetstone earthworks in 1794. Near the old fort, masonry stood in place of earthen walls, and more cannons were added, creating an upper and lower battery. The need for this more defensive structure was proven at the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812.

In 1971, the Authority was replaced by the Maryland Port Administration under the Department of Transportation. With the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad connecting to Port warehouses at Locust Point in 1845, Baltimore became the commercial gateway to an expanding nation. As supply and demand grew for imported goods to Baltimore, ship production and design increased. Although Baltimore was a port long before it was a city, the State delayed its role in port development until 1827.

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For those who want to take advantage of this service, it’s by far the most convenient option to get you and your party from BWI to the cruise port. The Port of Baltimore’s cruise terminal supports over 500 jobs and brings in over $90 million to Maryland’s economy. In addition to dozens of homeport cruises, the Port handles port calls from visiting cruise ships. It handles over 200,000 cruise passengers annually and is a popular cruise homeport option for cruisers on the US East Coast. There is ample parking at the port, which does not need pre-booking.

A 50-foot turning basin was dredged in the Fort McHenry Channel in 1999. Today, the main channel reaches 51 feet down and 700 feet across. Brewerton Channel was widened further to 50 feet deep and 700 feet wide in 2001.

This can add up, so shuttles may be more attractive alternatives in that case. Taxi services are available most of the time at large airports to transport people directly to ports and hotels. Remember that you’ll need additional transport (such as a rideshare or taxi service) once you disembark from the rail since it has no direct stop at the cruise port. There is official cruise parking within walking distance of the Cruise Maryland Terminal. Parking fees are reasonable at the port, and even cheaper if you opt for off-site long-term parking lots.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal has a spacious parking area for passengers who wish to park their vehicles during their trip. The terminal also offers free Wi-Fi access so that passengers can stay connected with their loved ones throughout their journey. For those who want to grab a bite before boarding their ship, there are several restaurants nearby.

The state is also home to some of the best crab restaurants in the country along with a number of breweries and wineries. Those who prefer exploring independently visit local attractions, go shopping, or dine at local restaurants. Plan your trip, research the port of call and the length of your port stay.

Cruising from the Port of Baltimore

Table Of Content

• Royal Caribbean International: Grandeur of the Seas
• Cruises from/to Baltimore, Maryland
• Why Choosing Baltimore Cruise Port is a Great Idea
• Norwegian Cruise Line Has a Brand-new Home Port in Baltimore — Where It Will Sail

As Baltimore grew into a city during the Revolutionary War, the Port of Baltimore became a center for the trade with the West Indies that supported the war effort. To protect the Port, an earthwork fort, known as Fort Whetstone, was erected in 1776 on Whetstone Point, the narrow peninsula between branches of the Patapsco River. Wardens of the Port were authorized in 1783 to oversee construction of wharves, clear waterways, and collect duties from vessels entering and clearing the Port (Chapter 24, Acts of 1783). In 2018, a record-setting year, the Port's terminals had the best first six months by moving 5,562,954 tons of cargo. Coal, the Port's top export commodity (based on tonnage), surpassed 21.5 million tons.

Royal Caribbean International: Grandeur of the Seas

Nestled among the scenic Locust Point, it’s anchored on the south side of historic downtown Baltimore. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. For many people, getting to the port is as simple as hopping in the car and driving to the terminal.

Cruises from/to Baltimore, Maryland

Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll know what to expect in terms of transportation and luggage check-in. The Port first drew attention for its ships in 1670 and was designated a port of entry by the General Assembly in 1706. Fells Point, the deepest part of the harbor, was home to numerous shipbuilders, and later would gain renown for its Baltimore clippers, as well as the Continental Navy. Its natural depth made Fells Point a center for trade and shipping, and, in 1773, it was incorporated into Baltimore City. In the first quarter of 2019, the Port of Baltimore's public terminals handled 335,638 tons of roll-on/roll-off cargo, a 32.5% increase from the same period in 2018.

Why Choosing Baltimore Cruise Port is a Great Idea

Recreational vehicles are charged $30 per night if under 30 feet long and $40 per night if over 30 feet long. Indeed, the port is now a solid cruise hub on the East Coast, the perfect midpoint between the busy ports of Florida and the New England ports of New York and Boston. – Passengers with limited mobility – always ask if there is a line for those with disabilities. While the lines may be short, there is a steep winding walkway used while boarding on some ships, which can be tricky to navigate.

Staying at a hotel near the Baltimore Cruise Port is an excellent choice for travelers who want to enjoy the convenience of being close to their cruise departure or arrival point. Fortunately, there are several hotels located within walking distance of the port that offer various amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. If this is the case, there are many hotels close to both the airport and the cruise terminal that a rideshare driver can easily get you to.

Norwegian Cruise Line Has a Brand-new Home Port in Baltimore — Where It Will Sail

Note that if you don’t plan to stay in the area anyway before you cruise, it’s not worth it to book a hotel just for the parking package. Uber and Lyft are perhaps the most convenient option and the cheapest price. There is only one terminal at the port, which helps to keep things more sane on cruise day compared to busier ports like New York or Miami. For convenience, parking is on site, just steps away from the ship. Meanwhile, those living in the area don’t have to deal with the hassle and expense of flying to get to a cruise ship. A vacation to The Bahamas or Bermuda can start with just a short drive to the port.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal is situated at 2001 E McComas St, Baltimore, MD 21230, while the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal is located at the same address. The Maryland Cruise Terminal entrance is on Key Highway, while the entrance to South Locust Point Cruise Terminal is on East McComas Street. These terminals have a total of five berths that can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. Visitors can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get to the port. Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or just starting out on your first voyage, there’s something for everyone at Baltimore Cruise Port. The variety of destinations available means that there’s no shortage of adventure waiting just beyond its docks.

Why Choose Baltimore Cruise Port?

With two popular cruise lines offering different itineraries from the same port, cruisers have plenty of choices to choose from. Cruise enthusiasts in Maryland and neighboring states have a convenient departure point at the Baltimore Cruise Port. The port offers an array of cruise lines, but Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are the most popular ones. In this section, we will discuss these two cruise lines’ offerings from Baltimore.

Baltimore's bridge collapse halts shipping, threatens economic disruption - The National Desk

Baltimore's bridge collapse halts shipping, threatens economic disruption.

Posted: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The first naval vessel in the new United States, The Constellation, was launched from the Port of Baltimore in 1797. Today, the port is a busy commercial hub for automobiles and container cargo and is home to a major health services center. It has also developed as a convenient cruise departure point and home port for several major cruise lines. The Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI) is a great place for anyone interested in the history of commerce and industry in the Baltimore region.

Located on a historic waterfront site just minutes away from the Baltimore cruise port, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s 19th-century industrial past. Unfortunately, the location of the port doesn’t lend itself to public transportation. Given the relatively modest size of the port’s operations, there are also few third-party options like cruise shuttles available as you find in larger ports. The Cruise Maryland terminal is located south of Baltimore’s historic downtown on a spit of land called Locust Point, just off of Interstate 95.

The port has a designated parking lot with a capacity of over 1,500 vehicles, located within walking distance of the passenger terminal. This makes it convenient for passengers to transport their luggage and board their ship without any hassle. Passengers using off-site parking options should take into account that shuttle services may not be as frequent as those operating from the designated lot. Therefore, it’s important for passengers using this option to plan accordingly and allow enough time before their scheduled departure. If you’ve arrived in Baltimore and want a hotel for the night located close to the cruise terminal, you should expect to spend more. For cheaper hotel options, you’ll have to look further out from the port but you will need to pay more for transport if the hotel does not offer a complimentary shuttle service.

Clearly marked directions, ample public transportation options, and its strategic position downtown allow travelers access to restaurants, shops, and popular tourist attractions. What’s the Best Way to Get to the Port of Baltimore for a Cruise? If you live in the area, it’s by far you best choice to get to the cruise ship. If you are flying in or don’t want to pay for parking, then the next best option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi. With Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and (obviously) the city of Baltimore all nearby, it’s easy to see why the cruise lines enjoy having ships sail from the Port of Baltimore.

RC’s Vision of the Seas sailed out of Maryland and is currently on a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing due back on April 4th. Coming from the NorthIf coming from the north on Interstate 95, you’ll take take the Fort McHenry Tunnel, which has a $4 toll (payable in cash if you don’t have EZPass). After paying the toll, you want to stay in the far right lanes of the tunnel. Coming from the SouthAs you approach from the south on Interstate 95, you’ll take Exit 55, Key Highway.

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The premise is simple — stay for a night before your cruise and the hotel will let you park there at a discount. You’ll still need transportation to the port, but that’s a small price to pay for saving a ton on parking. While we suggest using a taxi or rideshare as they are the best combination of price and convenience, you can see all your transportation options to the cruise port, at our port transportation page here.