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Kingston Jamaica (Port Royal)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-02 21:48

Port Kingston Jamaica cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Kingston Jamaica, Port Royal. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Kingston is a cruise port, major cargo port, largest city (population around 670,000) and the capital of Jamaica (an island country in the central Caribbean Sea). The seaport is located on the island's southeastern coast and near Port Royal.

Kingston Harbour is a natural, deep-water harbor. It is well protected waterway (by a long sand spit - Palisadoes) connecting Port Royal Town and Norman Manley Airport to the rest of Jamaica. The city is the biggest south of the USA with predominantly English-speaking population. Jamaica's government bodies were established in 1923, when Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) was formed.

The city is bounded by Harbour View (east), Six Miles (west), Papine (northeast), Stony Hill (north) and also by St Andrew communities (Bull Bay, Gordon Town, Lawrence Tavern, Mavis Bank, Mt Airy) which are not part of Kingston. City's central area is made up of two parts - New Kingston and Downtown. the city is served by two airports - Norman Manley (international) and Tinson Pen Aerodrome (domestic flights only).

Liguanea Club (upper-class social and recreational club) is on Knutsford Blvd. The club owns over 14 hectares (35 acres) of land including former Liguanea Park (current Emancipation Park. Liguanea Club gave a 7 acres land as a gift to the Jamaican Government to establish the park. It is famous for the 3 m (11 ft) high bronze sculpture at the main entrance that comprises a couple naked black male and female statues gazing to the sky – symbolic of the triumphant rise from slavery.

Royal Botanical Gardens (aka Hope Gardens) is a national attraction. Sized 809 hectares (2000 acres), it is ranked the biggest botanical garden in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Kingston was Jamaica's main seaport with numerous finger piers used for docking/berthing by passenger and cargo ships. With freight containerization (shipping TEU containers on large boxships ), the seaport moved to Newport West. Kingston Freeport Terminal Ltd (KFTL) in Port Kingston Jamaica started 2019 with a 24-hour performance record (January 24) of handled 3304 TEU-container moves (1464 unloaded and 1840 loaded) on the carrier Cosco Beijing. Terminal's operator KFTL is subsidiary of CMA CGM ( world's 3rd largest shipping company ). The terminal is operated by KFTL since July 2016 under a 30-year government concession.

Port Royal, Jamaica

Port Royal is an anchorage/tender port and a small fishing town located at Kingston Harbour's mouth. The town (1518-founded by the Spanish) soon developed into the largest in the Caribbean. In its glory days (late-17th-century), it was the Caribbean's largest port and hub for shipping and trade.

Port Royal was the main homeport for pirates (privateers and buccaneers) who attacked mainly the Spanish treasure fleet of galleons. These large-sized sailing ships were used in the period 15th-18th centuries - originally as warships, later as merchant ships. The town was well known worldwide for its wealth and low morals. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed in June 1692 by an earthquake accompanied by a large tsunami. Following the disaster, Port Royal's commerce relocated to Kingston.

There are plans to develop Port Royal into a cruise port and tourism destination themed on its unique heritage from the privateering years.

The first cruise liner docked in Port Royal on January 20, 2020. The vessel Marella Discovery 2 was on a 7-day Panama Canal Experience Cruise roundtrip from homeport Montego Bay.

The ship docked at a floating pier. For the visiting tourists, from Port Royal were organized bus tours to Kingston.

Kingston Jamaica cruise terminal

The Kingston Jamaica cruise port redevelopment project was named "Festival Marketplace". It was designed to transform the city's waterfront into a new leisure destination featuring cultural experiences, new walkways to Ocean Blvd, eateries and other tourist-oriented establishments.

Currently, Jamaica receives 1+ million cruise ship tourists per year at the country's 4 major ports -  Falmouth ,  Ocho Rios ,  Port Antonio  and  Montego Bay . In 2011 was inaugurated the newly developed by  Royal Caribbean  Falmouth cruise port (USD 269 million project).

The project included building of a new cruise ship pier. Kingston Harbour welcomed its first cruise ships in the 1950s. On February 14, 1966, SS United States (then woorld's largest cruise liner) docked here at Western Terminals.

Along with the new cruise pier, Kingston's Festival Marketplace project included building of shopping center, bars, restaurants, outdoor food bazaar, exhibition and vendor spaces, luxury loft apartments, open-air gardens, pathways, waterfront promenade, bridge over Port Royal Street (to link directly to the city's centre), renovations to Victoria Craft Market (2-floor vending shops), tourist info kiosk, car parking (capacity 62 cars plus 3 buses).

For the construction works were contracted the companies Contra Construction and Chin's Construction, with total budget USD 68 million.

Construction works were completed in August 2015.

Victoria Pier building was leased for 25-year period to Yosamini Holdings. The company transformed it into a top-class leisure complex with restaurant, lounge, art gallery, entertainment outdoor area, sporting facility.

Jamaica surpasses 1M visitor arrivals to date for 2023

At a destination press briefing held at the 41st CHTA-Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica's...

Jamaica boasts November cruise ship return

Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the scheduled return of cruise ships across the ports of the island in mid-November was a strong vote...

Port Royal Receives Floating Cruise Ship Pier

Jamaica's Port Authority took a major step towards its development of a cruise terminal in Port Royal, via securing a floating pier for the east...

Marella Cruises Adds New Ports 2019

Marella Cruises revealed 3 new ports of call and 3 new itineraries as part of line's winter 2019 program which sees a selection of new destinations...

Two Ships for Kingston Harbour

Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced that yet another cruise ship was to dock in Kingston harbour yesterday, December 11.  Mein...

•   show more news

Kingston Jamaica - user reviews and comments

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Where is the Port of Los Angeles?

San Pedro World Cruise Terminal 100 Swinford Street   San Pedro, CA 90731

Royal Caribbean Directions to the Los Angeles, California Cruise Terminal:

From Los Angeles International Airport

• Take the 110 Freeway South towards San Pedro.
• Exit at Harbor Boulevard (same exit as the Vincent Thomas Bridge).
• Stay to the right - Harbor Boulevard (Do not go over the bridge.)
• At the light, cross over the main road, turning right into the "World Cruise Terminal."
• Follow the directions to parking and passenger drop-off.

Parking is available for $18 a day. No reservations are required. A shuttle is offered to the cruise ship terminals.

* All rates and prices are subject to change.

** Royal Caribbean is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Juneau cruise port guide

Cruise Port Guide Juneau – Alaska – USA: docked

In Juneau there are about 5 docks available for cruise ships: S. Franklin Street dock, Intermediate Vessel Float, Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska Steam Ship Dock and A.J. Dock. All of them are basically in front of the town centre and it is only a few minutes walk to the Main street, Franklin street and Boardwalk.

The only exception is the A.J. Dock. This dock is about 20 minutes walk from town, but there is a local shuttle bus provided for a small fee.

In town you will find lots of facilities for tourist. At the docks is the tourist information for any kind of information. You will find booths that are selling shore excursions and shuttle busses to the Mendenhall glacier. Other than that you will get lots in between saloons and souvenir shops.

Shuttle bus to Mendenhall glacier

All over town and especially around the docks you will find there is a local shuttle bus offered to the Mendenhall Visitors Centre where you will have a good view over the glacier. The shuttle costs 20 dollars round trip per person. Buy the tickets directly at the local tour operators you will find on the dock.

Taxis in Juneau

The taxis in Juneau are usually available at the dock, but keep in mind they are quite pricey. Therefore it might be better to prearrange it. To give you an idea on the cost:

A taxi from the dock to the Mendenhall Glacier:

$72 round trip for 1 passenger

$78 round trip for 5 passenger

$85 round trip for 10 passengers

Compared to the cost of the Mendenhall shuttle bus it will be cheaper to take a taxi if your group is 4 persons or more.

Public Transportation

The public transport system in and around Juneau has been created to serve the local community. It is not ideal for tourist to take because they don’t directly stop at the tourist sights and attractions. However, if you are on a budget and willing to walk for a bit, it might be interesting for you. Find the local bus station right in town. Bus 3 and 4 serve the area around Juneau. Nearest stop to Mendenhall Glacier is 1 mile walk. Nearest stop to Glacier Gardens is less than a mile walk. Nearest stop to Salmon Hatchery is only a few minutes walk. Buy your tickets at the bus office or on the bus itself. Tickets cost 2 dollars and you need to have exact fare. Busses depart around 2 times per hour. More information can be found on www.juneau.org/capitaltransit

Shore Excursions

Although Juneau is a charming town we strongly feel you should get outside of the city border to get a true feel for Alaska. The town is spread on about 9 blocks and you’ll be threw it before you know it. There are many tours that are offerred in Juneau. Think about kayaking, biking, hiking, flight-seeing, gold panning you name it. Tours can be bought on board of your ship and shore side.

There is more miles of trails than miles of road in Juneau. In fact, there is a total of 250 miles of trails, most starting within the city limits. Always visit the Visitors Centre first to check on the latest condition of the tracks and to pick up a map. The most popular hiking routes starting in the city of Juneau are the Perseverance trail and Mt. Robert trail. Find the information on these trails at the tourist information center in town. 

FAQ about cruise destination Juneau

– What will the weather be like? No idea! That’s the best answer we can give you. We notice that even the weather forecast is wrong all the time and weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sunshine and rain and you should be good.

– Do I need a fishing license? Yes, only if you are 16 or older. You can purchase licenses and permits online. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website www. adding.alaska.gov for information about license.

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Sitka – Ketchikan – Skagway – Victoria – Haines

Find your port of call:

• Mediterranean
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Juneau is also gateway to the famous Tracy Arms. This is a fjord known for its dramatic sheer cliffs, waterfalls and some of Alaska’s largest ice bergs that just fell of the face of the North and South Sawyer glaciers. Book your tour to Tracy Arms through the ship or prearrange it online.

Tracy Arms, Alaska

Patsy Ann is the “Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska”. 50 years after she met her last ship this Bronze statue was created on the docks at Juneau so she could once again regain her status and Official Greeter of Juneau.

Juneau, Alaska

This memorial is dedicated to the 53 Japanese Americans of Juneau who were unjustly taken from their homes at the start of World War II. In 1941 people of Japanese ancestry living on the west coast of the USA were removed and incarcerates in isolated government internment camps. The seniors at Juneau High School left an empty chair during their graduation ceremony for their absent, fellow student who should have been there. It is an important historical event of which the citizens of Juneau feel like it needs to be remembered.

Empty Chair

The famous preseverance trail is a 3 mile long (one-way) trail with an elevation of 700 feet. The trail starts in down town Juneau. See map above for the start of the trail. Perseverance is the name of a mine that used to be located here. Along the way you will see the remains of the mine, the Last Chance Mining Museum, the Exner Falls and Gold Creek. Visit the visitors information centre to check the latest update on the track and to pick up the hiking map.

Perseverance trail

Perseverance trail, Juneau

Find all kinds of mining tools, machines and other artifacts here on display. Learn more about the mining industry in Juneau. How they were able to find gold, the efforts and techniques that were involved. You can even look for gold yourself. The gold creek is right at the doorstep of the museum. Buy everything you need at the museum and go gold panning yourself. You’ll most often find something, even though its only tiny gold flakes. Find the museum at about 30 minutes uphill walk from town. Follow the Perseverance trail.

Last Chance Mining Museum

1001 Basin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Named in Reader’s Digest as America’s Most Interesting Landmark. Visit the breathtaking upside-down flower rainforest created by Steve Bowhay. Walk around in the lower levels of the gardens. Get the change to see an eagles nest up high in the trees or go for a 60 minute guide tour through the rain forest to reach the brilliant view over the Gastineau channel. The Glacier Gardens are about 7 miles from Juneau. Reach the Glacier Gardens through shore excursion, taxi or public transport (nearest bus stop of bus 3 and 4 is about 5 minutes walk from the gardens)

Glacier Gardens

7600 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

A city that can only be reached by sea, air or birth canal will rely on transportation other than cars. Float planes are the way to go in Juneau and they are also great for sightseeing. Consider taking a flight seeing tour over the Taku glacier, Mendenhall glacier or Glacier Bay. This truly is one of the best experiences you could ever treat yourself to.

Juneau’s float planes

This is the oldest man-made attraction of Juneau. It is especially popular amongst the Americans that are looking for a fun and relaxed afternoon at the bar. Find the Red Dog Saloon right in town.

Red Dog Saloon

278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

When shopping in Haines make sure to buy the products with this logo. This indicated the products has actually been made in Alaska.

Made in Alaska

To reach the town of Juneau your ship will need to sail through the Gastineau Channel. Make sure to be on the outside deck to enjoy the scenery about an hour before arrival and an hour after departure.

Cruising through the Gastineau Channel

Gastineau Channel, Juneau

This is where you can witness the spawning process of the Alaska Salmon, eat some Alaska Salmon, try the touching tanks and see the hatchery. Find the Hatchery about 4 mile / 6 km north of town. Take a taxi or bus 3 or 4 to it.

Macauley Salmon Hatchery

2697 Channel Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

For those looking for a work out Mt. Roberts trail is one not to be missed. It is a 4,5 mile (one way) track with an elevation 3600 ft that will bring you to spectacular scenery. Find the trailhead on the map above. You can also find a short cut to the top. Simply take the Mt. Robbert tram in downtown which can take you straight to the top. Before starting this hike you should always visit the tourist information first for any news you should know about and for the hiking map.

Mt. Roberts trail

Mt. Roberts trail, Juneau

The port of Juneau offers 5 different docking locations for cruise ships. Most of them are located in front of the city center. You simply walk of the pier and everything is there. Read the full Juneau cruise port guide to read about the exceptions and things to see and do.

Juneau cruise dock

This blue monument is the oldest continuously used Orthodox church in South East Alaska. With the Juneau’s gold rush kicking off various missionaries tried to covert the Native people. Many Tlingits chose to embrace the Orthodox church. This building is a beautiful example of the Russian American architecture and this church is known to be the last Orthodox church of this shape. Visit the church to learn much more about its history. Find it in the centre of town

St. Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church

326 5th St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

The Mt Roberts tramway takes you straight from the dock to Mt. Roberts. Have a scenic walk here to several photo stops, see the Mt. Robert movie, visit the raptor centre or do some shopping. You might even want to leave the upper station and go hiking over the mountain tops where you will have beautiful views over the surrounding islands and mountain range. Alway be informed about the weather or anything unusual by the tourist information. Find the Mount Robert Tram right in town. See map above for its exact location.

Mt Robert tram

490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

In Alaska you can find all five species of Alaska’s Pacific Salmon. They are King, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum. Every year from August to October you will find the salmon find the very stream they were born to spawn and die. It is a phenomenal event that you cannot miss if your cruise is arriving in August or September.

What started off as a small little shack on the pier selling king crab and chowder is now one of the most popular restaurants in town. It’s quite pricy, but well worth the experience. Find the new Tracy’s Crab shack on the pier at the cruise terminal. See map above for the exact location.

Tracy’s Crab Shack

432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

13 miles out of town you will find the Mendenhall glacier. It is one of the most accessible glaciers on earth. At the visitors centre you will find exhibitions and educational programs about ecosystem, protections of fish and wildlife. There are also several walks to get you closer to the glacier or to some really nice waterfalls. Chose to visit the visitors centre for an hour or plan a whole day of hiking around the area. Visit the Mendenhall glacier by taxi or public transport. Mendenhall Visitors Centre This is the visitors centre you will find at the Mendenhall glacier. It has excellent exhibitions inside explaining what a glacier is and the life span of the Mendenhall glacier. Visit the visitors centre by excurion, glacier express bus or public bus. See description above. Helicopter landing on the Mendenhall glacier The mendenhall glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and it is not very often that you have to opportunity to actually land on a glacier and explore this massive pack of ice by foot. If you want to experience something unique we highly recommend an excursion by helicopter to the Mendenhall glacier.

Mendenhall glacier

Mendenhall glacier, Juneau

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Travel | Royal Caribbean cruise ship rerouting…

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Travel | royal caribbean cruise ship rerouting operations to norfolk from baltimore.

Nauticus will host a Royal Caribbean cruise ship’s calls in April that were originally planned for Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Vision of the Seas , a 2,500-passenger vessel, was scheduled to return to Baltimore on April 4, but will instead debark its guests in Norfolk, according to a Nauticus news release. Many passengers will take buses back to their vehicles in Baltimore.

The ship will depart for two additional cruises from Norfolk on April 4 and April 12, returning a final time April 19.

Vision of the Seas will join another Baltimore-based cruise ship, Carnival Legend, in rerouting its operations to Norfolk after the bridge collapse curtailed ship traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore.

The bridge collapsed Tuesday, killing six people on a construction crew working on the span, after the cargo ship Dali hit one of its supports.

As cruise ships reroute to Nauticus, the Port of Virginia is ready to receive diverted cargo traffic from the Port of Baltimore. The collapsed bridge blocks the only channel in and out of the port on the Patapsco River. The port will be unable to receive shipping traffic until the channel is cleared , and stands to lose an estimated $15 million per day in economic activity.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]

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Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: What to do if you booked cruise out of Baltimore

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has crippled transportation around Baltimore and caused people to scramble to find alternatives.

After Tuesday's disaster, drivers have had to find alternate routes to get into Baltimore, and vessel traffic was suspended indefinitely from the Port of Baltimore, causing people who booked cruises to wonder what's next.

What happened to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore?

A major span critical to East Coast shipping collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large cargo ship.

The  cargo ship Dali  struck the Key bridge around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday after experiencing electrical problems, officials said. The  984-foot ship sailing  under the flag of Singapore was slated to arrive early next month in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service. The bridge then collapsed into the Patapsco River.

Which cruise lines dock at the Port of Baltimore?

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore. Carnival Cruise Line, American Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have cruises scheduled to leave the port.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: Cargo ship hits bridge in Baltimore, causing collapse. Here's what we know so far

What are cruise lines doing with the Port of Baltimore closed?

Carnival Cruise Line said Tuesday it's temporarily moving Carnival Legend's Baltimore operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

Carnival Legend is scheduled to return from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. It will now return to Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday. Passengers will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. Carnival Legend’s next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk. Guests on the current and upcoming cruises are being informed of this change. 

Carnival Pride has a trip scheduled for April 28. The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a release. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.” 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s  Vision of the Seas  has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. 

 “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email to USA TODAY. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

American Cruise Line

American Cruise Lines  has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at present our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian doesn't have a booking out of Baltimore until September on Norwegian Sky . The cruise line is in contact with the port and will contact passengers and travel partners if changes are made.

Alternate driving routes for the Baltimore bridge

Drivers going from Wilmington to Baltimore or Washington should take I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However, the Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are  some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13 feet and 6 inches high or 8 feet wide may not use the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14 feet and 6 inches high or 11 feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Anthony DiMattia, Eve Chen and Nathan Diller contributed to this story.

Cruise Port Transfers: What's the Best Way to Get to Your Ship?

If you just assume you're going to take a cab from the airport or pre-cruise hotel to the cruise port on embarkation day, you might be missing out on cost savings. While taxis can be the best way to transfer in certain port cities, they aren't always in others, and you shouldn't automatically plan on one without considering other options.

As you make travel arrangements for your next sailing, be sure to look into these cruise port transfer options to find the best way to get to your ship.

On This Page

Cruise shuttles to and from your cruise port, a hotel shuttle could be an option if you're overnighting, a taxi is a failsafe option to reach your cruise port, uber/lyft is a popular choice among tech-savvy cruisers, private or shared vans offer another four-wheel solution, public transportation via train, bus or tram is usually cheaper, driving might be your best bet.

Cruise lines provide motorcoach transfers from the airport to the cruise port (and back again at the end of your cruise) that they sell, like shore excursions, for a fee.

Convenience! A cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to the bus. You can book the shuttles online pre-cruise (and sometimes at the airport day-of, if space is available), and know that all will be taken care of when you arrive. This is especially helpful in foreign cities where you might be nervous about navigating in a foreign language or when the port is far from the airport. Also, if you have a late flight home, some lines combine a day tour with luggage storage and a transfer to the airport so you don't have to waste the last day of your vacation.

Expense. Cruise line shuttles are often more expensive than a cruise port transfer you'd arrange on your own. You might have to wait around in the airport or on the bus to wait for more passengers on other flights to arrive before the bus departs. Also, depending on your flight times, shuttles might not be available.

If you're overnighting in your embarkation city, some hotels will offer cruise port transfers directly from their property.

Some hotels in major port cities will offer stay-and-cruise packages where the shuttle cost is included in the price of your stay. This can be good value for cruisers. Others offer the service for a fee. Either way, it's a no-hassle experience the morning of your departure.

If you're choosy about hotels, you might not care for the properties that offer cruise shuttle service. Hotels might only have a few shuttles going to the port each day, so you won't have a lot of control over when you get to the port.

Taxis. Every airport's got 'em; every hotel can call one.

No waiting for other passengers, no advance bookings necessary and often they're an affordable option, especially if you're a family or group of three or four and can share, and the port is not far.

If the port is an hour or more from the airport, a cab might not be the most economical option. If you're a big family with a lot of luggage, one cab might not fit all of your stuff. And in some foreign cities, you might have trouble communicating with the driver or determining which taxi options are the most reputable.

Uber and Lyft typically charge lower fees than certified taxis, and drivers typically arrive within a few minutes of requesting a ride. Choose from a variety of options, including shared rides and larger cars.

If you're not comfortable with your cellphone, you might have trouble getting the app to work or accidentally order a ride or ride type you didn't want. Uber and Lyft do not operate in all cities, and are not allowed to pick up at certain airports. Plus, be prepared to pay extra for surge pricing at in-demand times.

Many private transportation companies offer individual or shared van rides to cruise ports.

Private car and van companies can be a great option when you're traveling with a large group and want to all ride together. They can also be the most economical choice when your port is far from the airport. You can also specify whether you need a regular car or a larger van. Use the Cruise Critic Roll Calls to find shipmates who might want to share with you if you need more people to bring costs down.

For most shared van options, you'll need to book in advance. Plus, with so many options, you'll need to do research beforehand to determine the most reputable companies and best pricing. You can opt for a company like Super Shuttle, which you can book at the airport same-day, but you'll be sharing a van, and your travel time can increase as a result.

Trains, buses, subways -- public transportation can get you to certain cruise ports.

It's cheap! If you really want the lowest possible cruise port transfer cost, public transportation is often that -- especially if you live or are staying in a hotel at the port city already. Though in some port cities, like San Francisco and Boston , you can take public transit all the way from the airport to the cruise port. For travelers in Florida, there's also the new high-speed Brightline Miami-Orlando route that presents a fast way to get from Orlando Airport to Miami.

Travel time is usually slower than other modes of transportation, you'll have to drag your bags up and down escalators or maneuver them onto crowded trains, and the closest bus or subway stop might be blocks away from the cruise terminal -- necessitating a short cab ride or long walk with all your luggage. Also, figuring out fares and stops in foreign countries is not for the inexperienced or nervous traveler.

Many locals -- or those who hate flying -- prefer to drive and park at the cruise port.

You're in control. You can pack whatever you want without worrying about carry-on liquid rules or overweight baggage allowances. You can stop to pick up supplies pre-cruise. And after the cruise, you can just walk to your car and head home without further ado.

Parking fees can add up, plus you never know what will happen to your car left in a lot for a week. (For example, back in 2008, Hurricane Ike damaged most of the cars left in uncovered cruise parking lots in Galveston.) And depending on how far you live from the cruise port, it could take all day to reach your destination -- leaving you tired and cranky at the start of your vacation.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Baltimore cruises to reroute after bridge collapse pauses port traffic

Carnival, royal caribbean will move some operations to norfolk while baltimore recovers from key bridge collapse.

Cruise lines are scrambling to make alternative plans and avoid the Port of Baltimore while officials suspend vessel traffic amid cleanup and rescue efforts around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

Three major cruise lines sail from Baltimore, though no ships were in port Tuesday morning. The next cruise was scheduled to depart Sunday, but its operator confirmed late Tuesday afternoon that the voyage would instead head out from Norfolk.

Amira M. Hairston, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore port, said in an email that the status of the upcoming cruise ship schedule is not yet known.

“At this time we do not know how long vessel traffic will be suspended. As soon as that is determined we will provide an update. Until then please keep those involved in your prayers,” Hairston wrote.

Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas left Saturday for a 12-night southern Caribbean cruise with plans to return April 4. The cruise line said in a statement Tuesday that it was “closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

On Thursday, the cruise company said the current sailing would end in Norfolk.

“Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements,” Royal Caribbean said.

Upcoming cruises on April 4 and 12 will sail from Norfolk as well, and passengers will be compensated for the change. The ship was already scheduled for maintenance in the Bahamas after the April 12 cruise.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” the company said.

Carnival Legend set off Sunday for a seven-day Bahamas cruise; the ship was scheduled to return March 31 and depart for its next sailing the same day. Instead of coming back to Baltimore, Carnival said late Tuesday, it will end its trip in Norfolk, and free buses will bring passengers back to Baltimore.

The ship’s next seven-day cruise will leave Norfolk and return to the port. In a news release , Carnival said it would temporarily move Baltimore operations to Norfolk “while Key Bridge rescue and cleanup efforts continue.”

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

Carnival Pride is supposed to start sailing from Baltimore next month, mostly to the Bahamas and eastern Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not have cruises scheduled out of the port until later this year. American Cruise Lines, a U.S. river cruise operator, has Chesapeake Bay trips on small vessels scheduled from Baltimore starting in May. The cruise line said it will monitor developments “and make adjustments if needed.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said it was “deeply saddened” by the bridge collapse and was closely following the situation. “Right now, the most important thing to do is to allow the emergency workers to do their work,” the group wrote in a statement.

This year, 12 ships are scheduled to make a total of 115 calls at the Port of Baltimore, the industry association said. With room for roughly 2,000 or 2,100 passengers at double occupancy, most Baltimore-based ships are much smaller than the record-breaking behemoths that sail from Florida ports.

“Any adjustments to current cruise activity at the port will be announced as soon as available by the individual cruise lines,” CLIA said in its statement.

A news release issued last month by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office said that more than 444,000 individuals cruised out of the Port of Baltimore last year, the most since 2012. The Maryland Port Administration said in a news release last year that the cruise industry generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in revenue every year for local businesses.

The port positions itself as a convenient option for cruising year-round, thanks to its location off Interstate 95 and plentiful parking. More than 40 million people live within a six-hour drive of the city, the port administration says.

Baltimore bridge collapse

How it happened: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship . The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers have recovered the bodies of two construction workers , officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . A mayday call from the ship prompted first responders to shut down traffic on the four-lane bridge, saving lives.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

Rebuilding: The bridge, built in the 1970s , will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild , experts said.

Local News | Carnival cruise passengers to return to Norfolk…

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Local news | key bridge collapse live updates: cars will keep coming to baltimore port; second temporary channel opens tuesday, local news | carnival cruise passengers to return to norfolk instead of baltimore after key bridge collapse.

Carnival Cruise ships will be rerouted to Norfolk, Virginia, after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge closed the Port of Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

Cruise passengers in the middle of a seven-day trip to the Bahamas on the Carnival Legend that was scheduled to return to Baltimore on Sunday will instead disembark in the southeastern Virginia city, according to Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Passengers will receive complimentary bus transportation back to Baltimore, a distance of about 233 miles, Duffy said in a news release late Tuesday.

In addition, future cruises on the Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride, including one scheduled to leave on Sunday, will depart and return from the southeastern Virginia city.

As the cruise industry struggles to reroute ships, at least one expert doesn’t think the damage done to the travel ship business — nationally or in Baltimore — will likely be permanent.

Carolyn Spencer Brown, a travel journalist, consultant and former editor of Cruise Critic, an online review website, said that the industry has rebounded from the losses it incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from social distancing mandates and well-publicized reports of shipboard illness.

“Cruises for the next few months are fully booked,” Brown said. “In the short-term, the cruise lines are scrambling like mad to figure out how to reroute their ships and how to minimize the inconvenience to travelers.

“The long-term effect will depend on how the bridge is rebuilt. Baltimore is never going to be a superpower port, but it has a lot to offer. It has the capacity to be a bigger cruise port than it is now.”

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, Baltimore is the nation’s 29th busiest port, moving about 378,000 passengers annually. Twelve ships were scheduled to dock at the port 115 times during 2024, the Association said.

The Port of Baltimore’s Cruise Maryland Terminal is home to four cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and American Cruises.

Royal Caribbean is currently in the midst of a 12-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Vision of the Seas that departed March 23 and was scheduled to return to Baltimore April 4. The cruise line wrote in an email on Tuesday that “our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings” and that updates would be communicated to passengers.

Norwegian, a relatively new line at the port which provides cruises between Baltimore and New England and Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean, operates a fall and winter schedule and had no cruises scheduled immediately for Baltimore.

American’s cruises currently are departing from Washington, according to a spokeswoman; the earliest departures from Baltimore are not on the schedule until May.

Before Tuesday, the Port of Baltimore was responsible for 400 jobs and generated about $63 million in revenue annually for local businesses, according to a report issued last September by the Maryland Port Administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged federal resources to rebuild the Key Bridge.

More than 40 million people live within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, according to the Port Administration; Brown said that if the new bridge were taller, it could generate additional cruise business for the city.

“The biggest ships haven’t been able to come to Baltimore because they couldn’t pass under the bridge,” she said.

“What Baltimore offers is a very wonderful experience that is close to home. Cruising down the Chesapeake Bay is magical. You see parts of the bay you’ve never seen before.”

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Cruise Lines Are Rerouting Voyages From Baltimore Following Bridge Collapse — What to Know

Prior to the collapse, the port was home to three major cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Cruise lines sailing out of Baltimore are working to make alternative arrangements following Tuesday’s fatal bridge collapse.

All ship operations at the Port of Baltimore have been suspended after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse, according to the White House . Six workers who were on the bridge at the time remain missing and are presumed dead, according to The New York Times .

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line told Travel + Leisure it temporarily moved its sailings on the Carnival Legend to Norfolk, Virginia. The company will provide a complimentary bus service from Norfolk back to Baltimore when the ship returns from its current voyage on Sunday for passengers who boarded in Baltimore prior to the collapse.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden… to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, which first launched cruises from the Maryland port last year , told T+L the company isn’t scheduled to return to the port until September. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that recently took place in Baltimore. Our sincerest thoughts are with the community and all those affected,” the Norwegian spokesperson told T+L. “At this time there is no impact to our itineraries, as we do not have any voyages scheduled to depart from the city until later this year in September and October. We will remain in contact with the Port of Baltimore and provide updates to our guests and travel partners if anything changes. In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event.”

A representative for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its plans from T+L. But the company told The Washington Post it was “closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

PORT FEATURES

Current status of cargo ships inside port, cruise ships, london metal exchange warehouses, bunker fuel.

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Taiwan hit by strongest quake in 25 years, buildings damaged

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, the strongest tremor to hit the island in at least 25 years, shaking buildings from their foundations and sparking a tsunami warning for the islands of southern Japan and the Philippines.

The White House held a scaled-down iftar dinner on Tuesday to celebrate Islam's holy month of Ramadan, after some invitees turned the president down over frustrations in the Muslim community over his policy toward the Israel-Gaza war.

Japan issued an evacuation advisory for the coastal areas of the southern prefecture of Okinawa after a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami warning.