For cruisers within the mid-Atlantic states who don’t wish to take a airplane earlier than embarking on their itinerary, the cruise terminal within the Port of Baltimore is an extremely handy place to start your journey. However in case you are flying, it’s additionally solely a 15-minute drive from Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). In keeping with information from the Maryland authorities, in 2023 greater than 440,000 passengers departed from the Port of Baltimore.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are the massive names in Baltimore, every homeporting a ship there year-round. Imaginative and prescient of the Seas and Carnival Satisfaction sail to locations together with Canada and New England, the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda and sometimes the Panama Canal.
Small-ship line American Cruise Traces sails round-trip Chesapeake Bay cruises from Baltimore, and one-way East Coast Inland Passage to and from Amelia Island, Florida. Norwegian Cruise Line affords the occasional crusing from the port, as properly.
On March 26, 2024, the crash of the container ship Dali and subsequent whole collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge fully closed the port to all vessels. Nevertheless, on June 12, 2024, it absolutely reopened for operations, together with cruise ships, that means cruisers can now get again to planning itineraries from the Port of Baltimore.
Port of Baltimore cruise port overview
Port of Baltimore cruise terminal data
Deal with: 2001 East McComas Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Variety of terminals: One
Pink-capped porters can be found on the drop-off space to simply accept your tagged baggage. Wheelchairs are solely accessible contained in the terminal constructing, so when you want help getting out of your taxi or automotive, it is best to plan on making your personal preparations to deliver or hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Cruise traces crusing from Baltimore
Airports close to Baltimore cruise port
Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is only a brief 15-minute drive from the cruise port. The terminal can be about an hour from Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA) and an hour and a half from each Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL) and Washington Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD), relying on site visitors.
Airways together with Alaska Airways, Allegiant, American Airways, Delta Air Traces, Southwest Airways, Spirit Airways, Solar Nation and United Airways fly to BWI from many U.S. gateways.
DCA is served by Alaska Airways, American Airways, Delta Air Traces, Frontier Airways, JetBlue, Southwest Airways and United.
When you’re trying to save on airfare to the port, some bank cards, just like the Alaska Airways Visa Signature® card, supply a Companion Fare certificates on the cardboard’s anniversary, permitting you to fly with a companion for $99 (plus taxes and charges, which begin from $23) every account anniversary after spending $6,000 or extra on purchases throughout the prior anniversary yr. It’s legitimate on all Alaska Airways flights booked on alaskaair.com.
The Southwest Companion Go permits you to deliver alongside a good friend or member of the family — you simply should pay the price of the ticket’s taxes. Delta additionally has companion certificates as a perk with a few of its American Specific-branded bank cards.
Carry a bank card with lounge advantages, and also you’ll be capable of begin your trip even earlier than you board the ship. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers you entry to Precedence Go lounges at BWI, DCA and IAD, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Specific allows you to use the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL (one is slated to open at DCA later this yr). Cardholders of the Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card even have limitless entry to the Capital One lounge at IAD, which opened final fall.
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How one can get to the Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore cruise port is positioned just a few miles from downtown, but it surely’s accessible through a number of completely different transportation strategies.
Cruise line transfers
Carnival doesn’t run a shuttle between the Baltimore airport and cruise port, however Royal Caribbean does. The value varies by sail date, and Royal Caribbean wouldn’t give TPG a value vary. Bigger teams can typically get a greater value with non-public transfers than cruise line ones, however verify the shuttle value on your departure to make sure. When you want to go along with Royal Caribbean’s transportation, you’ll wish to guide your switch a minimum of two weeks prematurely.
Resort shuttles
Resorts in downtown Baltimore don’t typically supply a shuttle switch to the cruise port.
The Greatest Western Plus Resort & Convention Heart, 3 miles from the port, affords a Park and Cruise Package deal that features free parking throughout your cruise and a complimentary shuttle to and from the terminal.
The Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington Worldwide Airport affords a free on-demand shuttle to the cruise port, however lodge parking is $15 per evening.
Impartial airport shuttles
Varied shuttle operators, together with Supershuttle and Blacklane, supply service from BWI to the cruise terminal. KD Elite Transportation, for instance, prices $25 per individual one-way. Costs for different firms differ relying in your group measurement and the kind of automobile wanted.
Impartial van/automotive providers
You’ll be able to guide a personal automotive or van through outfitters like DC Liver, BWI Shuttle Service or 95 Star Airport Sedan, Limo & Shuttle Service on your group to get from BWI to the cruise terminal. The price is about $100 for a luxurious sedan that may accommodate three passengers and $180 for an SUV that may maintain 5 passengers.
Taxis and ride-hailing providers
At BWI, taxi stands are positioned close to doorways 5 and 13 on the arrivals/decrease stage, simply outdoors the bags declare space. A cab trip to the port prices a flat price of $30 whatever the variety of passengers, and drivers aren’t allowed so as to add on additional costs.
App-based rideshare providers at BWI decide up passengers on the outer curb of the departures/higher stage, between doorways 5 and 12. Use the crosswalks at doorways 5, 8 and 12 to entry the outer curb. An Uber will run round $30, whereas an Uber XL is nearer to $40; premier vehicles and SUVs might be round $60-$75. Costs can differ relying on site visitors and time of day.
At DCA, taxi stands are positioned simply outdoors and to the best of luggage declare at Terminal 1, and simply outdoors doorways 5 and 6 on the baggage declare decrease stage. A taxi to the cruise port will price round $150-$175.
Experience-hailing at DCA is obtainable on the third (outer) curb of Terminal 1 and on the outer curb outdoors baggage declare on the primary stage of Terminal 2. (Choose Zone 1 via 4 if you guide your Uber or Lyft.) An Uber prices round $75-$100, an Uber XL might be upward of $125, and premier vehicles and SUVS might be $150-$200. Once more, costs can differ relying on the time of day and site visitors.
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Baltimore cruise port parking
On-site parking
Safe, long-term parking heaps are positioned inside strolling distance of the cruise terminal, with no advance reservations wanted. Parking is cashless and payable on arrival through Visa, Mastercard, Uncover and American Specific. The nightly price is $15 for passenger automobiles and SUVs, $30 for leisure automobiles below 30 toes and $40 for leisure automobiles over 40 toes. Particular wants accessible parking can be accessible.
In case your luggage have already got your cruise line-issued tags accomplished and connected, you’ll be able to drop off your baggage within the acceptable baggage packing containers for screening and dealing with earlier than you park. In case your luggage don’t have tags, search for the tent marked “Cruise Baggage Tags,” which is positioned on the left-hand facet as you enter the lot. After you drop off your baggage, you’ll be directed to the place to park.
There aren’t discounted off-site heaps with shuttles to the Baltimore cruise port.
Park-and-cruise
Some space resorts supply packages that embody lodging and parking throughout the size of your cruise.
The Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport affords a Park, Keep & Go package deal that features parking for as much as seven nights, together with shuttle service to the cruise port. The Greatest Western Plus Resort & Convention Heart additionally permits free parking and has a complimentary shuttle to the port. The Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row permits you to park throughout the length of your cruise.
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Resorts close to Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore space has many resorts handy to the cruise port. You’ll have to resolve when you’d slightly keep close to the airport, downtown or outdoors the town. Probably the most related choices would possibly rely in your transportation to and from the terminal.
Hilton resorts close to Baltimore cruise port
Situated between Harbor East and Fells Level, the stylishly fashionable Cover by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Level (from 70,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) is near all of the points of interest within the Interior Harbor. It additionally affords a ninth-floor terrace, bike leases and complimentary native beer and wine tastings. The on-site restaurant Cindy Lou’s Fish Home serves Mid-Atlantic substances and seafood with a waterfront view.
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Interior Harbor (from 36,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) can be centrally positioned to all the foremost sights, with the Charles Heart Metro station just some minutes away. It affords a free scorching breakfast, indoor pool and health heart.
If you wish to be close to the airport, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport (from 36,000 Hilton Honors factors) has perks together with free parking and a made-to-order breakfast in addition to a complimentary night reception and free airport shuttle.
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Marriott resorts close to Baltimore cruise port
The Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row (from 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) is the closest lodge to the cruise terminal and affords complimentary parking. Whereas it’s a 10-minute stroll, it’s not essentially the most scenic route and also you may not wish to drag your baggage all that manner.
In Harbor East, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (beginning at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) has redesigned rooms that overlook the harbor or the town. On-site restaurant apropoe’s is known as for hometown writer and poet Edgar Allen Poe and serves fashionable American delicacies.
The Residence Inn Baltimore Downtown / Interior Harbor (from 28,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) is ideal for households or teams as a result of all lodging are suites, with kitchens, residing rooms with couch beds and work areas. Stays additionally embody free breakfast.
Hyatt resorts
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Interior Harbor (from 12,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening) has a rooftop pool and bar, whereas the Hyatt Home BWI Airport (from 8,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening) is a wallet-friendly choice with a free airport shuttle and a complimentary breakfast.
Nonpoints resorts
The Roost is a contemporary extended-stay lodge with apartment-style lodging, a health heart and outside seasonal pool. It’s lower than a 5-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Because it affords one-, two- and three-bedroom choices, the lodge is nice for bigger teams who wish to keep in spacious lodging.
For cruisers who’re additionally spirits followers, the Sagamore Pendry Resort in Fells Level occupies a restored 1914 constructing on a historic pier. It touts a comfortable speakeasy-style American whiskey bar, chop home, waterfront pool and luxurious rooms going through the harbor with mahogany, brass and leather-based design components.
{Couples} in search of a romantic getaway pre- or post-sailing can splurge at The Ivy, a boutique luxurious lodge within the Mount Vernon neighborhood with 17 suites and bedrooms, a bistro and distinctive service. Charges embody breakfast, actions, cocktails, snacks and personal automotive service to the Interior Harbor.
Eating places close to Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore cruise terminal is ready in an industrial setting, slightly than within the metropolis heart. You gained’t discover many eating places by the cruise port, however downtown Baltimore and surrounding neighborhoods supply loads of eating choices for all tastes and budgets. Regardless of the place you dine, you’ll want to tuck into a neighborhood specialty: steamed Maryland blue crabs or jumbo lump crab truffles.
For dinner the evening earlier than you sail, take a taxi or Uber to historic Fells Level. This charming neighborhood on the water has 18th-century federal-style row properties, cobblestoned streets and comfy eating places and pubs.
Bustling and extra touristy is the Interior Harbor, the place you’ll be able to seize a desk by the water at a sequence or unbiased restaurant.
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Issues to do in Baltimore earlier than or after your cruise
Baltimore has a lot of sights and points of interest to absorb earlier than or after your cruise. Listed here are some issues to do, relying on what pursuits you and your loved ones or group.
Take a look at marine life within the aquarium
The focus of the Interior Harbor, 10 minutes away from the terminal, the Nationwide Aquarium (501 East Pratt Avenue) welcomes 1.5 million guests per yr, making it Maryland’s hottest attraction. Award-winning reveals embody a colony of six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, the Jellies Invasion with 9 species of the invertebrate creatures and swish rays and black-tipped reef sharks within the Indo-Pacific Reef. The Interior Harbor is a couple of 10-minute trip from the cruise port.
Take the household to a science heart
Baltimore’s Interior Harbor can be house to 2 science facilities for curious youngsters of all ages. The Maryland Science Heart (601 Gentle Avenue) has sections dedicated to dinosaurs, electrical energy, area and anatomy, in addition to an IMAX theater.
Geared for the youthful set, Port Discovery (35 Market Place) has three flooring of hands-on actions together with themed open play areas paying homage to historical Egypt, a diner, fuel station, the wonders of water and an artwork studio.
Get a slice of U.S. historical past
A 1.5-mile or five-minute drive from the terminal, Fort McHenry Nationwide Monument and Historic Shrine (2400 East Fort Avenue) is known for its function within the Conflict of 1812. Troopers on the fort defended Baltimore harbor from an assault by the British Navy arriving from the Chesapeake Bay. The big American flag that was raised to sign victory impressed Francis Scott Key to jot down what ultimately turned the nationwide anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Tour and style at a well-known brewery
Love Guinness however can’t make it to Dublin? Baltimore occurs to be the only U.S. location of the beloved Irish brewery. When it opened in 2015, the positioning was chosen due to Baltimore’s geographical proximity to different huge cities and Maryland’s wealthy brewing historical past.
After a guided tour and tasting on the Guinness Open Gate Brewery (5001 Washington Boulevard, Halethorpe, a couple of 15-minute drive from the cruise port), keep for lunch or dinner within the taproom, the place you’ll be able to order beer cheese fries, Guinness beef stew and milk stout Smith Island cake. You’ll additionally discover brews solely made right here, like Baltimore Blonde and El Dorado Amber Ale.
Buying close to Baltimore cruise port
If you must decide up last-minute toiletries, snacks, drinks or private gadgets, cease by the CVS in Baltimore’s Interior Harbor (400 East Pratt Avenue). Nearer to the cruise terminal, there’s a Goal in Canton (3559 Boston Avenue), about quarter-hour away by taxi or Uber. Arundel Mills Mall is a couple of 10-minute drive (7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover) from BWI.
When you’re in search of attire or equipment nearer to downtown, Harborplace (201 East Pratt Avenue) is a mixed-use heart within the Interior Harbor with shops and eating places. Among the many outlets is Made in Baltimore (301 Gentle Avenue), which helps native artisans and producers and is the right place to buy native souvenirs. Southside Market (857 East Fort Avenue) in Federal Hill has a floor car parking zone with a grocery retailer, quick and fast-casual eating places, outlets and providers.
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