For cruisers within the mid-Atlantic states who do not need 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 is also solely a 15-minute drive from Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Based on 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 large names in Baltimore, every homeporting a ship there year-round. Imaginative and prescient of the Seas and Carnival Pleasure sail to locations together with Canada and New England, the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda and infrequently the Panama Canal.
Small-ship line American Cruise Strains sails round-trip Chesapeake Bay cruises from Baltimore, and one-way East Coast Inland Passage to and from Amelia Island, Florida. Norwegian Cruise Line provides 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 completely closed the port to all vessels. Nonetheless, on June 12, 2024, it totally 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
Handle: 2001 East McComas Road, Baltimore, MD 21230
Variety of terminals: One
Purple-capped porters can be found on the drop-off space to just accept your tagged baggage. Wheelchairs are solely out there contained in the terminal constructing, so in the event you want help getting out of your taxi or automobile, you must plan on making your individual preparations to carry or lease a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Cruise strains crusing from Baltimore
Airports close to Baltimore cruise port
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is only a quick 15-minute drive from the cruise port. The terminal can also be about an hour from Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA) and an hour and a half from each Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), relying on visitors.
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Airways together with Alaska Airways, Allegiant, American Airways, Delta Air Strains, 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 Strains, 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 Airlines Visa Signature® card, provide a Companion Fare certificate on the cardboard’s anniversary, permitting you to fly with a companion for $99 (plus taxes and costs, which begin from $23) every account anniversary after spending $6,000 or extra on purchases in the course of the prior anniversary yr. It is legitimate on all Alaska Airways flights booked on alaskaair.com.
The Southwest Companion Pass lets you carry alongside a buddy or member of the family — you simply need to 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 you can begin your trip even earlier than you board the ship. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides you entry to Priority Pass lounges at BWI, DCA and IAD, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Express helps you to use the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL (one is slated to open at DCA later this yr). Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card even have limitless entry to the Capital One lounge at IAD, which opened final fall.
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Find out how to get to the Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore cruise port is situated a couple of miles from downtown, but it surely’s accessible by way of 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 worth varies by sail date, and Royal Caribbean wouldn’t give TPG a value vary. Bigger teams can typically get a greater value with personal transfers than cruise line ones, however examine the shuttle value to your departure to make sure. When you want to go along with Royal Caribbean’s transportation, you may need to e-book your switch at the least two weeks prematurely.
Lodge shuttles
Inns in downtown Baltimore do not usually provide a shuttle switch to the cruise port.
The Finest Western Plus Lodge & Convention Middle, 3 miles from the port, provides a Park and Cruise Bundle that features free parking throughout your cruise and a complimentary shuttle to and from the terminal.
The Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington Worldwide Airport provides a free on-demand shuttle to the cruise port, however resort parking is $15 per night time.
Unbiased airport shuttles
Numerous shuttle operators, together with Supershuttle and Blacklane, provide service from BWI to the cruise terminal. KD Elite Transportation, for instance, prices $25 per individual one-way. Costs for different corporations fluctuate relying in your group measurement and the kind of automobile wanted.
Unbiased van/automobile companies
You possibly can e-book a personal automobile or van by way of outfitters like DC Liver, BWI Shuttle Service or 95 Star Airport Sedan, Limo & Shuttle Service to your group to get from BWI to the cruise terminal. The charge 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 companies
At BWI, taxi stands are situated close to doorways 5 and 13 on the arrivals/decrease degree, simply outdoors the luggage declare space. A cab journey to the port prices a flat fee of $30 whatever the variety of passengers, and drivers aren’t allowed so as to add on further fees.
App-based rideshare companies at BWI choose up passengers on the outer curb of the departures/higher degree, 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 fluctuate relying on visitors and time of day.
At DCA, taxi stands are situated simply outdoors and to the precise of luggage declare at Terminal 1, and simply outdoors doorways 5 and 6 on the baggage declare decrease degree. A taxi to the cruise port will value round $150-$175.
Trip-hailing at DCA is on the market on the third (outer) curb of Terminal 1 and on the outer curb outdoors baggage declare on the primary degree of Terminal 2. (Choose Zone 1 via 4 whenever you e-book your Uber or Lyft.) An Uber prices round $75-$100, an Uber XL could be upward of $125, and premier vehicles and SUVS could be $150-$200. Once more, costs can fluctuate relying on the time of day and visitors.
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Baltimore cruise port parking
On-site parking
Safe, long-term parking tons are situated inside strolling distance of the cruise terminal, with no advance reservations wanted. Parking is cashless and payable on arrival by way of Visa, Mastercard, Uncover and American Specific. The nightly fee is $15 for passenger automobiles and SUVs, $30 for leisure automobiles below 30 ft and $40 for leisure automobiles over 40 ft. Particular wants accessible parking can also be out there.
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 bins for screening and dealing with earlier than you park. In case your luggage haven’t got tags, search for the tent marked “Cruise Baggage Tags,” which is situated on the left-hand aspect as you enter the lot. After you drop off your baggage, you may be directed to the place to park.
There will not be discounted off-site tons with shuttles to the Baltimore cruise port.
Park-and-cruise
Some space inns provide packages that embrace lodging and parking in the course of the size of your cruise.
The Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport provides a Park, Keep & Go bundle that features parking for as much as seven nights, together with shuttle service to the cruise port. The Finest Western Plus Lodge & Convention Middle additionally permits free parking and has a complimentary shuttle to the port. The Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row lets you park in the course of the length of your cruise.
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Inns close to Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore space has many inns handy to the cruise port. You will must determine in the event you’d fairly keep close to the airport, downtown or outdoors the town. Probably the most related choices may rely in your transportation to and from the terminal.
Hilton inns 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 points per night time) is near all of the points of interest within the Inside Harbor. It additionally provides 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 components and seafood with a waterfront view.
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inside Harbor (from 36,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time) can also be centrally situated to all the main sights, with the Charles Middle Metro station only a few minutes away. It provides a free hot breakfast, indoor pool and health middle.
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 inns close to Baltimore cruise port
The Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row (from 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) is the closest resort to the cruise terminal and provides complimentary parking. Whereas it is a 10-minute stroll, it isn’t essentially the most scenic route and also you may not need to drag your baggage all that method.
In Harbor East, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (beginning at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) has redesigned rooms that overlook the harbor or the town. On-site restaurant apropoe’s is called for hometown creator and poet Edgar Allen Poe and serves fashionable American delicacies.
The Residence Inn Baltimore Downtown / Inside Harbor (from 28,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) is ideal for households or teams as a result of all lodging are suites, with kitchens, dwelling rooms with couch beds and work areas. Stays additionally embrace free breakfast.
Hyatt inns
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inside Harbor (from 12,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time) has a rooftop pool and bar, whereas the Hyatt Home BWI Airport (from 8,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time) is a wallet-friendly possibility with a free airport shuttle and a complimentary breakfast.
Nonpoints inns
The Roost is a contemporary extended-stay resort with apartment-style lodging, a health middle and out of doors seasonal pool. It is lower than a 5-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Because it provides one-, two- and three-bedroom choices, the resort is nice for bigger teams who need to keep in spacious lodging.
For cruisers who’re additionally spirits followers, the Sagamore Pendry Lodge 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 dealing with the harbor with mahogany, brass and leather-based design parts.
{Couples} searching for a romantic getaway pre- or post-sailing can splurge at The Ivy, a boutique luxurious resort within the Mount Vernon neighborhood with 17 suites and bedrooms, a bistro and distinctive service. Charges embrace breakfast, actions, cocktails, snacks and personal automobile service to the Inside Harbor.
Eating places close to Baltimore cruise port
The Baltimore cruise terminal is ready in an industrial setting, fairly than within the metropolis middle. You will not discover many eating places by the cruise port, however downtown Baltimore and surrounding neighborhoods provide loads of eating choices for all tastes and budgets. Irrespective of the place you dine, you’ll want to tuck into an area specialty: steamed Maryland blue crabs or jumbo lump crab truffles.
For dinner the night time 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 comfortable eating places and pubs.
Bustling and extra touristy is the Inside 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 lots of sights and attractions to take in earlier than or after your cruise. Listed below are some issues to do, relying on what pursuits you and your loved ones or group.
Try marine life within the aquarium
The point of interest of the Inside Harbor, 10 minutes away from the terminal, the Nationwide Aquarium (501 East Pratt Road) welcomes 1.5 million guests per yr, making it Maryland’s hottest attraction. Award-winning displays embrace a colony of six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, the Jellies Invasion with 9 species of the invertebrate creatures and sleek rays and black-tipped reef sharks within the Indo-Pacific Reef. The Inside Harbor is a couple of 10-minute journey from the cruise port.
Take the household to a science middle
Baltimore’s Inside Harbor can also be dwelling to 2 science facilities for curious children of all ages. The Maryland Science Middle (601 Mild Road) has sections dedicated to dinosaurs, electrical energy, house 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 harking back to historic 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 legendary for its function within the Warfare 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 write down what ultimately turned the nationwide anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Tour and style at a well-known brewery
Love Guinness however cannot make it to Dublin? Baltimore occurs to be the only real U.S. location of the beloved Irish brewery. When it opened in 2015, the location was chosen due to Baltimore’s geographical proximity to different massive 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 will additionally discover brews solely made right here, like Baltimore Blonde and El Dorado Amber Ale.
Procuring close to Baltimore cruise port
If you have to choose up last-minute toiletries, snacks, drinks or private objects, cease by the CVS in Baltimore’s Inside Harbor (400 East Pratt Road). Nearer to the cruise terminal, there is a Goal in Canton (3559 Boston Road), 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 searching for attire or equipment nearer to downtown, Harborplace (201 East Pratt Road) is a mixed-use middle within the Inside Harbor with shops and eating places. Among the many retailers is Made in Baltimore (301 Mild Road), which helps native artisans and producers and is the proper 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, retailers and companies.
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