Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in San Diego?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise ships dock in San Diego at one of three terminals: the B Street Pier, the Broadway Pier, and the San Diego Convention Center. Each terminal offers its own unique amenities and attractions, making it the perfect homeport for a cruise to the Pacific Coast or beyond.

The B Street Pier is located in the heart of downtown San Diego, just steps from the Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Convention Center. This terminal is home to several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America, and Princess. The B Street Pier offers a variety of amenities, including a shopping mall, a food court, and a variety of restaurants.

The Broadway Pier is located just south of the Gaslamp Quarter, and is home to a variety of smaller cruise lines. This terminal is more laid-back than the B Street Pier, and offers a more intimate cruise experience. The Broadway Pier also offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa.

The San Diego Convention Center is located just east of downtown San Diego, and is home to the largest cruise terminal in the city. This terminal is ideal for large groups or families, as it offers a variety of amenities, including a children’s play area, a fitness center, and a variety of restaurants.

Where Do The Cruise Ships Dock In San Diego?

| Cruise Ship Terminal | Location | Year Opened |
|—|—|—|
| B Street Pier | Downtown San Diego | 1964 |
| Broadway Pier | Downtown San Diego | 1984 |
| Seaport Village Pier | Seaport Village | 1989 |
| Shelter Island | Shelter Island | 1991 |
| San Diego Bay | Downtown San Diego | 2008 |

Port of San Diego

Overview of the port

The Port of San Diego is a major seaport located in San Diego, California. It is the eighth-busiest container port in the United States and the busiest cruise ship port in North America. The port is home to two cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers. The port also has a variety of other facilities, including a container terminal, a bulk terminal, a passenger terminal, and a cruise ship terminal.

History of the port

The Port of San Diego was established in 1850. The first cruise ship to dock at the port was the SS City of San Francisco in 1867. The port quickly became a popular destination for cruise ships, and by the early 1900s, it was one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. The port continued to grow in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1970s, it was the busiest cruise ship port in the United States.

In the 1980s, the port began to experience a decline in cruise ship traffic. This was due to a number of factors, including the opening of new cruise ship ports in other parts of the world and the increasing popularity of air travel. However, the port has since rebounded, and it is now the busiest cruise ship port in North America.

Major cruise lines that dock at the port

The Port of San Diego is home to a variety of major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruise lines offer a variety of cruises to destinations all over the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.

Current and future expansion plans for the port

The Port of San Diego is currently undergoing a major expansion project. The project includes the construction of a new cruise ship terminal, a new container terminal, and a new bulk terminal. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.

The port is also planning to develop a new cruise ship terminal at the former Navy Base San Diego. The terminal is expected to be able to accommodate ships of up to 2,000 passengers. The project is expected to be completed in 2030.

Cruise Ship Terminals

Location of the terminals

The Port of San Diego has two cruise ship terminals, which are located at the following addresses:

  • B Street Pier Cruise Terminal: 1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Broadway Pier Cruise Terminal: 1050 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Facilities at the terminals

The Port of San Diego’s cruise ship terminals offer a variety of facilities, including:

  • Ticketing offices
  • Baggage claim areas
  • Customs and immigration facilities
  • Duty-free shops
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Gift shops
  • ATMs
  • Wi-Fi

Capacity of the terminals

The Port of San Diego’s cruise ship terminals have a combined capacity of 2,000 passengers.

Parking at the terminals

There is a paid parking lot located at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal. The parking lot has a capacity of 1,000 cars. There is also a paid parking lot located at the Broadway Pier Cruise Terminal. The parking lot has a capacity of 500 cars.

3. Cruise Ship Excursions

There are a variety of cruise ship excursions available from San Diego, ranging from day trips to multi-day excursions. Some of the most popular excursions include:

  • Touring the USS Midway Museum: The USS Midway Museum is a floating museum that houses one of the world’s largest aircraft carriers. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history and role in the U.S. Navy.
  • Visiting the San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and is home to over 3,700 animals from all over the globe. Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to elephants and pandas.
  • Taking a hike in Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban park that is home to museums, gardens, and theaters. Visitors can take a hike through the park and see some of its many attractions.
  • Exploring the Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district in downtown San Diego that is home to shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can wander through the streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • Spending the day at SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego is a marine park that is home to dolphins, whales, and sharks. Visitors can watch the animals perform shows and learn about their conservation.

These are just a few of the many cruise ship excursions available from San Diego. For more information, please visit the San Diego Tourism Board website.

Options for Excursions from San Diego

When choosing an excursion from San Diego, there are a few things to consider. First, consider your interests and what you would like to see and do. If you are interested in learning about history, you might want to visit the USS Midway Museum. If you are interested in seeing animals, you might want to visit the San Diego Zoo. If you are interested in exploring nature, you might want to take a hike in Balboa Park.

Second, consider your budget. Excursions can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider a free or low-cost excursion, such as visiting the Gaslamp Quarter or Balboa Park. If you are willing to spend more money, you might want to consider a more expensive excursion, such as a whale watching tour or a helicopter ride.

Third, consider the time of day you want to take the excursion. Some excursions are only offered at certain times of day, such as the whale watching tour. If you have a specific time in mind, make sure to book your excursion accordingly.

Finally, consider the transportation you will need to get to and from the excursion. Some excursions are located close to the cruise ship terminal, while others are further away. If you need to take transportation, make sure to factor that into the cost of your excursion.

Things to See and Do in San Diego

In addition to the many cruise ship excursions available, there are also a number of things to see and do in San Diego without leaving the city. Some of the most popular attractions include:

  • The San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and is home to over 3,700 animals from all over the globe. Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to elephants and pandas.
  • Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban park that is home to museums, gardens, and theaters. Visitors can take a hike through the park and see some of its many attractions.
  • The Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district in downtown San Diego that is home to shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can wander through the streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego is a marine park that is home to dolphins, whales, and sharks. Visitors can watch the animals perform shows and learn about their conservation.
  • The USS Midway Museum: The USS Midway Museum is a floating museum that houses one of the world’s largest aircraft carriers. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history and role in the U.S. Navy.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do in San Diego. For more information, please visit the San Diego Tourism Board website.

Transportation to and from the Excursions

There are a few different ways to get to and from excursions in San Diego. The most popular option is to take a taxi or an Uber. You can also take the bus or the trolley. If you are staying in a hotel, they may also offer a shuttle service to and from the excursions.

Cruise ship excursions can be a great way to

Q: Where do the cruise ships dock in San Diego?

A: There are three cruise ship terminals in San Diego:

  • Pier 29, located at the foot of Broadway in Downtown San Diego. This is the main terminal for Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.
  • Pier 32, located at the foot of Ash Street in Downtown San Diego. This is the main terminal for Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • Baja California Terminal, located at the foot of Kettner Boulevard in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. This terminal is used by a variety of smaller cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises.

Q: Which cruise line has the best San Diego port stop?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different cruise lines offer different experiences. However, some of the most popular cruise lines with San Diego port stops include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Q: How far is it from the cruise terminal to the airport?

A: The San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located approximately 10 miles from the cruise terminals. The drive time is typically about 15-20 minutes.

Q: What are the best things to do in San Diego while on a cruise?

There are many things to do in San Diego while on a cruise, including:

  • Visiting the San Diego Zoo
  • Exploring the Gaslamp Quarter
  • Taking a ferry to Coronado Island
  • Going surfing at La Jolla Shores
  • Hiking in Balboa Park

Q: What is the best time of year to visit San Diego?

The best time to visit San Diego is typically from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, with mild nights.

Q: What are the best hotels near the cruise terminals?

There are a number of hotels near the cruise terminals in San Diego, including:

  • The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
  • The San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
  • The Hilton San Diego Bayfront
  • The Omni San Diego Hotel & Spa

Q: How do I get to the cruise terminal from my hotel?

There are a number of ways to get to the cruise terminal from your hotel, including:

  • Taxi
  • Uber or Lyft
  • Public transportation (bus or trolley)
  • Walking

Q: What are the COVID-19 protocols for cruise ships in San Diego?

All cruise ships in San Diego must adhere to the following COVID-19 protocols:

  • All passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • All passengers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of boarding.
  • All passengers must wear masks in all public areas.
  • All passengers must social distance from other passengers.

Q: What are the other frequently asked questions about cruise ships in San Diego?

Here are some other frequently asked questions about cruise ships in San Diego:

  • What are the different types of cruise ships that visit San Diego?
  • What are the best cruise lines for families with young children?
  • What are the best cruise lines for adults only?
  • What are the best cruise lines for solo travelers?
  • What are the best cruise lines for budget travelers?

For more information on cruise ships in San Diego, please visit the following websites:

  • [San Diego Cruise Ship Terminals](https://www.portofsandiego.org/cruises/)
  • [San Diego Tourism](https://www.sandiego.org/things-to-do/cruise-ships/)
  • [Cruise Lines International Association](https://www.cruising.org/)

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in San Diego: the San Diego Convention Center, the Broadway Pier, and the Seaport Village. Each terminal offers its own unique amenities and attractions, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. Whether you are looking for a convenient location close to the city center or a more scenic spot with stunning views of the bay, you are sure to find the perfect cruise ship terminal in San Diego.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • San Diego is a popular cruise ship destination due to its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and abundance of attractions.
  • There are three main cruise ship terminals in San Diego: the San Diego Convention Center, the Broadway Pier, and the Seaport Village.
  • Each terminal offers its own unique amenities and attractions, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.
  • Whether you are looking for a convenient location close to the city center or a more scenic spot with stunning views of the bay, you are sure to find the perfect cruise ship terminal in San Diego.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.