Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in San Diego?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in San Diego?

San Diego is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and for good reason. The city has a mild climate year-round, stunning beaches, and plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. But with so many cruise ships docking in San Diego, it can be hard to know which terminal is right for you.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different cruise ship terminals in San Diego, and we’ll help you decide which one is the best fit for your next cruise vacation.

We’ll cover everything from the location of each terminal to the amenities they offer, so you can make an informed decision about where to dock your ship.

So whether you’re looking for a terminal close to the city center or one with easy access to public transportation, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started!

Cruise Ship Terminal Address
Carnival Cruise Line Pier 29 1100 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Holland America Line Pier 8 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Princess Cruises Pier 9 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Royal Caribbean International Pier 2 1100 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Port of San Diego Cruise Terminals

The Port of San Diego is home to four cruise terminals, which can accommodate ships of all sizes. The terminals are located in the heart of the city, just minutes from downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport.

Cruise Ship Terminal 1

Cruise Ship Terminal 1 is the largest cruise terminal in San Diego, and can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers. The terminal features a wide variety of amenities, including a passenger lounge, a gift shop, a variety of restaurants, and a duty-free shopping area.

Cruise Ship Terminal 2

Cruise Ship Terminal 2 is located just a short walk from Cruise Ship Terminal 1, and can accommodate ships of up to 800 passengers. The terminal features a similar set of amenities to Cruise Ship Terminal 1, including a passenger lounge, a gift shop, a variety of restaurants, and a duty-free shopping area.

Cruise Ship Terminal 3

Cruise Ship Terminal 3 is the smallest of the four cruise terminals in San Diego, and can accommodate ships of up to 500 passengers. The terminal features a passenger lounge, a gift shop, and a small selection of restaurants.

Cruise Ship Terminal 4

Cruise Ship Terminal 4 is the newest cruise terminal in San Diego, and can accommodate ships of up to 3,600 passengers. The terminal features a wide variety of amenities, including a passenger lounge, a gift shop, a variety of restaurants, and a duty-free shopping area.

Cruise Ship Docking Schedules

The Port of San Diego welcomes a variety of cruise ships throughout the year. The following are current, upcoming, and past schedules for each cruise terminal:

Cruise Ship Terminal 1

Current Schedule

  • Carnival Inspiration: January 22 – February 26
  • Carnival Splendor: February 27 – March 25
  • Carnival Miracle: March 26 – April 18
  • Carnival Pride: April 19 – May 13
  • Carnival Legend: May 14 – June 4
  • Carnival Elation: June 5 – July 9
  • Carnival Breeze: July 10 – August 6
  • Carnival Dream: August 7 – September 3
  • Carnival Horizon: September 4 – October 1
  • Carnival Victory: October 2 – October 23
  • Carnival Magic: October 24 – November 17
  • Carnival Valor: November 18 – December 1
  • Carnival Dream: December 2 – December 22

Upcoming Schedule

  • Carnival Inspiration: December 23 – January 20
  • Carnival Splendor: January 21 – February 17
  • Carnival Miracle: February 18 – March 14
  • Carnival Pride: March 15 – April 6
  • Carnival Legend: April 7 – April 27
  • Carnival Elation: April 28 – May 20
  • Carnival Breeze: May 21 – June 6
  • Carnival Dream: June 7 – July 3
  • Carnival Horizon: July 4 – August 1
  • Carnival Victory: August 2 – August 23
  • Carnival Magic: August 24 – September 17
  • Carnival Valor: September 18 – October 1
  • Carnival Dream: October 2 – October 23

Past Schedule

  • Carnival Inspiration: October 24 – November 17
  • Carnival Splendor: November 18 – December 1
  • Carnival Miracle: December 2 – December 22

Cruise Ship Terminal 2

Current Schedule

  • Norwegian Getaway: January 21 – February 25
  • Norwegian Escape: February 26 – March 25
  • Norwegian Breakaway: March 26 – April 18
  • Norwegian Joy: April 19 – May 13
  • Norwegian Spirit: May 14 – June 4
  • Norwegian Star: June 5 – July 9
  • Norwegian Sun: July 10 – August 6
  • Norwegian Jade: August 7 – September 3
  • Norwegian Epic: September 4 – October 1
  • Norwegian Gem: October 2 – October 23
  • Norwegian Bliss: October 24

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In San Diego?

There are three cruise ship terminals in San Diego:

  • Pier 29, located at the foot of Broadway in the Gaslamp Quarter, is the main cruise ship terminal in San Diego. It is home to the Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Splendor.
  • Pier 32, located at the foot of Kettner Boulevard in the Marina District, is home to the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Pearl.
  • Pier 85, located at the foot of Harbor Drive in the Embarcadero, is home to the Royal Caribbean Radiance, Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas.

Cruise Ship Amenities

The cruise ship terminals in San Diego offer a variety of amenities for passengers, including:

  • Restaurants: There are several restaurants at each terminal, serving a variety of cuisines.
  • Shops: There are also a number of shops at each terminal, selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items.
  • Entertainment: The terminals offer a variety of entertainment options, including live music, dancing, and games.
  • Transportation: There is a variety of transportation options available to passengers, including shuttles, taxis, and public transportation.

Cruise Ship Tours

There are a variety of tours available to passengers while their cruise ship is docked in San Diego. These tours include:

  • Shore excursions: Shore excursions are offered by the cruise line and take passengers to various attractions in San Diego.
  • City tours: City tours are offered by local tour companies and take passengers to various landmarks and attractions in San Diego.
  • Day trips: Day trips are offered by local tour companies and take passengers to various destinations outside of San Diego, such as Tijuana, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera.

San Diego is a popular cruise ship destination, and the three cruise ship terminals in the city offer a variety of amenities and tours for passengers. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, some souvenirs to take home, or something to do to pass the time, you’re sure to find it at one of the cruise ship terminals in San Diego.

Where do cruise ships dock in San Diego?

  • San Diego Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in San Diego, located at 1100 N Harbor Dr. It is home to two cruise terminals, one for large ships and one for smaller ships. The terminal is conveniently located near the San Diego International Airport and the Gaslamp Quarter, making it a popular destination for cruise passengers.
  • Baja California Terminal is a smaller cruise ship terminal located at 990 N Harbor Dr. It is home to one cruise terminal that can accommodate smaller ships. The terminal is located near the San Diego Convention Center and the USS Midway Museum, making it a convenient destination for cruise passengers.

What cruise lines dock in San Diego?

  • A variety of cruise lines dock in San Diego, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • The specific cruise lines that dock in San Diego vary depending on the time of year. During the peak season, which runs from January to April, most major cruise lines have ships calling on San Diego.

**What are the different types of cruises that depart from San Diego?

  • San Diego is a popular destination for a variety of different types of cruises, including:
  • Alaska cruises: San Diego is a popular departure point for Alaska cruises, as it is located close to the ports of call in Alaska.
  • Mexico cruises: San Diego is also a popular departure point for Mexico cruises, as it is located close to the ports of call in Mexico.
  • California and the Pacific Northwest cruises: San Diego is a great departure point for cruises to California and the Pacific Northwest, as it is located close to the ports of call in these regions.

**What are the best times to go on a cruise from San Diego?

  • The best time to go on a cruise from San Diego depends on the type of cruise you are interested in.
  • For Alaska cruises, the best time to go is from May to September.
  • For Mexico cruises, the best time to go is from November to April.
  • For California and the Pacific Northwest cruises, the best time to go is from April to October.

**How do I get to the cruise terminal in San Diego?

  • There are a few different ways to get to the cruise terminal in San Diego:
  • By car: The cruise terminal is located about 3 miles from the San Diego International Airport. It is also accessible via Interstate 5.
  • By public transportation: The cruise terminal is served by the San Diego Trolley. The Blue Line stops at the Santa Fe Depot, which is located just a short walk from the cruise terminal.
  • By taxi or rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are also available to take you to the cruise terminal.

**What are the amenities at the cruise terminal in San Diego?

  • The cruise terminal in San Diego has a variety of amenities, including:
  • Ample parking: The cruise terminal has a large parking lot that can accommodate both cars and buses.
  • Public restrooms: There are public restrooms available inside the cruise terminal.
  • ATMs: There are ATMs available inside the cruise terminal.
  • Currency exchange: There is a currency exchange available inside the cruise terminal.
  • Shopping: There are a few shops inside the cruise terminal that sell souvenirs and other items.
  • Food and beverage options: There are a few restaurants and cafes inside the cruise terminal that serve food and drinks.

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in San Diego: the Broadway Pier Cruise Terminal, the San Diego Convention Center Cruise Terminal, and the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal. Each terminal offers a variety of amenities and services, and they are all located close to major attractions in the city. When choosing a cruise ship terminal, it is important to consider the location, the amenities offered, and the type of cruise ship you are sailing on.

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.