Background

Carnival Cruise Terminal: Your Gateway to Adventure

Embark on your dream cruise from Long Beach's iconic Carnival Cruise Terminal, housed in the historic Spruce Goose dome, offering voyages to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and beyond.

4.5

The Carnival Cruise Terminal in Long Beach isn't just a place to board a ship; it's the launchpad for unforgettable vacations. Housed in a striking geodesic dome that once sheltered Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, the terminal offers a seamless and exciting start to your cruise. With modern facilities, convenient access to local attractions like the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific, and a wide array of cruises to destinations like the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii, the terminal embodies the spirit of fun and adventure that Carnival is known for. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, the Long Beach terminal promises a smooth and memorable beginning to your journey. The terminal's location near downtown Long Beach also provides opportunities to explore the city's vibrant culinary scene and unique shops.

A brief summary to Carnival Cruise Terminal - Long Beach

Local tips

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before your cruise departure time to allow ample time for check-in, security, and baggage handling, ensuring a relaxed boarding process.
  • Consider staying at a nearby hotel with free shuttle service to the cruise terminal to avoid parking fees and the hassle of driving.
  • Explore the Queen Mary, located next to the terminal, for a glimpse into maritime history and unique dining and lodging experiences.
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, a short distance from the terminal, to discover diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
  • Take advantage of the terminal's free Wi-Fi to stay connected before your cruise begins.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Long Beach, several Long Beach Transit buses (e.g., routes 121, 21, 22, 232, 3) stop near the Carnival Cruise Terminal. Disembark at the Queen Mary London Town W stop, a short 5-minute walk to the terminal. A single fare is around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Long Beach to the Carnival Cruise Terminal is a quick and convenient option, typically costing between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the signs for the Queen Mary. At the entrance to the Queen Mary area, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker; this lane leads to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. On-site parking is available at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal parking structure for $23 per day (rates subject to change). Short-term parking is also available: 0-30 minutes is free, 31-59 minutes is $4.00, and 1-2 hours is $8.00. Note the garage height limit is 7'0".

  • Shuttle

    Karmel Shuttle and Transit Van Shuttle offer pre-booked shuttle services from LAX and Long Beach Airport (LGB) directly to the cruise terminal. Prices vary depending on the provider and group size. Carnival Cruise Lines may also offer shuttle transport between Los Angeles International Airport or the Long Beach Airport and the Port of Long Beach, but these shuttles are typically only available on the day of embarkation and disembarkation.

Unlock the Best of Carnival Cruise Terminal - Long Beach

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Carnival Cruise Terminal - Long Beach

The Carnival Cruise Terminal in Long Beach stands as a beacon of maritime adventure, inviting travelers to embark on voyages filled with sun, sea, and unforgettable experiences. More than just a departure point, this terminal is a destination in itself, steeped in history and brimming with modern amenities designed to make every traveler's journey seamless and enjoyable. Housed within a massive, gleaming white geodesic dome, the terminal's architecture is instantly recognizable. This iconic structure has a rich past, originally built to house Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, a colossal wooden aircraft that made only one brief flight in 1947. For decades, the dome served as a tourist attraction, showcasing the Spruce Goose and later functioning as a movie studio, hosting productions like "Batman Forever" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". In 2003, the dome was reborn as the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, becoming the first cruise terminal to operate from Long Beach, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Today, the Carnival Cruise Terminal is exclusively operated by Carnival Cruise Line, the world's most popular cruise line, known for its "fun for all, all for fun!" ethos. The terminal has undergone significant renovations to enhance the passenger experience, expanding its footprint to fully utilize the dome's vast interior. The redesigned space features engaging digital displays that recount the history of the Spruce Goose, comfortable seating areas, efficient check-in and security procedures, and a variety of food and beverage options to satisfy travelers' appetites before they set sail. A replica of the Spruce Goose hangs above the terminal, paying homage to the building's unique past. Cruises departing from Long Beach offer a diverse range of itineraries, catering to every taste and budget. Short cruises to Baja California, often including stops in Ensenada and Catalina Island, are popular choices for quick getaways. Longer voyages explore the Mexican Riviera, with calls at vibrant ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan. For those seeking a more exotic adventure, cruises to Hawaii offer the chance to experience the islands' stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Carnival typically has about six ships rotating in and out of the port. The terminal's location in Long Beach provides easy access to a wealth of pre- and post-cruise activities. The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked nearby, offers tours, restaurants, and even hotel accommodations. The Aquarium of the Pacific, one of Southern California's premier aquariums, showcases a diverse collection of marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Shoreline Village, a charming waterfront shopping and dining complex, provides a delightful place to stroll and soak up the coastal atmosphere. The Pike Outlets offer a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the terminal, Long Beach boasts a vibrant downtown area with a thriving culinary scene, eclectic shops, and a lively arts and culture scene. The city's beautiful beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. With its convenient location, rich history, and modern amenities, the Carnival Cruise Terminal in Long Beach provides the perfect starting point for an unforgettable cruise vacation. The terminal is easily accessible from both Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it a convenient choice for travelers from near and far. Carnival Cruise Line has a long and storied history, dating back to 1972 when Ted Arison founded the company with a vision to make cruising accessible to everyone. From its humble beginnings with a single ship, Carnival has grown into the world's largest cruise line, carrying millions of passengers each year. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a leader in the cruise industry, with a diverse fleet of ships offering a wide range of itineraries and onboard experiences. Carnival's dedication to providing fun, affordable vacations has made it a favorite among families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal stands as a testament to Carnival's success and its commitment to providing exceptional cruise experiences. Whether you're embarking on a short getaway or a longer voyage, the terminal offers a seamless and enjoyable start to your adventure. From its iconic architecture to its modern amenities and convenient location, the Carnival Cruise Terminal in Long Beach is the perfect gateway to the world of cruising.

Popular Experiences near Carnival Cruise Terminal - Long Beach

Popular Hotels near Carnival Cruise Terminal - Long Beach

Select Currency