Baltimore cruise port: A information to cruising from Maryland

For cruisers within the mid-Atlantic states who do not need to take a aircraft earlier than embarking on their itinerary, the cruise terminal within the Port of Baltimore is an extremely handy place to start your journey. However if you’re flying, it is also solely a 15-minute drive from Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Based on knowledge 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 Delight 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 complete collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge utterly closed the port to all vessels. Nonetheless, on June 12, 2024, it absolutely reopened for operations, together with cruise ships, which 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

Tackle: 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 obtainable contained in the terminal constructing, so in the event you want help getting out of your taxi or automotive, you need 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 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 Worldwide Airport (PHL) and Washington Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD), relying on site visitors.

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 seeking 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 costs, which begin from $23) every account anniversary after spending $6,000 or extra on purchases through the prior anniversary yr. It is legitimate on all Alaska Airways flights booked on alaskaair.com.

The Southwest Companion Cross 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 Categorical-branded bank cards.

Carry a bank card with lounge advantages, and you’ll begin your trip even earlier than you board the ship. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers you entry to Precedence Cross lounges at BWI, DCA and IAD, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Categorical enables 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.

Associated: How you can e-book a cruise utilizing factors and miles

How you can get to the Baltimore cruise port

The Baltimore cruise port is positioned a number of miles from downtown, nevertheless it’s accessible through a number of totally 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 worth vary. Bigger teams can typically get a greater worth with personal transfers than cruise line ones, however test the shuttle worth in your departure to make certain. When you want to go together with Royal Caribbean’s transportation, you may need to e-book your switch not less than two weeks upfront.

Resort shuttles

Motels in downtown Baltimore do not usually supply a shuttle switch to the cruise port.

The Finest Western Plus Resort & 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 evening.

Unbiased 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 fluctuate relying in your group dimension and the kind of car wanted.

Unbiased van/automotive providers

You possibly can e-book a personal automotive or van through outfitters like DC Liver, BWI Shuttle Service or 95 Star Airport Sedan, Limo & Shuttle Service in 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 providers

At BWI, taxi stands are positioned close to doorways 5 and 13 on the arrivals/decrease stage, simply outdoors the luggage declare space. A cab experience to the port prices a flat charge of $30 whatever the variety of passengers, and drivers aren’t allowed so as to add on further prices.

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 fluctuate relying on site visitors and time of day.

At DCA, taxi stands are positioned simply outdoors and to the best of bags 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.

Trip-hailing at DCA is out there 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 once 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 site visitors.

Associated: Finest bank cards for Uber and Lyft

Baltimore cruise port parking

On-site parking

Safe, long-term parking tons 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 Categorical. The nightly charge is $15 for passenger autos and SUVs, $30 for leisure autos below 30 toes and $40 for leisure autos over 40 toes. Particular wants accessible parking can also be obtainable.

In case your baggage have already got your cruise line-issued tags accomplished and hooked up, you may drop off your baggage within the applicable baggage containers for screening and dealing with earlier than you park. In case your baggage do not 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 may be directed to the place to park.

There aren’t discounted off-site tons with shuttles to the Baltimore cruise port.

Park-and-cruise

Some space motels supply packages that embrace lodging and parking through the size of your cruise.

The Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport provides a Park, Keep & Go package deal that features parking for as much as seven nights, together with shuttle service to the cruise port. The Finest Western Plus Resort & Convention Middle additionally permits free parking and has a complimentary shuttle to the port. The Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row permits you to park through the length of your cruise.

Associated: Finest bank cards for reserving a cruise

Motels close to Baltimore cruise port

The Baltimore space has many motels handy to the cruise port. You will have to determine in the event you’d quite keep close to the airport, downtown or outdoors town. Essentially the most related choices may rely in your transportation to and from the terminal.

Hilton motels close to Baltimore cruise port

Situated between Harbor East and Fells Level, the stylishly trendy Cover by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Level (from 70,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) 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 substances and seafood with a waterfront view.

Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inside Harbor (from 36,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) can also be centrally positioned to all the foremost sights, with the Charles Middle Metro station only a few minutes away. It provides a free scorching 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.

Associated: Finest Hilton bank cards

Marriott motels close to Baltimore cruise port

The Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row (from 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) 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 means.

In Harbor East, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (beginning at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) has redesigned rooms that overlook the harbor or town. On-site restaurant apropoe’s is known as for hometown writer and poet Edgar Allen Poe and serves trendy American delicacies.

The Residence Inn Baltimore Downtown / Inside 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, dwelling rooms with couch beds and work areas. Stays additionally embrace free breakfast.

Hyatt motels

Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inside 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 possibility with a free airport shuttle and a complimentary breakfast.

Nonpoints motels

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 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 opulent 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 automotive service to the Inside Harbor.

Eating places close to Baltimore cruise port

The Baltimore cruise terminal is about in an industrial setting, quite than within the metropolis middle. You will not 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 an area specialty: steamed Maryland blue crabs or jumbo lump crab muffins.

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 Inside Harbor, the place you may seize a desk by the water at a series or impartial restaurant.

Associated: One of the best bank cards for eating

Issues to do in Baltimore earlier than or after your cruise

Baltimore has a number of sights and points of interest to soak up earlier than or after your cruise. Listed below 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 point of interest of the Inside 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 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 few 10-minute experience from the cruise port.

Take the household to a science middle

Baltimore’s Inside Harbor can also be residence to 2 science facilities for curious youngsters of all ages. The Maryland Science Middle (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 harking back to historic Egypt, a diner, gasoline 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 position within the Struggle 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 finally 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 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 few 15-minute drive from the cruise port), keep for lunch or dinner within the taproom, the place you may 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.

Buying close to Baltimore cruise port

If that you must decide up last-minute toiletries, snacks, drinks or private gadgets, cease by the CVS in Baltimore’s Inside Harbor (400 East Pratt Avenue). Nearer to the cruise terminal, there is a Goal in Canton (3559 Boston Avenue), about quarter-hour away by taxi or Uber. Arundel Mills Mall is a few 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 Avenue) is a mixed-use middle within the Inside Harbor with shops and eating places. Among the many retailers 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 parking zone with a grocery retailer, quick and fast-casual eating places, retailers and providers.

Planning a cruise? Begin with these tales: