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Navigating the Cruise Terminals

The Port of San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals are located on San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero: a two-mile stretch of downtown waterfront offering dining, shopping, lodging, museums, attractions and more, all with an amazing view!

a crowd walks along the North Embarcadero at the Port of San Diego there is a cruise ship in the background.

Welcome to the Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals are located on San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero: a two-mile stretch of downtown waterfront offering dining, shopping, lodging, museums, attractions and more, all with an amazing view! The majority of cruise ships dock at the larger of our two piers, the B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal. Our second terminal, the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, handles cruise ships, and is a venue for special events and public waterfront access, with a restaurant, a visitor center and a public plaza. Welcome to the Port of Land and See.


Directions

 


Travel Information

Please note: passports are required for Mexico cruises

SANDAG and the San Diego Transportation Partners provide real-time traffic information with driving times and incident reports, transit routes, fares, carpool and vanpool information from the 511 Website: Call. Click. Connect.

Additionally, the San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers real-time flight information, as well as additional parking and transportation options. SAN is less than 10 minutes’ drive from our cruise ship terminals, approximately two miles north.

Downtown San Diego’s train station, the Santa Fe Depot, is only two blocks east of the terminals and is a beautiful, historical landmark in addition to providing convenient access to rail transportation.  


Parking

The Embarcadero and nearby areas offer plenty of options for paid parking during your cruise. Please note that passengers may not park on the pier during their cruise. Please click here for parking information.


Security & Check-In Tips

In order to ensure the safety of all our guests, the cruise ship terminal operates in compliance with current U.S. Coast Guard Security Standards. Please be prepared for the following security measures:

  • Due to COVID-19 there maybe additional check-in requirements and restrictions. Contact your cruise line for guidance.
  • If arriving by car, you may be driven onto the B-Street pier for drop-off by presenting your ID and a ship ticket for that date.
  • If arriving by air or motorcoach, make sure all luggage has your name and address attached.
  • You will be required to show picture ID and ship ticket in order to access the pier and enter the cruise ship terminal.
  • Your picture ID and ship ticket must be shown for check-in, along with your passport or birth certificate.
  • Picture ID and security card must be shown at the gangway in order to board the ship.
  • Passports are required for Mexico cruises

Once you pass security, you will need to check-in at your cruise ship counter. Check your boarding document for your arrival time at the cruise ship terminal. Be sure to come prepared for check-in. Have your ID and ship ticket ready to access the terminal; we recommend arriving an hour before departure.

Take a look ahead at cruises departing from the Port of San Diego