norwegian cruise line los angeles port address

• Find Your Cruise
• Cruise Line Information
• River Cruises
• Alaska Cruise + Land Tours
• Last Minute Deals
• Group Travel Trips 2024
• Group Travel Shows
• Guests Account
• Online Registration
• Travel Insurance
• Shore Excursions
• Port Directions
• Cruising Basics
• Meet the Team
• About CruiseExperts.com
• The Expert Advantage
• Ask The Experts - FAQ
• Testimonials
• Best Price Guarantee

Port of Los Angeles, California (San Pedro)

Los angeles, ca.

• Take the 110 Freeway South towards San Pedro.
• Exit at Harbor Boulevard (same exit as the Vincent Thomas Bridge).
• Stay to the right - Harbor Boulevard (Do not go over the bridge.)
• At the light, cross over the main road, turning right into the "World Cruise Terminal."
• Follow the directions to parking and passenger drop-off.

This port review has been provided by CruiseExperts.com as a service to our loyal customers. While all efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, the information provided is dynamic and subject to change at any time.

Helpful cruise line information.

If you've cruised before you probably have a favorite cruise line. Here at CruiseExperts.com we make it easy for you to sort through the cruise line of your choice for the best cruises at the best discounts on your favorite cruise line. Choose from the best cruise lines in the world including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Avalon, and Disney. You can be confident that you'll get the cheapest cruise price possible with concierge like service from our cruise experts here at CruiseExperts.com. View information on your favorite cruise line .

Best Cruise Deals and Discounts sorted by your dream destination

Sometimes it's all about the destination and that is certainly true of cruise destinations. The cruise port you depart from and the amazing cruise ports you visit define your experience as much as what cruise line or cruise ship you sail on. At CruiseExperts.com we understand that and have sorted these cruises by the places you'll visit on your cruise vacation. So whether it's a cruise to Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, cruises to Hawaii, a cruise to the Bahamas or Bermuda or a cruise to Mexico you'll find it easily with the help of our destination wizard. Maybe you're looking for a cruise vacation that's just a little different like a Panama Canal cruise, a Transatlantic cruise, cruises to Europe, a Tahiti cruise with a tour of the South Pacific, a down under adventure with an Australia / New Zealand cruise or even a fall foliage cruise through Canada and New England. Whatever “floats your boat” get started by selecting your dream destination on our cruise search page .

Last Minute Cruises can sometimes be the cheapest cruise deal.

Sometimes, but not always, the cheapest cruise deal is a Last Minute Cruise. You won't get a wide selection of stateroom categories or a chance to select your stateroom location but if your schedule is flexible you just might find a cheap cruise price on a last minute cruise. Last minute cruises are cruises leaving in the next 90 days. The cruise line really wants to fill those last few staterooms and sometimes will offer them at a discount cruise price in exchange for you giving up your right to a full selection of cabin categories or deck locations. CruiseExperts.com makes it easy for you to poke around and see what's available in last minute cruise deals. View our Last Minute Cruise Deals by clicking here and give it a try. This is one of our most popular website features.

Cruise From Home and relax

Everyone knows that a cruise vacation is one of the most relaxing, hassle free vacations you can take. Imagine if you also didn't have to worry about traveling to start your vacation but could just drive up to a port near your home and get onboard your luxury cruise ship. Here at CruiseExperts.com we've made it easy to see which cruises start close to home. Get started with our Home Port widget by clicking on your home port below.

• Cruises from Galveston
• Cruises from New York
• Cruises from Charleston
• Cruises from Mobile
• Cruises from San Juan, PR
• Cruises from Vancouver
• Cruises from Baltimore
• Cruises from New Orleans
• Cruises from Los Angeles
• Cruises from Port Canaveral
• Cruises from Seward
• Cruises from Bayonne/C. Liberty
• Cruises from Ft. Lauderdale
• Cruises from Tampa
• Cruises from San Francisco
• Cruises from Anchorage
• Cruises from Miami
• Cruises from Boston
• Cruises from San Diego
• Cruises from Seattle
• Cruises from Whittier

Popular Cruise Lines

Popular luxury cruises, popular river cruises.

Don't Overpay for Your Cruise

Connect with cruiseexperts.com.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• West Coast USA and Canada Cruise Ports

Los Angeles (Long Beach-San Pedro, California)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region West Coast USA and Canada

Local Time 2024-06-26 11:10

Port Los Angeles cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Los Angeles, Long Beach-San Pedro, California. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Los Angeles cruise port serves in California's largest city (population around 4 million, density ~8100 per mi2 / ~3100 km2). LA is the USA's second-largest city - after NYC New York (population over 8,6 million, density ~27000 per mi2 / 10400 km2).

The City of Los Angeles is in the Southern Californian basin (Pacific Ocean) and is most famous for being the world's entertainment industry center. As cruise port, LA handles ~1000 ship calls annually. Popular itineraries visit the Hawaiian islands, the Mexican Riviera, some even Alaska. LA's cruise port schedule includes roundtrips to Mexico ( Cabo , Puerto Vallarta , Mazatlan , Ensenada ), Hawaiian and California Coastal ports, as well as one-ways to Vancouver Canada (on repositioning itineraries to Alaska) and ports in Florida (on Panama Canal transition itineraries).

Homeporting in LA was introduced by P&O Princess Cruises in 1965. Each visiting LA cruise liner generates USD 1+ million in economic activities. Due to the COVID crisis, LA's cruising operations were paused between March 15, 2020, and September 25, 2021.

Note: CruiseMapper's Los Angeles cruise ship schedule includes/combines also the schedules of Port Los Angeles (locode USLAX), Port Long Beach (USLGB) as well as San Pedro. The distance between LA and Long Beach is 24 mi/40 km (via highway I-710). The distance between LA and San Pedro is the same (via highway I-110-N). Travel/drive time is approx 30 min.

Port Los Angeles

Port Los Angeles is a large seaport complex covering a land area of 30,35 km2 (11,72 mi2) with around 69 km (43 mi) long waterfront. LA port adjoins the separate Port Long Beach. Port's main imports are furniture, auto parts, footwear-apparel, electronics. Main exports are wastepaper, scrap metal, cotton, animal feed. The largest cargo shipping volumes come from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam).

LA port district is an independent department of the city's government. It is controlled by Board of Harbor Commissioners consisting of 5 members and 1 executive director. They are all appointed by the city mayor and approved by the city council. All vessels are assisted by professional harbor pilots. Port's safety is guaranteed by dedicated Port Police, LA Fire Department (fire-EMS services), USCG (waterway security), Homeland Security (federal land) and LA County Lifeguards (open waters outside the harbor).

Port Los Angeles is located in San Pedro Bay, in LA's neighborhoods San Pedro and Wilmington. The seaport is approx 32 km (20 mi) south of downtown LA. It employs 896,000+ people (throughout LA) and 3,6+ million worldwide. The worth of seaport's annually shipped cargoes is ~USD 1,2 billion. Cargo volumes represent ~43% of the USA's total imported cargoes, ranking LA as USA's largest container port and the world's 16th largest (9th when combined with Long Beach).

Channel depth (53 ft / 16 m) allows access to the world's largest container ships , tankers and bulk cargo carriers. The port has a total of 23 cargo terminals (270 deepwater berths), 9 container terminals (with 77 gantry cranes) and on-site railway system (total length 182 km / 113 mi). In 2012 was completed a dredging project for deepening the main shipping channel to the current 16 m (53 ft). With its arrival in November 2013, the boxship CMA CGM Corte Real made a new North American record for call port cargo handling (10,000+ TEU moves).

In August 2017, the Port reported record-breaking container shipping volumes of 847,857 TEU-containers (6,1% increase over August 2016). August 2017 became the second-busiest month in the Port's history, following January 2017 when the container cargo volumes climbed by 9% over January 2016, with handled 8,8 million TEUs. The previous record (2013) was 7,9 million TEUs.

For FY2017, the seaport reported a record year for cargo shipping - 9,343 million TEUs (5,5% increase over 2016). Among the implemented in 2017 technology upgrades was "Port Optimizer" (online portal developed by GE Transportation). It collects and stores key cargo data to facilitate better harbor tracking. Infrastructural upgrades were completed at the terminals TraPac and Yusen.

World Cruise Center (San Pedro) is located beneath Vincent Thomas Bridge (length 6060 ft / 1847 m). The suspension bridge crosses LA Harbor and links San Pedro with the man-made Terminal Island. San Pedro cruise port has 3 berths and serves 1+ million passengers annually, ranking it West Coast USA's largest cruise terminal. Popular waterfront attractions located nearby are USS Iowa Museum, Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. They are all linked to the cruise port via pedestrian promenade. Shuttle bus service (provided by Waterfront Red Car Line) is a 2,5 km /(1,5 mi) long vintage trolley line along the waterfront connecting cruise terminals with downtown, Ports O'Call Village (shopping/dining complex) and San Pedro Marina.

LA Waterfront is a tourist-serving destination funded and maintained by LA port. In 2009 were approved development programs for San Pedro and Wilmington waterfronts (officially "LA Waterfront"). The area consists of 1,6 km2 (0,63 mi2) San Pedro and Wilmington properties, miles-long promenade and walking paths, large open space areas, LA Waterfront project's construction works started in 2017 and were completed in 2020. This port development project (budgeted USD 90 million) was fully paid by Port Los Angeles.

On March 9, 2023, started construction works on the Port's "Front Street Beautification Project" (budget US$10,3 million) scheduled for completion in 2024. This is among several port development projects aiming to enhance connectivity and public access between the waterfronts of LA and both San Pedro and Wilmington, by building a new pedestrian linkage (22-ft/7-m-wide multi-use pathway) used for walking, jogging, and cycling, as well as new lighting and landscaping. The new pathway starts at the northeast corner of Front Str and Pacific Ave (north of Vincent Thomas Bridge). The project also included a new 5-ft/1,5-m wide strip along Front Street.

The Cunard ship RMS Queen Mary 2 is currently port's largest cruise liner. The ever-largest liner homeported in LA is RCI-Royal Caribbean 's Mariner of the Seas . In 2009-2011, the 3835-passenger ship operated regularly scheduled 7-day roundtrips to Mexican Riviera ports. However, due to increased violence in Mexico, in 2011 the liner was relocated to the Caribbean (homeported in Galveston TX ). In 2021, RCI plans to homeport in LA Voyager of the Seas (June through December) for 3-4-night roundtrips to Mexico. Voyager OTS and Mariner OTS are sisterships.

In 2004, Port LA installed its first Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) berth, providing shore-to-ship power up to 40 MW. It allows city-grid power supply for 2 vessels simultaneously. The facility also supplies with power 3 container terminals. The technology (by Nidec Corporation, Japan) enables docked vessels to receive electricity from the city's power grid. From the berth, vessels can plug-in directly to the grid for full onboard operations without using diesel engines or gas turbines (being shut down right after docking). The Japanese company has installed such shorepower systems in the ports San Francisco CA , Juneau AK , Goteborg , Travemunde , Livorno , Genoa . In 2018 was completed the system's upgrade for providing more electricity for larger-sized cruise vessels. Shoreside power was installed at berths 91 and 93, where 2 docked liners can be connected simultaneously. Utility bills (to LA's Department of Water and Power) are paid by the seaport, which then invoices the shipowner/terminal operator for reimbursement. The estimated monthly electricity cost is minimum USD 11250 (annual US$125,000). The Port has 30+ electrified berths where boxships and refrigerated cargo carriers can use shoreside power.

In November 2017, Pier 400 (APM Terminals in Port Los Angeles) reported a single-vessel cargo record during the call of the containership Maersk Evora (a total of 24,846 TEUs loaded and offloaded over a period of 128 hours. The vessel docked at Pier 400 on October 19, calling LA as part of the Europe-Far East service AE6/TP6. On December 26, 2015, while the boxship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin was berthed here, the terminal handled a total of 11,200 TEUs over a 56-hour period.

In 2018, in Los Angeles was homeported its ever-largest liner so far - NCL 's Alaskan ship Norwegian Bliss (2018-built, 326 m long, 168,000 tons, 4900 passengers + 1700 crew). The maiden port call was on May 25, ending here a 15-day Panama Canal repositioning from Miami Florida . Following the Alaskan season's end (October), NCL Bliss had scheduled all four 7-day roundtrips from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera ports (Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo), with departures October 13, 20, 27.

For 2018 (3rd consecutive record year), Port Los Angeles reported a record-breaking container shipping volume - 9,458749 million TEUs, or 1,2% increase over 2017. The year's monthly record was for October (952,554 TEUs/27,2% increase over Oct 2017). This was the most cargo in a single month in the Port's 111-year history. TEU imports increased 26,7% (to 485,824 units). TEU exports increased 20,5% (to 173,824 units). Empty TEUs increased 25% (to 292,906 units). Port's previous record (924,225 TEUs) was in November 2017. December 2018 was port's busiest December ever - 903,258 TEUs (15,9% increase over Dec 2017), including imports (468,906 TEUs) and exports (147,965 TEUs).

• January 2019 became Port's busiest-ever (852,449 TEUs/5,4% increase over January 2018). Imports grew 1,7% (to 429,923 TEUs). Exports dropped 3,4% (to 144,993 TEUs). Empty TEUs increased 17,7% (to 277,534).
• In June 2021 were processed 876,430 TEUs (+27% over June 2020), including imports (467,763 TEUs/+27%), exports (96,067 TEUs/-12%/Port's lowest export volume since 2005), empty TEUs (312,600/+47%/due to Asia's demand).
• FY2020-21 ended with the record 10,879383 million TEUs (+12% compared to FY2018-19).

In October 2019, Port Los Angeles announced plans for an Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal project (berths 46 and 50). The development project includes the construction of a new passenger terminal on LA Waterfront's south end. The 13-acres/5,3-hectares site is currently used as a special event venue and a temporary dock for cruise liners. Optional for the developer would be to operate year-round the existing LA cruise terminal (berths 91-93) and seasonally the facilities at berths 54-55.

In 2019, the cruise port handled 111 ship calls and around 518,000 tourists, in 2019 - 124 calls (~650,000 tourists), and for 2020 were booked 126 berthings with estimated ~705,000 passengers. Port's record year for cruise shipping was 2008 when it handled 265 ship calls and 1,195897 million passengers.

In November 2021 CMA-CGM signed an agreement for the acquisition of 90% stake in FMS Terminal (Fenix Marine Services/operated under concession thru 2043) for USD 2,3 billion (EUR 2B). FMS is the Port's 3rd-largest terminal by annual TEU capacity (~2,5 million). The facility has land area 292 acres (118 hectares), 4 berths (50 ft / 15 m draft), 16 gantry cranes (8 for ULCVs/Ultra Large Container Ships), direct railway connection (8 tracks), 700+ reefer plugs (for refrigerated TEUs).

Port Long Beach CA

Port Long Beach is currently ranked USA's second-largest containership port - after the adjoining Port Los Angeles. Both ports are the country's main gateway for the shipping trade with Asia. As of 2020, Port Long Beach is connected to 217 seaports worldwide via 175 shipping lines. It handles ~USD 180 billion in shipping trade annually and supports hundreds of thousands of maritime jobs (316,000+ in California State). Port's combined annual shipping trade value (imports and exports) is nearly USD 100 billion, with ~USD 5,6 billion in California state and tax revenues. Annually, USD 800+ million is spent on Long Beach City-based distribution services. In LA, Long Beach port operations generate 230,000+ jobs, with USD 10+ billion going annually to Los Angeles City distribution services.

The port covers a total area of approx 5 mi2 / 13 km2 (land) and has approx 25 mi / 40 km long waterfront (in Long Beach City). The port is located approx 3 mi / 3 km southwest of the city's downtown and approx 25 mi / 40 km south of downtown LA.

• In 2012 was launched the "Green Ship Program" to attract the cleanest ships (Tier III classed). The program (initially planned through June 2022, later extended through June 30, 2024) offers rewards to shipowners/operators (based on engine and fuel types) ranging/per port call from US$600 to US$9000.
• In 2005 was launched the "Vessel Speed Reduction" (aka "Green Flag Program") that rewards vessels for slowing their speeds to 12 knots (14 mph/22 kph) within 20-40 NM/nautical miles of Point Fermin. By this program are offered dockage fee discounts (15%-25%, respectively, for 20-40 NM). In 2021, ~94% of all ships complied within 20 NM and ~88% within 40 NM.
• Both programs (Green Ship and Green Flag) are voluntary.

In 2017, Port Long Beach reported a record year for its cargo shipping volumes, handling 7,54+ million TEUs (11% increase over 2016's 6,775171M TEUs). In November alone, through the port were moved 612,659 TEUs (+14,7% over Nov 2016). Long Beach is among the world's largest cargo ports and USA's gateway for Transpacific (USA-Asia) shipping trade.

In May 2017, the port's containerized cargo traffic was 687,427 TEUs (+6% over May 2017). In 2018-Q1 (January-March), Port Long Beach reported its record Q1 results, with its terminals handling nearly 1,9 million TEUs (+19,4% over 2017-Q1).

In the period April 2017 - February 2018 was completely renovated, redesigned and expanded Carnival's Long Beach Cruise Terminal (read more in the Port's terminal section). On February 10, 2018, Carnival Cruise Line (tenant) reopened "Pier H" terminal after the berth was electrified.

In December 2018, APM Terminals ( The Hague -based international container terminal operator) set a new record for company's North American operations handling 27,846 TEUs on a single vessel. The operation (at Pier 400) included complete discharge of import cargo and complete load of export TEUs plus empty containers to balance the boxship Eleonora Maersk (capacity 15,500 TEUs). The previous record (24,846 TEUs) was on Evora Maersk in October 2017. Port Long Beach's Pier 400 APM terminal (sized 2 km2) is one of the few fitted with large gantry cranes that can serve such boxships with 10 high (TEUs) above deck stowage. These cranes can reach 22 container rows across the beam of these mega-ships.

On April 30, 2019, Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT LLC) was sold for USD 1,78 billion to a consortium led by Macquarie Infrastructure Management Inc (USA). Terminal's previous owner was OOIL (Orient Overseas International Ltd) - subsidiary of China's COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co Ltd. As part of the deal, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd / subsidiary of OOIL) entered into a 20-year (until 2039) Container Stevedoring and Terminal Services Agreement with LBCT.

• LBCT (at Middle Harbor) was completed in August 2021 and fully equipped by January 2022.
• Construction works on the USD 1,493 billion terminal project started in May 2011.
• In 2016 was completed Phase 1, allowing cargo operations to start on an initial area of 151 acres/61,1 hectares.
• In October 2017 was competed Phase 2, expanding LBCT to 191 acres/77,3 hectares.
• The final part (Phase 3) was completed in July 2021, expanding LBCT to 300 acres/121,4 hectares.
• LBCT has a large container yard/storage, an administration building, an on-dock rail yard, a concrete wharf (length 4200 ft/1280 m, berthing capacity 3x ULCVs/largest boxships simultaneously), a line of 14x electric STS (ship-to-shore/rail-mounted gantry cranes).
• Now, Terminal's annual capacity is 3,3 million TEUs, ranking it the USA's 6th-largest seaport. LBCT generates 14000+ permanent Californian jobs.
• After docking at LBCT, all boxships are plugged into shorepower connections, using electricity from the city grid.

July 2020 was Port Long Beach's ever-busiest month (in its 109-year history) with moved total 753,081 TEUs and 21,1% increased trade (over July 2019). Imports increased 20,3% (376,807 TEUs), exports 24,1% (138,602 TEUs), empty containers 20,8% (237,672 TEUs). The cargo port's previous monthly record (752,188 TEUs) was set in June 2018.

Los Angeles cruise terminal

The ships dock at two Los Angeles cruise ports – Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro) and Port of Long Beach. More popular Los Angeles cruise port is the Word Cruise Center at San Pedro.

(NEW) Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal (Los Angeles)

In early-October 2019 were announced plans for the construction of a new cruise terminal in LA (adjacent to Cabrillo Way Marina and a boat repair yard). Currently, the building is used as an event space and only occasionally for cruise berthing.

The new cruise port bidder (developer) will upgrade and enlarge the terminal’s existing facilities and berths and will manage the dock/wharf and all day-to-day operations.

In January 2020 were officially announced the plans for two new terminals (in the Outer Harbor) - Berth 45 and Berth 50. They both will have capacity to handle ships with LOA length 335 m (1100 ft), and max capacity 5000 passengers/each. Both facilities are planned as multifunctional - to double as event spaces (during no-ship days and off-season) housing musical concerts, exhibitions, conferences, etc. By this project, both berths (concrete wharves) will be upgraded with shoreside power (cold ironing) capabilities and dedicated parking areas.

In February 2023, LA Port released a draft RFP/Request for Proposals for Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal's development and for the existing World Cruise Center's redevelopment (Inner Harbor Cruise Terminal).

World Cruise Center Terminals (San Pedro)

The two terminals of World Cruise Center are 18 mi (29 km) away from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), direction South. The first Los Angeles cruise port terminal has two berths 91 and 92. the second one has only one - 93. Two or three larger cruise ships can dock here.

San Pedro Terminal's address is: "Port of Los Angeles, Berths 91-93, World Cruise Center, San Pedro, CA 90731".

Parking is USD 15 per day (Port Authority prices are subject to change). The facilities in the San Pedro terminal include check-in, cafes, bars, shops, parking area, taxi ranks.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal (Carnival)

The second Los Angeles cruise ship terminal is located approx 23 mi (37 km) away from LAX, and 5 mi (8 km) away from World Cruise Center Terminals. It was inaugurated in 2003 for Carnival Corporation ships exclusively. The white dome building (former Spruce Goose aeroplane dome) now houses the cruise terminal (Pier H).

Facilities here include bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, check-in, parking space, taxi ranks. Long Beach Terminal's address: is "Port of Long Beach, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802". Parking is USD 17 per day (Port Authority prices are subject to change).

In October 2016, Carnival Cruise Line signed an agreement with Port Long Beach and with the landlord (Urban Commons) to expand the "Long Beach Cruise Terminal" facility in order to accommodate larger vessels and enhance terminal operations.

Carnival operates Long Beach terminal since 2003, but using only part of the Geodesic Dome (former museum). The new agreement gave the company 100% use of the Dome (customs and passenger check-in) for its cruise operations.

Construction works started on April 12, 2017. Renovations increased the facility from approx 66,000 to 142,000 ft2 (6130 to 13190 m2). Following the improvements, Long Beach Cruise Terminal now allows docking of larger-sized vessels and also provides additional space for 2-way passenger shipping operations. This enables embarking passengers to access the facility prior to completion of the previous cruise disembarkation process.

Development plans also included expansion of portside cold-ironing capacity to accommodate larger vessels. Shore power allows berthed cruise ships to shut down their main diesel engines and plug into the city's electrical grid, using hydroelectricity for all the onboard services. The technology greatly reduces exhaust emissions in port.

Carnival also made enhancements to the area surrounding the Dome and the adjacent "RMS Queen Mary" (former Cunard liner) city attraction. Terminal's parking capacity was also expanded to accommodate future growth. The multi-million dollar renovated and expanded Carnival cruise terminal was reopened on February 10, 2018. with the arrival of Carnival Splendor . The berth was also electrified (equipped with shoreside electrical power).

In 2017, Carnival had 3 vessels homeported year-round in LA (Long Beach) - Inspiration and Imagination (both for short Baja Mexico cruises) and Miracle (for Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and Alaskan roundtrips).

Near San Pedro

• Los Angeles Maritime Museum: explore the history of the harbor in Los Angeles. It is located half mile away from the Los Angeles cruise port, direction South, in the Municipal Ferry Terminal at Harbor and 6th.
• Ports O’ Call: a mile away from the Los Angeles cruise port, direction South. Great place where you will find shops, restaurants, galleries and bars in New England seaside town atmosphere.
• Red Car Trolley Ride: a vintage line connecting the Marina and the World Cruise Center. It stops by the LA Maritime Museum and Ports O’ Call.
• Abalone Cove: amazing, lively beach located 4 miles away from Los Angeles cruise port, direction West. Enjoy stunning Catalina island views or rock pool at the Sacred Cove Bay.

Near Long Beach

• Queen Mary: the famous ocean liner just by the terminal. It was in service from 1936 to 1976 for Cunard Line. Currently she is part hotel part museum.
• Aquarium of The Pacific, Shoreline Aquatic Park: you will need just 5 minutes by car to get there. Enjoy the sea with its habitants in the Aquarium of The Pacific and walk through the Shoreline Aquatic Park to discover amazing green spaces.
• The Naples Canals: explore the Naples Canal and the Rivo Alto Canal.
• Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch: explore the tradition of Mexican, Spanish and American California origins in a combination.

Los Angeles tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Puerto Vallarta joins 2026 itinerary for Virgin Voyages' newest ship Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages has announced that its newest ship - Brilliant Lady, will include Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) in her West Coast USA itinerary, debuting...

Brilliant Lady to offer North American cruises from USA homeports (NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle)

Virgin Voyages' newest ship - Brilliant Lady debuts in 2025 with a range of North American itineraries with departures from various homeports in...

Princess Cruises named exclusive partner of Academy of Country Music

Princess Cruises has been named the exclusive cruise line partner for the Academy of Country Music (ACM). This collaboration was inaugurated on May...

Silversea's longest/149-day World Cruise 2027 (ship Silver Dawn)

Silversea’s 149-day World Cruise "The Three Oceans" in 2027 aboard Silver Dawn ship will visit 80 destinations, setting a new record for the...

Princess Cruises announces expanded Antarctic 2025-2026 season

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reports a record 105,331 visitors to Antarctica last season. Princess Cruises is...

Princess Cruises unveils World Cruise 2026 (114 days, 52 ports, ship Coral Princess)

Princess Cruises has revealed details of its forthcoming 2026 World Cruise aboard the Coral Princess, a remarkable 114-day journey encompassing 52...

Virgin Voyages unveils inaugural cruise itineraries (2025-2026) for Brilliant Lady ship

Virgin Voyages has unveiled the itineraries for its 4th ship, Brilliant Lady, scheduled for launch in September 2025. Brilliant Lady's maiden...

Princess Cruises alters routes for World Cruises, avoiding Middle East and Asia

Princess Cruises has adjusted the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, opting to exclude visits to the Middle East and Asia due to ongoing...

Norovirus outbreaks affect ~200 passengers on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships

Nearly 200 individuals fell ill due to norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and RCI-Royal Caribbean International ships. According to the CDC...

Carnival Firenze christened in Port Long Beach/LA by Jonathan Bennett

Actor Jonathan Bennett was honored with the title of honorary Italian during the ceremony at Long Beach/LA California on Wednesday evening, April...

•   show more news

Los Angeles - user reviews and comments

What Cruise Port Does Norwegian Use in Los Angeles?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line departing from Los Angeles, you may be wondering which port the ship will depart from. Norwegian Cruise Line uses the San Pedro World Cruise Center as its homeport in Los Angeles.

San Pedro World Cruise Center

The San Pedro World Cruise Center is located in the Port of Los Angeles, just 20 miles south of downtown LA. The modern cruise terminal offers a wide range of amenities and services to passengers, including parking, shuttle services, and luggage handling.

Getting to the San Pedro World Cruise Center

The San Pedro World Cruise Center is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving to the port, there are several parking options available at or near the cruise terminal. If you prefer public transportation, there are several bus and train routes that serve the area.

What to Expect at the Port

When you arrive at the San Pedro World Cruise Center, you’ll go through a security checkpoint before entering the terminal. Once inside, you’ll find check-in counters for Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines that use the port. After checking in, you’ll proceed through security screening before boarding your ship.

Nearby Attractions

If you have some extra time before or after your cruise, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. The Port of Los Angeles offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to several restaurants and shops. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the USS Iowa Battleship Museum or Cabrillo Beach.

• Port of Los Angeles
• USS Iowa Battleship Museum
• Cabrillo Beach

Conclusion:

10 Related Question Answers Found

Where does norwegian cruise line depart from in miami, where do you park for norwegian cruise line in miami, what is the address for norwegian cruise line, how far is the miami airport from the norwegian cruise port, where is norwegian cruise line located, how far is norwegian cruise port from seattle airport, does norwegian cruise offer airfare, does norwegian cruise line have a private island, is norwegian cruise line any good, is norwegian cruise line better than royal caribbean, backpacking - budget travel - business travel - cruise ship - vacation - tourism - resort - cruise - road trip - destination wedding - tourist destination - best places, london - madrid - paris - prague - dubai - barcelona - rome.

© 2024 LuxuryTraveldiva

Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA

A city rich with diversity and culture, Los Angeles offers travelers of all ages plenty to do while visiting the coast of Southern California. Browse the shops along Rodeo Drive in legendary Beverly Hills, stroll along a beach promenade, or soak in the sights and sounds of Hollywood. Visitors can also catch a variety of sports events, visit one of over 800 art museums in the area, and watch expert surfers and rollerbladers at Venice Beach.

Port of Los Angeles Berths 91-93 World Cruise Center 100 Swinford Street San Pedro, CA 90731

The World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California is approximately 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Parking is $20.00 per day (rates are subject to change by Port Authority).

From LAX: Travel southbound on the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405), then southbound on the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center.

Guests using GPS should enter the following address for the Port of Los Angeles: 425 South Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731-3309 (Port of Los Angeles). Please note that this is the address for the port administration building. Upon arrival at the port, guests should follow signs to the cruise ship berths 91-93.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Port of Los Angeles Check In Port and Terminal

By teeredi2cruise , April 19, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

teeredi2cruise

Trying to decide on arrival time.  Arriving by taxi or Uber from Downtown L.A. How is checking in at the Port of Los Angeles. ( specifically Haven) 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

1 hour ago, teeredi2cruise said: Trying to decide on arrival time.  Arriving by taxi or Uber from Downtown L.A. How is checking in at the Port of Los Angeles. ( specifically Haven) 

I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

38 minutes ago, bpphoto said: I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

My limited experience (Miami, New Orleans, Barcelona) the Haven experience begins after security. If there are lines at luggage drop off or to enter the terminal or at security, being Haven is no help. Of course these areas are controlled by the port authority.

Try and find a Haven rep outside the terminal, if there is one.  They will walk you through security and to the Haven waiting area, whatever that set-up may be for Port of LA.  If there is no rep outside, once through security there will be someone to assist you.  I've done Haven embarkations in Miami, but they have NCL ships there year-round so their set-up is better.  Out here, NCL ships are seasonal, so not sure if they will have the outside reps or not.

You will board first so I would plan to arrive by 10:30 or so.  Lucky you in the Haven, you will love it!

YVRBassElectric

New Orleans had a Haven line before security. 

If you can't see the Haven signage, find someone wearing a NCL uniform (not port employee) and ask where Haven guests should check in - have your edocs printed & in your hand. That's worked for us in Southhampton, Sydney, Miami, Seattle, New Orleans & I hope it works in LA as I am traveling with 3 people who have never cruises (including a 7 month old)

Thank everyone your replies. We have mostly checked in the Port of Miami for NCL and have not ever had anyone outside to assist, but also has never been an issue finding the Haven check in because it has been positioned right after security. Was hoping it was similar or at least good sineage.

1 hour ago, Ella2 said: Try and find a Haven rep outside the terminal, if there is one.  They will walk you through security and to the Haven waiting area, whatever that set-up may be for Port of LA.  If there is no rep outside, once through security there will be someone to assist you.  I've done Haven embarkations in Miami, but they have NCL ships there year-round so their set-up is better.  Out here, NCL ships are seasonal, so not sure if they will have the outside reps or not.   You will board first so I would plan to arrive by 10:30 or so.  Lucky you in the Haven, you will love it!

Thank you, and 10:30 is great advice. That means leaving downtown at least 9:30 especially with the playoff game on Sunday.  And, yes, we feel very fortunate be in The Haven. We enjoy the experience immensely, but love the cruise life in general.

newmexicoNita

20 hours ago, bpphoto said: I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

Yes,they usually have a VIP section, usually a small separate room with snacks and drinks for everyone. They will escort to the ship when the time is right. Normally the cruise line does its best to get the Haven guest onto the ship as soon as the ship is cleared. 

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 05:03 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 03:34 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 03:22 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 02:12 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 07:32 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

World Cruise Center Schedule

Set sail on a voyage of a lifetime with ports america los angeles, your gateway to a world cruise filled with unparalleled splendor and adventure. as you embark from the vibrant heart of the west coast, prepare to be whisked away on an epic journey that spans continents and cultures. our world cruises offer more than just a journey; they are a mosaic of exotic destinations, breathtaking experiences, and memories that will last forever. from the serene beauty of the pacific isles to the historic ports of europe, and the vibrant rhythms of south america, each destination is a treasure waiting to be discovered. with ports america los angeles, you're not just a passenger; you're a part of a grand exploration that redefines the meaning of luxury and adventure. welcome aboard, where your dream of circumnavigating the globe turns into reality.

310-519-2342

310-561-4992

949-978-0665

Commonly Searched Topics

Board Agendas and Videos

How to do Business with the Port

Employment Opportunities

CARGO OPERATIONS DASHBOARD

Environmental Documents

Cargo Terminals

CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE

LOS ANGELES PORT POLICE

Latest News

PREMIER NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE SHIP HEADED TO PORT OF LOS ANGELES

Norwegian joy to service mexican riviera and panama canal destinations in 2019.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – July 26, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line will bring its nearly 4,000-passenger Norwegian Joy to the Port of Los Angeles starting winter 2019/20 to service the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal markets.

Built in 2017, Norwegian Joy features a casino and multiple dining options, stunning observation lounges, a two-level go-kart race track, an immersive virtual reality pavilion as well as a quarter-mile oceanfront deck promenade. The ship is slated to undergo an estimated $50 million in additional enhancements before it arrives in Los Angeles.

“We’re extremely pleased that Norwegian Joy will be calling at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “This newly enhanced, world-class vessel will be extremely popular as the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal re-emerge as premier cruise destinations.  It will also offer a great new convenient departure option for Southern California.”

In a recent news release, Norwegian Cruise Line reiterated the pending deployment of Norwegian Joy to the Mexican Riviera as “a turning point in the historically underserved winter cruise market from the West Coast of the United States.”

Norwegian Joy is the sister ship to the record-breaking Norwegian Bliss, which called the Port of Los Angeles earlier this year for an inaugural event and which will return to Los Angeles for part of the fall and winter season.

In 2017, 109 cruise ships came through the Port’s World Cruise Center, handling about 500,000 passengers. Each time a cruise ship calls at the Port, it adds an estimated $1 million into the local economy.

While docked, Norwegian Joy will be able to plug into clean shoreside electrical power using the Port’s Alternative Maritime Power® (AMP®) system, as the World Cruise Center has the capability to plug-in multiple cruise ships concurrently. As of 2018, the Port of Los Angeles has 75 AMP® stations—more than any other port in the world.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 51-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising.  Most notably, Norwegian revolutionized the cruise industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule with no set dining times, a variety of entertainment options and no formal dress codes. Today, Norwegian invites guests to enjoy a relaxed, resort- style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea with a wide variety of accommodation options, including studios for solo travelers, connecting staterooms, spacious suites, in addition to the exclusive The Haven by Norwegian®, a luxury enclave with suites, private pool and dining, concierge service and personal butlers. Norwegian Cruise Line sails around the globe to nearly 300 destinations, offering guests the freedom and flexibility to explore the world on their own time and experience up to 27 dining options, award-winning entertainment, superior guest service and more across all of the brand’s 16 ships.

About the Port of Los Angeles The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovatively strategic and sustainable operations that benefit Southern California’s economy and quality of life. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $284 billion in trade during 2017. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs in the five-county Southern California region.

Includes upcoming regular and special meetings of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners and Harbor Commission Audit Committee.

Includes monthly container statistics and bunker fuel reports for the Port of Los Angeles.

Includes upcoming events hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, LA Waterfront development information, and biweekly Currents e-newsletter.

Includes all news stories from the Port of Los Angeles, covering a range of topics, including business, cargo, community, environment, public safety, and LA Waterfront.

Subscribe to receive all email notifications from the Port of Los Angeles.

Google Translate

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Select a Month to update Weather info

• MONTH Jun Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
• AVG. TEMPERATURE thermometer 26 ° C HIGH 16 ° C LOW
• AVG. PRECIPITATION drops 3 MM
• Cruise Ports

Los Angeles, California

• Need to Know
• Itineraries
• VIEW CRUISES

Check out the scene at Venice Beach. Spot a celebrity or two on Rodeo Drive. Take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Explore the La Brea Tar Pits or Getty Centre. Find out more and book now.

Los Angeles Cruise Image Gallery

• MI.PortGalleries.LAX.900x400-09
• City hall of the Beverly Hills
• Venice Beach
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Downtown cityscape
• Rodeo Drive
• Long beach skyline
• The pier at Santa Monica
• Rodeo Drive sidewalk

Los Angeles

What you NEED TO KNOW

Featured Los Angeles CRUISE ITINERARIES

Protect Your Trip »

Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• Celebrity Ascent Review
• Crystal Symphony Review
• Cruise Packing List
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024