Baltimore Cruise Port Guide: Piers, Amenities, and Location

The city of Baltimore might not seem like a typical location for a cruise port, but the Baltimore Cruise Port handles over half a million cruise passengers per year.

It’s an important departure point for cruises headed for the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England, and the Atlantic coast of Canada. Learn all about downtown Baltimore’s cruise port with this guide.

Baltimore Cruise Port Location and Address

Baltimore Cruise Port is situated along the Patapsco River in Winans Cove. Not only does this allow cruise ships to easily make their way to and from the North Atlantic Ocean, but it also means that visiting cruise passengers are just 3 miles from Baltimore, Maryland’s downtown core. 

The location is ideal for those hoping to visit the city’s main attractions before boarding. Its proximity to an international airport and major highways also makes the cruise port accessible for those traveling from out of state. 

If you are planning on driving to the port, you can simply put the following address into your preferred navigation app: 

Baltimore Cruise Port Address:

Cruise Maryland Terminal, 2001 East McComas Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, United States 

History of the Cruise Port

While the Port of Baltimore dates back to 1706, the history of the Baltimore Cruise Port is much younger. In the early 2000s, the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland identified the potential economic benefits that cruise tourism would bring to the cash-strapped city.

Starting in the late 1950s and intensifying through the 1980s and ‘90s, Baltimore suffered serious economic consequences from deindustrialization. 

In the early 2000s, the city began looking for ways to revitalize the area and inject money and jobs into the city. With the Port of Baltimore being a nationally important shipping hub and one of the city’s employment mainstays, it only made sense that the waterways could also cater to the needs of cruise ships.

Not only would hosting cruise ships help create jobs and inject money into the area, but it would also create a major tourism boom in a city that had become seen as a fairly undesirable destination.

Construction of a dedicated cruise port began shortly after, with the port beginning cruise operations in early 2004. Thanks to the city’s strategic location along the Atlantic Coast and the deep waters of the Patapsco River.

It is possible for cruise ships to make their way to the city, and it has since grown to become a popular departure point for cruises bound for the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and even Canada and New England. 

Baltimore Cruise Port Piers and Terminal

As mentioned, Baltimore Cruise Port features a single terminal called the Cruise Maryland Terminal. It was designed to provide all visiting cruise passengers with a comfortable and hassle-free experience. 

The cruise terminal is actually a converted 65,000 square ft. former paper warehouse, further demonstrating how the port revitalized an area that jobs had left.

While the Baltimore Cruise Port began operations in 2004, the terminal building was opened in 2006, with major modernization efforts taking place in 2014.

Currently, there are no plans to expand the port or the terminal building, but it is still capable of handling nearly 500,000 cruise passengers per year, helping to inject more than $65 million into Baltimore’s economy. The port also employs over 400 people, providing full-time jobs in a city where economic stability is much needed. 

Rather than being built around a pier, the cruise port has a single cruise ship berth, which allows a full-sized cruise ship to pull alongside the terminal building.

While a pier sits immediately in front of the cruise ship berth, this pier is not used for docking cruise ships. Instead, it is used to house supplies for visiting cruise ships and docking the port’s tugboats and other smaller vessels.

Here are just some of the features and facilities the terminal is outfitted with: 

Check-in and Security Counters

The Cruise Maryland Terminal Building features multiple check-in counters, ensuring a quick and efficient boarding process. There is a tented area just outside the terminal marked “Cruise Luggage Tags” where passengers can weigh and tag their luggage, further helping to ensure the check-in line moves quickly.

Waiting Areas and Restrooms

Although the terminal building is fairly basic, there is a spacious and air-conditioned waiting area outfitted with comfortable seating, so passengers can pass the time until their embarkation time. Fully accessible restroom facilities are also available throughout the terminal building.

Information Desk

A basic information desk staffed by representatives of the cruise ship that is currently docked sits inside the terminal building, and the helpful staff can assist you if you have questions about the boarding process or anything else related to your cruise. 

Luggage Handling

Tagged luggage can be brought to the luggage handling service desk. While tipping is highly recommended, they will provide complimentary luggage handling for cruise guests who arrive in time. 

Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building, but guests have a 30-minute time limit before they have to sign in again. Unfortunately, it can be pretty slow, especially if the terminal is crowded when you try to connect. 

2014 Terminal Upgrades

Even though the terminal building was only completed in 2006, it was subject to a major renovation project in October and November 2014. The improvement project focused on improving passenger flow management with better security screening and baggage handling services and expanding the seating area.

While the project was a bit of a disturbance, it was a testament to the fact that demand for cruises departing from Baltimore was high and the decision to introduce a cruise port to the city was a major success. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Baltimore Cruise Port and Where They Dock

Several major cruise lines frequent Baltimore Cruise Port and offer a wide range of itineraries along the Atlantic Seaboard and beyond.

Since the port only has a single berth, all cruise ships, regardless of the cruise line they belong to, dock at the same spot.

Just make sure you carefully check your embarkation time and regularly check for updates with your cruise line before departure, as the port only allows traveling cruise passengers to enter two hours before their embarkation time.

Here are the cruise lines that operate out of Baltimore Cruise Port and some of the itineraries they offer: 

• Royal Caribbean International: Regularly sails from Baltimore Cruise Port to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and New England
• Norwegian Cruise Line: They offer New England and Canada itineraries from Baltimore
• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and several Caribbean itineraries
• American Cruise Line: Smaller cruise ship tours along the East Coast to Chesapeake Bay 

Parking at Baltimore Cruise Port

When the cruise port was in the design phase, parking was a priority. Knowing that the vast majority of cruise passengers would be traveling to the port from outside of Baltimore, the design team wanted to ensure that visitors could easily find overnight parking. For this reason, the relatively small cruise port features two on-site parking lots.

Here’s a breakdown of parking facilities and what you can expect if you use one of the two official lots that sit to either side of the Cruise Maryland Terminal Building: 

• Reservations: Not required, simply arrive at the terminal and you will be allowed to park
• Security: 24/7 on-site security and patrols for both parking lots
• Parking Rates: $20 per night for regular passenger vehicles. $40 per night for RVs under 30’ and $50 per night for RVs over 30’
• Payment Options: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express)
• Disabled Parking Options: There are numerous disabled parking spots for those with valid permits or disabled parking tags

Off-Site Parking Lots

Until August 1st, 2024, parking was only $15 per night for regular passenger vehicles, but the price was increased to help manage demand. Due to rising costs, some nearby off-site parking facilities have begun offering more competitive rates and complimentary shuttles to the port. 

If you are looking to save money, or you require parking for a longer duration, we recommend the following nearby private parking lots and garages: 

On Air Parking

With rates starting at just $3.50 per day and free cancellations up to the day before your cruise, On Air Parking offers a far more budget-friendly alternative to the port’s official parking lots.

Despite these low prices, they even provide a free shuttle service to the port. They’ll even refund you if you find cheaper parking after booking a spot.

Since this is the most affordable option in the area, you will want to reserve your spot early, as the lot fills up fast, especially during peak travel season. 

Premium Parking P2345

Located 0.6 miles from port, Premium Parking is a good option if the cruise port lots are full. While this rarely occurs outside peak travel season, it is always good to have a backup option.

Overnight 24-hour rates are $20, so the same as you would pay at the port, but it is a covered parking garage. You can also reserve your spot ahead of time, which can be helpful to avoid any confusion on the day of your cruise. 

Traveling from Nearby Airports

Baltimore Cruise Port is accessible from two major airports. If you are planning on flying in from elsewhere, you can use the following directions to get to the port:

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Since Baltimore’s main airport is just 10.6 miles southwest of the port, this is where the vast majority of cruise passengers will fly into. Luckily, it’s really easy and affordable to travel between the two.

Taxis are readily available at the airport and do not need to be booked ahead of time. Travel by taxi takes roughly 20 minutes, but leave extra time if you arrive around rush hour.

Taxis also offer a $30 flat rate from BWI to the Cruise Terminal and vice versa. The flat rate applies regardless of the number of passengers, so it is very affordable.

Uber and Lyft operate in Baltimore, so you can also check rates when you arrive. Just be careful about surge rates if you arrive around rush hour, or during peak travel season. 

If you prefer to take public transit and save a bit of money, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides a light rail service from BWI to downtown Baltimore.

With several stations in the downtown core, you can then walk or cab to the port. Amtrak BWI also operates a train between the airport and Baltimore’s Penn Station, less than 5 miles from the port. 

If you have rented a vehicle and prefer to drive yourself, you can follow these directions:

• Get on the I-195 West from Stoney Run Road. Continue for 2.2 miles
• Take exit 2A for MD-295 North and continue for 8.7 miles
• Take exit 55 towards Key Highway. Look for signs for the Ft McHenry National Monument and Baltimore Cruise Port
• Merge onto East McComas Street and arrive at your destination 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

DCA is located roughly 42.7 miles southwest of the port. While it seems a bit far away, traveling between the two is actually fairly straightforward, with plenty of options for cruise passengers arriving at DCA.

While taxis are readily available at the airport, travel time will take roughly an hour, depending on traffic. Unfortunately, there is no flat rate for taxis, so you will have to negotiate with your driver or pay the meter rate.

With that said, most taxi drivers will provide one-way travel to the port for about $75, so it isn’t overly expensive if you can split costs. 

If you use Uber or Lyft, you can also check costs ahead of time, as DCA has a designated pickup zone for rideshare vehicles near the arrivals area. 

You can also take the Metrorail from DCA to Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C., then transfer to the Amtrak train to Baltimore’s Penn Station.

While it sounds like a hassle getting there, it gives you the option to take a low-cost taxi to the port from the station. Fares are only $2 for a one-way single trip on the Metrorail, so it is an affordable way to get to Baltimore from Washington.

If you are planning on driving from DCA to Baltimore Cruise Port, use the following directions: 

• From the DCA, get on the I-395 North and continue for 2 miles
• Take exit 2B for State Highway 295 North towards US-50 and continue for 28 miles
• Take the exit for I-95 North towards New York and continue for 1.2 miles
• Take exit 55 towards Key Highway. Look for signs for the Ft McHenry National Monument and Baltimore Cruise Port
• Merge onto East McComas Street and arrive at Baltimore Cruise Port 

How to Get to Baltimore Cruise Port

Even if you are not arriving at one of the airports that service Baltimore Cruise Port, traveling to the port from other parts of the city and beyond is incredibly easy. The following are just some of the options you have at your disposal: 

By Taxi

As mentioned, taxis are widely available throughout Baltimore, including at the airport, in front of hotels, and near all the popular tourist spots.

Rates are affordable, and they provide cruise passengers with a more direct way to reach the port. Since the port has a designated taxi drop-off area right near the front entrance, it couldn’t be easier.   

Using Rideshare Services

Both Lyft and Uber are very popular in Baltimore. They can be an affordable alternative to taking a taxi. They’re also useful while you explore the city, as you can set your pickup and drop-off points before you get in the vehicle. 

Using Public Transit

The Maryland Transit Administration operates several bus routes that connect the port to some of the major hubs throughout Baltimore.

You can also use the Light Rail and MARC Train services to get to nearby downtown Baltimore, allowing you to take a much cheaper taxi ride to the cruise port than if you took one from the city outskirts. 

Driving

Driving to Baltimore Cruise Port is really straightforward thanks to clearly marked directional signs, plenty of on-site parking, and nearby major highways, like the I-95 and I-395, providing easy access to the port from outside the city. 

Dining Near Baltimore Cruise Port

Unlike some larger cruise ports, Baltimore Cruise Port lacks dining options. Aside from a few vending machines in the Cruise Maryland Terminal Building, there are limited options for food and drinks at the port. With that said, there are some great options within proximity of the port, including the following:

Samos Greek Island

Located less than half a mile from the cruise port, Samos Greek Island is one of the closest options for those looking for a quick bite before they set sail. Not only is it close to the port, they have a full menu of delicious house-made Greek food.

With fresh ingredients, this Baltimore staple has been serving up hearty plates of authentic Greek food in Baltimore since 1977. It’s a casual spot, and they also offer takeout, which is great if you’re pressed for time. 

Diamondback Brewing Company

This rustic taproom and microbrewery is a great option if you’re looking to sample a few local beers before you set sail. Not only do they have an amazing menu of unique beers, but they also have a dine-in menu that features stone-baked pizzas, burgers, and more.

Given that Diamondback Brewing Company is just half a mile and roughly an 11-minute walk from the cruise port, it’s a great way to kill some time and set the tone for your cruise vacation! 

Don Tigre Mexican Cuisine Bar

Enjoy a delicious menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other authentic Mexican favorites at this trendy restaurant and bar. The fun interior will make you feel like you are already in a tropical port of call, but you’ll just be 0.6 miles from the cruise port.

Whether you just want to kill some time with a few cold drinks, or you want a full meal, Don Tigre Mexican Cuisine Bar is a great option. 

While the terminal building does have a very small gift shop, most people will look elsewhere for souvenirs, gifts, or even last-minute items they need for their cruise.

Sadly, the historical Harborplace Mall is changing ownership, so many of its stores are closed but there are still great options in the city for those who would like to do some shopping.

Here are the best options near the port: 

Lexington Market

Located roughly 2.9 miles from the port, Lexington Market runs every day of the week except for Sunday. This large indoor market dates back to 1782 and features a variety of food stalls, produce stands, souvenir vendors, and more. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir and take in the history of the city. 

CityCenterDC

If you want to do some serious shopping and you have a bit of time before your cruise sets sail, taking a trip out to CityCenterDC is well worth your time.

This enormous shopping and dining complex spans more than five city blocks and is considered by many to be one of the best shopping neighborhoods in the country.

With luxury stores, designer boutiques, outlet stores, high-end restaurants, and much more, it is a must-visit destination for shopping enthusiasts. Although it’s a 42-mile drive away in Washington, D.C., many people embarking from Baltimore Cruise Port will make time for a visit. 

Fell’s Point

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Fell’s Point is packed with cozy boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, diners, and cafés. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, antiques, or even just some reading material for your cruise, you’ll find it by walking around Fell’s Point, just over 2 miles from the port.  

The Best Time to Visit Baltimore

Like nearby Washington, D.C., Baltimore experiences very different weather throughout the four seasons. While the summer weather is warm and fairly pleasant, it can be a bit humid.

Fall brings cooler temperatures, which makes it a nicer time of year to explore the city. The winter can bring snow and cold temperatures, but this is also when the port is its busiest because it’s peak cruise season for the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda.

While they might not be the best months for walking around the city of Baltimore, the fall and winter months between late October and early April are the busiest in the Baltimore Cruise Port. Expect cooler temperatures and occasional showers, as well as snow in the mid-winter months.

Read Also: Charleston Cruise Port – Terminal, Overview and What to Do

No matter when you book your cruise, just make sure you check the weather in Baltimore before and after your cruise, and pack at least one outfit suitable for the time of year.

As you’ll quickly discover, the weather in Baltimore can be very different from the tropical locations many of the cruise ships that visit its cruise port sail to.