I visited the Long Beach Cruise Center in Long Beach, CA [1119 Queens Hwy] when I had my 5 Day Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines from Thursday, 05/14/26 until Tuesday, 05/19/26. I noticed that this particular terminal is the home for other cruise lines as well, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn Cruise Line. Before I was able to successfully board the Carnival Radiance ship, I had options to either drop off the luggage with the porters or take the luggage with me. I decided to take my bags just so I can have them readily available. Next, I proceeded to the "Arrival Appointment On Time" where my designated boarding time was set for 12:30 PM on May 14th. The line was moving at a fair pace and it didn't take long. At the first station, a Carnival employee checked the boarding pass and respective identification, whether it was an ID + birth certificate or just solely the passport. Furthermore, items were screened through security. Lastly, the walk to the cruise was a bit of a distance. Then, it was an ease to board the cruise. I loved the presentation of the indoor space. It had a bunch of fun Carnival wall signage, airplane decor, etc. The workers inside the cruise terminal were firm and straightforward with the customer service. The building space was spacious and clean. The Long Beach Cruise Center can get crowded easily at peak hours of pick up and/or drop off. It was crowded with many vehicles upon returning on May 19th. Thankfully, I had a ride-share that picked me up at an alternative location nearby to beat the traffic. The Long Beach Cruise Center gets the job done when it comes to accessing cruise vacations. read more

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Dropped off my parents for there cruise. It was extremely packed, lots of cars, kind of stressful to see. The great thing was they had excellent employees routing the traffic to different lanes to help the traffic flow so much better. As soon as we parked at drop off an employee got a cart and started putting my parents luggages on it. Extremely helpful, and patient with my parents. I was probably in and out in maybe about 15 minutes. From waiting in line to get in, to the drop off, unloading and leaving. read more

The experience at the cruise port/center was really smooth. We took an uber and drop off/ pick up was seamless. We got our backs checked immediately upon arrival and the whole check in process was less than 45 min. Can't complain. read more

Very easy to access cruise terminal used by Carnival Cruise Lines. Lots of parking via the multi level parking structure, and helpful porters, I would tip $1+ per bag checked. Just drop off passengers and luggage and then park if driving to the port. On my sailing there were numerous lines dependent on both scheduled boarding time, and loyalty status with Carnival $CCL. If standing in a line is a physical issue make that clear to the staff directing the cruise guests. It took more than 30 minutes to board, but once inside the terminal the air is slightly cooled. FYI, review the current item / beverage restrictions / limitations. In my case a white noise generator was removed from my checked bag because it was mistaken for an audio speaker. Overall a positive experience both boarding and departing, with easy to navigate ramps and clear direction in the terminal, and large ample elevators in the garage. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - View of the Terminal and the Carnival Firenze from the Parking Garage - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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My previous review for this cruise center inspired me to book the same Carnival two week roundtrip cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. Just got back, and realized that it's pretty efficient. The port is dedicated only to Carnival ships, not even for its sister companies like Princess, Holland America, or Cunard. It's large dome structure is distinctive and sits next to the parking lot for the Queen Mary. We took the Passport Long Beach transit free bus, taking us from 3 blocks of our home to the parking lot. Because we came from an unusual direction, we completely missed the luggage drop off point and ended up taking our large luggage into the dome (at which point, we were committed to bringing it on ourselves). There were two different lines into the dome: one for folks who had come during their scheduled times and for folks like us who came either too early or past their time. The good news is that they allowed us in early. It was critical that we had printed out our boarding passes at home, and with the help of an agent with a scanner, got our passports scanned in. Next was the metal scanners and security, and then a split into the elevator line and the walk-up. Later we learned that the building uses very long gradual ramps to get up to the 4th floor (instead of escalators), then a long pedestrian bridge, to Deck 4 of the ship. Unlike other cruise centers, they will not check you into until you are able to get onto the ship (i.e. no large waiting rooms past security and check-in). After our two week cruise, disembarkation day was pretty small. We had intentionally chosen the last group number, and left the ship at 9:30, taking the same pedestrian bridge, and gradual ramps. Next was immigration, where you are split into one of two lines (one for passport holders and the other for birth certificates). Checking of passports was not necessary, just a simple facial scan and then out into the outside. From here, we walked back to the bus stop. After a bit of waiting, and a slow winding bus ride, we got back to our home by 11, finishing one of my goals for this trip: get to Hawaii by only taking public transit and a ship, no airplanes or cars. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Going across the pedestrian walkway - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

"Baby, let's cruise away from here"...just like the song ...I am back to cruisin'. It had been a few years come my last cruise that left from the Long Beach Cruise Center but I got to check the center out during my last cruise to Ensenada. The Long Beach Cruise Center can definitely get packed. The lines can get super long but I do have to appreciate that for the most part the lines move efficiently and that it is organized. Cruise time is always a time to relax and so it's always helpful to have a cruise center experience that is not stressful. read more

I've only been on a total of five cruises in my lifetime, and of the cruise ports that I've visited, this is by far the best one that I've been to. This location is super convenient for us, it's well organized, and I think the use of space in the building that once held the Spruce Goose was very well thought out. It's clean, bright, I like the use of indoor faux trees and plants. Plenty of seating once you get past security. Waiting in line while embarking and disembarking seemed efficient as well. Although lines can get long, it was always in motion while staff was in constant communication with instructions. My one critique is that the drop off / pick up area can be more efficient. Right now it's all clumped together which creates traffic getting in. It would be nice if there were separate areas for drop off vs. pick up. This would be especially helpful for those waiting on rideshare. read more

Getting into the parking lot was stressful. I got there around 910a.m. and it was not moving. The sign pointed left for cruise parking but it was closed. Apparently, if you are on the Carnival Panorama, you need to park at the convention center and shuttle into the terminal. If you are on the Radiance, you are in the structure. I was doing a ship inspection and the crew were helpful. Almost everyone I came across at this terminal were friendly and helpful. The process of checking in was fast and efficient apart for the parking. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Long Beach cruise Center is where every traveler has to pass through when departing or arriving via carnival cruise ship. They have a captains lounge that I'm assuming serves food and drinks. There are metal detectors/security checkpoints that everyone has to go through, but all of the employees on staff are seemingly good at their job because the process moves pretty expeditiously and is relatively painless. read more

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One of the quickest Carnival terminals we've been to. We've always cruised Carnival and haven't been disappointed so far. Parking is vast but can be a struggle when passengers are disembarking and others are arriving for their cruise... so be tactful when cars are coming and going. There is an adjacent open parking area outside of the parking structure, so that's good to know for first time cruisers. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Why there is only one entrance in here, is beyond me. We were stuck in traffic for so long when we were almost at the gate. Apparently, the gate broke and stayed down and then someone had to come and manually open and close the gate for each car. Outrageous! Once we finally made it to the drop-off point, it was pretty smooth sailing. We got in line based upon our entry time but the process took so long we were still in line past this time. I'm not even sure why they have the times. Pack your patience! Don't pack your drinks...because here, you have to carry on your drinks. In Florida, it has to be packed! Weird...same cruise line and different rules. read more

Getting to the port was easy and drop off was speedy. The process was organized and efficient. The inside of the facility is cute also with nice spots for photos. We had smooth embarkation and debarkation. read more

This is my first cruise and so far so good. Here early to check in. Lots of employees to answer questions. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Waiting our turn to board - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Well we are here now and no one working here seems to know how to help or direct you to someone that can help (although they send you to different lines ,so far 3 wrong lines) Thought I should give it a day before I did the review wow nothing but down hill I would live to meet a repeat customer such a rip off Every pacer paid for us out of anything I want (2 hours into the trip ) The scheduled dinner if you want more then shrimp cocktail it's $25 plus surcharges So disappointed read more

This is the 3rd time I've been here and they went up 1 star had I posted a review from A few months ago. Let's go based on THIS experience. The parking was quick since we used Uber. No prob there. They fixed the area where you wait to do your boarding business, so this was a tad more organized, but the problem is the workers. RUDE, RUDE and the RUDEST group of people ever. I must say Peter was fabulous. He was the gentleman who stamped our boarding passes and checked passports n birth certs. Such a patient, well organized human. Thanks Peter. He gets 1,000 Stars!!! On to the two miserable women we had to literally bulldoze through to get into the place. My dad is a frequent sailor on the ships. He's either a most traveled passenger on Princess or Diamond, the highest you can go, on Carnival and he knows most of the workers at the port and on the ship. The workers at the San Pedro port are much nicer. Anyways, my dad is handicap and he can't lift due to hernia and a brain shunt. Soooo, he had to hold the line up and show documentation that he needed me as a helper. Our time to come in was 10-1030 and mine was 1030-11am, so subject to interpretation since we both have 1030 in our time. On to the facility. It is VERY clean and spacious. The restrooms were clean, too. There is no vending machines if you need a snack or get thirsty. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Trees in door - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Came to the Long Beach Cruise Port last week for a cruise on the Carnival Radiance. Both the embarkation and debarkation process were a breeze. Since we drove here, we parked directly in their garage at $23/day which made it super easy since we were able to check-in our luggage upon exiting the garage elevator on the ground floor. Once we got into the terminal, our boarding documents and passports were checked, we went through the security checkpoint, and then we sat and waited for our boarding time and group to be called. Boarding was a breeze and you basically just wait in line on the walkway for everyone to pile onto the ship. Debarkation was just as smooth because there's no formal passport control and customs process because of their new facial recognition program. Your face is scanned upon arrival, and since your passport was scanned at embarkation, you're allowed to immediately proceed through and into the terminal. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - View of the cruise terminal from the ship - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Getting parking in downtown long beach was an absolute nightmare both coming and going!! Carnival needs to do better. This was a terrible mess and we are very unhappy. read more

This terminal, located right next to the majestic Queen Mary, is comparable to that of the LGB airport. Size wise it's not ginormous so embarkation is pretty efficient once you get past the screening process. If you do decide to park here, it's $23 a day. There are several hotels nearby such as Hotel Maya with the (free shuttle service), Hilton Hotels, or Renaissance. But of course, nothing as close as the Queen Mary hotel. It's just steps from the Carnival cruise ship. Screening process is pretty efficient as well. You have the facial recognition screen to go through. If you take your passport and going to Mexico, you wont get your passport stamped. For you Carnival customers you can carry 1 12pack cans of soda / drinks per person. Adults can carry 1 bottle of wine. Please take those as carry ons. Before you get on the ship, like as if you were flying Southwest, your departure number will be called to board. So if you checked in early, you'll board early naturally. But if you have time, there are lot of seats to sit and a bathroom so don't worry about that. Once you enter, you'll be in a rat maze and ultimately going up the stairs and then board the ship. As for debarkation coming back, there are two lines. Left side for people with passports or IDS and right side for people with birth certificates. There are porters that will take your bags as a group and make it a little faster to leave the terminal. Just make sure you tip these guys. All in all, a great experience here. Even if you're forgetful like me and did not print out your boarding pass, there's a person with a hand held printer that can print out your pass before you get in here! read more

Boarders Beware - Carnival Panorama Our Cruise is today My husband, and I had to cancel. My mom's cancer has taken a turn for the worse she is ready to die, and we want to be here. We tried to get a refund but was told we have to come up with a death certificate. So, if you are planning to take a Cruise and something happens where you can't move forward with your cruise, please consider you will not get a refund. I dislike having to post this, but I want everyone to be in the know. read more

Very pleased with this port, cruising with Carnival out of LB. Not huge but the embarking is easy. Debarking is where issues come in with port authority etc with delays, confusing around baggage etc. Better than other ports, like Galveston read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

This is the best cruise terminal I used thus far, embarking on a Carnival Cruise. The facilities were all indoor, the staff was extremely professional and friendly, and the process was seamless. I definitely enjoyed sailing out of this terminal, and would do it again in the future. read more

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Embarkation and debarkation process was very streamlined and efficient for our Carnival Panorama Cruise departing 12/4. With use of photo recognition, check in and out were quick with necessary documents (Covid vaccination proof, negative Covid test, passport/birth certificate). Facilities were very clean. Staff were helpful and friendly. Parking was easy in covered parking structure at $23 per day. read more

Canival cruise uses this terminal to board passengers. Check-in: On your boarding pass, it will show your assigned check-in time. You can pay extra to be on the "proriity" line. The check-in starts at 10:30am. Check-in process super easy, they scan your boarding pass & passport then issue you a zone number for boarding. After that, security check your luggage. Once on board, your cabin number is already pre-assigned on your boarding pass so you may go straight to your cabin (after 1:30pm), the room key is on the mailbox right outside the cabin. Parking: Just pick up & drop off within 30 minutes - FREE. Parking overnight at the stucture right next to the pier, $20 per day. read more

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The only reason I can think of as to why things go so smoothly through this center is because of years (decades, more than likely) of experience. The whole boarding and disembarking went so efficiently. We came through an hour earlier than our assigned check-in time, but we were let through with no snags. (It's most likely because there was no crowd.) I did an online check in for my entire party a few weeks ahead of time so we got our bag tags already printed and attached to our belongings. They do have porters willing to get your bags off your hands (for tips - I highly recommend this) which was cool since I didn't really feel like lugging my bag around as we went in to go through customs. Customs staff was just as organized and got us in as well as out of the cruise ship with no issues. There is a store right outside for last minute purchases - hats, sunblock, etc.... and they aren't charging for ridiculous tourist prices either, so that's cool. Parking is $20/day. ZERO discounts are given for anyone (senior citizen, disabled, military, etc...) Just FYI. I'm reading from fellow Yelpers who take Carnival Cruises that there has been some improvement with the whole boarding and disembarking process. Whatever it is they're doing, they need to keep doing because they're really good at it. Here's hoping they keep it up. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Less hassle than getting through an airport. The Long Beach Cruise Center is owned and operated by Carnival, so presumably it's used for embarking/disembarking Carnival ships only. Parking is available in the cruise terminal's parking structure at a rate of $23/day and less when paying by the hour. The first 30 minutes are free. The wife and I Ubered here from Long Beach Airport and were dropped off in the passenger loading area right outside the terminal. Very convenient. Your boarding pass shows an appointment window during which you're expected to check in at the terminal. There's a separate line for those arriving before or after their window. The wife and I arrived an hour early, and though there were many people in line, it moved quickly due to there being many attendants. Altogether it took around 10-15 minutes to get through security. After our passports were checked, we went through metal detectors as our bags were X-rayed. Shoes stay on and laptops stay in bags. Water bottles are required to be empty before going through security, but we were able to bring an unopened can of water. Security is probably mainly trying to prevent people from sneaking alcohol through. Of course we weren't able to board the ship without cruise photographers wanting to take our picture. A sign of what was ahead for the next few days. And on our return, the line for getting through customs was very long. Given that there were only a few customs agents, the line moved relatively quickly, and we were through in about 20 minutes. Not ideal, but I've seen worse at the airport. Happy cruising! read more

This is a God awful expereince. Took forever to drive. People kept cutting the line and totally ignored the sign which separates the cruise ship terminal and hotel/restaurant shop. Rude drivers with cheap cars and bad haircuts. The boarding center was like a refugee camp. Directionless, disorganized and confusing. I'd rather shop on Rodeo Drive for 6 hours than getting stuck here for 2 hours. read more

The Long Beach Cruise Port is clean and very efficient. Whether you park or are dropped off, the baggage handlers are quick to take your tagged luggage and point out the direction to head next. Inside is really adorable with decor and plenty of seating. We cruise fairly regularly and have status, so checkin is always a breeze. On the ship you go and bon voyage! read more

I really enjoyed my time onboard. I was hired to DJ for some private events and had a great time doing so. Setting up my equipment was also pretty easy as they had all the standard equipment to plug into (XLR, etc). The reason I gave it one star less is because even though the cruise was already covered and paid for by the client, I had to pay taxes and fees that they charge you after the trip. My client didn't know about this as they paid before-hand. The food also wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Royal Caribbean cruise line is the equivalent of Motel 6 in travel experience . Its a discount corporation that offers cheap rates buy the charges for everything and anything on board to cheat customers. On last night I recognized they add a mandatory tip on every purchase, then have a line for add tip for total. Im positive servers never see that money, all going to pockets of corporations. Food was mediocre, rooms are so tiny, and pools and hot tubs are jammed. Never again read more

Our cruise was March 2-6th carnival Inspiration. Catalina-Ensenada-back to Long Beach. The drop off was easy. The gentlemen that took the luggage was very quick and helpful. As you walk in you wait in line and get called up to a table. You were given a slip of paper asking to check a box if you have flu like symptoms and if you've traveled to certain countries. This is such a joke! There is no additional screening like the website said there would be. The corona virus has been a known thing for a bit and I've read multiple emails and what not from carnival that they were taking extra steps at the terminal. Where are these so called extra steps? If I could've canceled I would've especially with the corona virus hitting ships read more

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I came here on Monday afternoon for the Carnival Cruise that took place 4 days in Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. The terminal was clean and the staff was very helpful. Everything was quick and easy to followed! read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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You can't beat structured garage parking for the amount of traffic this terminal gets. As many times as I've been here- I haven't really counted how many levels there are. Probably the very top level is 4? Just make sure you keep that ticket handy! Parking per day is $17. When catching your Carnival cruise- you can opt to give the Longshoreman porters your luggage. Just be kind to tip them at least $1/ bag. The reason I gave this terminal a 4 star review is because we noticed the day before our cruise returned back to Long Beach- the strap from my Samsonite garment back has been removed. And the strap was in tact when we handed our luggage to the porters. There are clean bathrooms available. A kiosk next to the check in counters for the Carnival Cruise ships that sell sunglasses, sundresses, hats, & slippers. There's a food truck at the other side of the garage that sells hot food & cold drinks. And a covered area that sells chips, ramen cups, cigarettes, lighters, last minute toiletries for your cruise. There are plenty of handicap stalls on the first/ street level of the structured parking garage too. Lanes are provided for drop off/ pick up. Taxi's service this cruise terminal/center as well. Location is right next to the Queen Mary. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - 4 day bender - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

I came here for a cruise and was lucky enough to be dropped off by a friend. I usually cruise in and out of downtown Seattle so this experience was such a pleasant treat. It's great that you don't have to pay if you are just dropping someone off, we were able to hop out right where we needed to be. Perhaps we were running late, but there were people everywhere to help us and the signage was very clear. We didn't wait in any lines and were able to get thru this in just a few minutes. The large dome building is pretty cool in itself. It was a fair bit of walking, but did have bathrooms, places to sit and even photo opportunities. I also like that if you happen to be running early or killing time this is right next to the Queen Mary so you can do some site seeing or stop for a meal or a drink. After we returned from our cruise we walked ourselves right out and off the ship. We stepped outside a few feet and taxis were waiting to wiz us away. I had done a bit of research prior to my trip and had completely forgotten that the free Passport bus (part of Long Beach Transit) stops right out front here. If I had this to do over again I would have relied on this as my transport into town and saved myself the taxi money. It would have been challenging with the luggage, but I assume they must be used to this. I accidentally rode the Passport back to this location twice after I was already at my hotel so I know this is possible, but also a reminder that you don't have to see the Queen Mary immediately before or after your cruise if its easier to do at a later time. read more

Been here a total of 3 times now. Each time I come they are making the center more efficient for Carnival cruisers. I remember the 1st time we came and had to haul all of our bags while we waited for our rooms to be ready which was a couple hours later. The 2nd time we waited around the center for a while just to board and had an issue on the way back due to kids unwilling to take their own bags and staff forbidding us to go back up for them. The last time which was a couple weeks ago took about 30 mins to get boarded. And about the same time to disembark. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

We showed up during our assigned time slot but found a HUGE line. Guess no one really shows up at the actual window they are told. Lines moved at tortoise pace... whiled away time people watching. Parking was easy at the structure next door. $16 per day. read more

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I have mixed feelings about the Long Beach Port which is used exclusively by Carnival. The parking garage is extremely convenient. We easily found parking on level 3, from the time we parked and dropped our bags off it was less than 10 minutes. After that we were directed to a long check in line. We were on the 7 night inaugural cruise so it was very crowded (over 4500 passengers). The line took about an hour to get through and have our passports checked and boarding pass scanned. We were then told to wait in the "holding area" which was packed full, not one seat available. There was also no water provided which I have seen many other cruise lines provide while you wait to board. Boarding was very slow so it was just over two hours from time of arrival to getting on the ship. Once back in Long Beach the lines moved quickly. Customs took about 10 minutes and we headed to the car. There was only one parking attendant working when we left but luckily the line was short. By the time we got the to the front of the line there was a long line of cars behind us. It costs $161 for the week, a little pricey but you pay for the convenience. read more

Loved our cruise on the Carnival Panorama it was a great fun cruise and will go on it again. read more

Long Beach Cruise Center - Carnival Panorama! - Travel Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Had a great experience using this terminal for Carnival Cruise. Easy drop off area with porters or carry on. The check in and departure process was effortless. Once again easy access to parking, shuttles, uber's or cans. Pleanty of helpful people to speak with of need be. Enjoy! read more

This terminal is very well organized. We arrived for our cruise a couple hours prior to departure and the lines to check-in and pass through security were all very short. We had great service from the people at the counters checking us in to the people working security. There is a spot to take pictures before boarding the ship and those staff people were a little less friendly, but for the most part, everyone working here sent us off with smiles. (And one gentlemen was even singing farewells to the passengers in a beautiful, deep voice!) Upon our return, the disembarking process was a little less organized on the Carnival side, but when we reached the cruise center terminal we were once again happy to find friendly staff and security. Even going through customs was more pleasant than I expected. I would love to cruise out of this terminal again. read more

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No issues with our Carnival Cruise, Faster to Fun is just that! Boarded early, quickly, and with ease!