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Los Angeles Cruise Port Terminals

The Los Angeles cruise port terminals are in two locations. Carnival cruises depart from Long Beach. The other cruise lines depart from San Pedro. Your cruise line will tell you where you'll depart.

The LA airport is either 18 miles or 23 miles from the cruise port depending on which cruise terminal.

The Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro is capable of docking three cruise ships at the same time. It is 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. Browse hotels near the cruise terminals .

Directions from LAX: Travel south on the San Diego Freeway (I-405), then south on the Harbor Freeway (I-110). Exit at Harbor Blvd. The entrance to the World Cruise Center is on the right. Reservations are not required for parking. Courtesy shuttle is provided.

The Long Beach cruise terminal is 23 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Parking is in a 5-story garage. The address is 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California.

Directions from Los Angeles: 405 Freeway south; 710 Freeway south; follow signs for the Queen Mary; stay to the far right of the Queen Mary ticket taker, this is the entrance to the Long Beach Cruise Port.

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Owned and operated by Carnival Corporation, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located alongside the legendary Queen Mary.

The neighboring Port of Los Angeles is just a quick drive away. We welcome you to stay and play in Long Beach before you embark on your journey. Bon Voyage!

Is there parking at the cruise terminal?

Parking is available at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal parking structure for $23 per day (rates subject to change). 0-30 minutes - No charge, 31 to 59 minutes $4.00, 1 to 2 hours $8.00. Note: The Garage Height Limit is 7'0". Oversized vehicles (those utilizing more than one parking space) cannot park in the cruise terminal garage and guests must make alternate/offsite parking arrangements.

For questions about parking, please call (800) 764-7419.

Hotel options and where to stay near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

There are plenty of hotels and accommodations convenient to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Any hotel in the greater Long Beach area will only a few short minutes away from the Cruise Terminal. Find the perfect place to stay on our website .

Are there restaurants near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal?

Just a short ride from downtown Long Beach, you will find over 100 restaurants, bars, and nightlife to enjoy. Explore Pine Avenue, The Promenade, or Shoreline Village for fresh seafood, local gastropubs, fine dining, and more!

Places to Visit Near the Cruise Terminal

555 EAST STEAKHOUSE

For more than a decade, 555 East has provided superior prime beef to the choosiest beef lovers in the Long Beach area. And as good as our prime cut is, we believe…

AGAVES KITCHEN & TEQUILA

Next Door by Agaves is the best spot to have Mexican lunch and dinner right here in downtown Long Beach. Here, gourmets can sample the finest traditional Mexican dishes in a…

ALEGRIA COCINA LATINA

Alegria Cocina Latina is located in trendy Downtown Long Beach, near the waterfront and arts center. With colorful Spanish décor and twinkling white lights along its patios, it is warm and artistic…

AMMATOLI MEDITERRANEAN BITES

AMMATOLI is distinctive and extraordinarily fresh and healthy. We only use the finest quality ingredients, and all our produce and bread are delivered daily.Our Mediterranean influenced kitchen gains inspiration from the best…

ARIZE BISTRO

An experienced Le Cordon Bleu graduate, partnered up with Thailand's No. 1 culinary school graduate to create memorable, irresistible, delicious, mouthwatering and beautiful dishes for you and your family to enjoy.

THE AULD DUBLINER IRISH PUB

The Auld Dubliner is Long Beach’s very first authentic Irish pub imported directly from Dublin, Ireland. Located at the Pike Outlets on Pine Avenue between Ocean and Shoreline, The Auld Dubliner offers…

BEACHWOOD BLENDERY

Beachwood Brewing & Blending is an 18-tap tasting room located on Long Beach Blvd in Downtown Long Beach featuring a rotating mix of our award-winning local beers, including distinctive West Coast IPAs…

BEACHWOOD BREWING

Brewing Downtown Long Beach has been serving downtown Long Beach tasty food and world-class beers brewed since 2011. Offering over 30 award-winning craft beers on tap, we’ve got something for everyone. Join…

BIRDIES N BREWS

At Birdies N Brews we have two golf simulator bays that we rent out for up to 6 people each. These simulators allow to hit real golf balls on our virtual driving…

THE BLIND DONKEY

The Blind Donkey is Long Beach's local whiskey bar. Located underneath the BroadLind Hotel. Head down the steps to discover our dimly lit bar, smooth jams, and enjoy the cities best Old…

BO BEAU KITCHEN + ROOF TAP

Located in the heart of downtown Long Beach serving Dinner nightly at 4:30 pm. Social Time: Monday – Friday 4:30pm - 7pm California Comfort Food with Global Influences. The food reflects classic…

BUONO’S AUTHENTIC PIZZERIA

Italy. Italia! A land kissed by the sun. A place of dreams and romance—fabulous wines and delectable food. For those who have never been there, it should be a quest-a goal—a fantasy…

THE BREAKFAST BAR

Josh and Pamela Beadel are Long Beach Locals who have lived and worked in downtown since 2002. Their experience spans managing family owned restaurants to serving at popular local Long Beach establishments…

Located in the beautiful Aquarium of the Pacific over looking Rainbow Harbor and the Seal exhibit. Cafe Scuba offers a variety of selections including healthy, sustainable seafood options, made to order sandwiches…

CAFE’ SEVILLA SPANISH RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR

Cafe Sevilla has been dedicated to providing the true essence of Spanish culture, music and cuisine since 1987. Located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, Cafe Sevilla is proud to offer…

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN — PIKE-RAINBOW

California Pizza Kitchen is a casual-dining restaurant serving up California creativity through its innovative menu items. CPK provides a range of California-inspired dishes, from signature hand-tossed and hearth-baked pizzas, to imaginative salads…

DISTRICT WINE

District Wine is a full-service wine tasting bar and lounge specializing in small production boutique wines and imported beer. Tapas and handmade flatbreads are offered to compliment our wine and beer list…

DOLY’S DELECTABLES

Nestled near the heart of downtown Long Beach, DoLy’s Delectables offers its loyal patrons the lingering sweetness of that last pleasant dream before rising for a new day. The little café follows…

FICKLEWOOD CIDERWORKS

Located in the East Village of downtown Long Beach, Ficklewood Ciderworks curates a complete cider experience. From the incredible fermenters to the relaxing, family-friendly environment, Ficklewood is a place to unwind, visit…

FUEGO AT THE MAYA

THE FUNNEL HOUSE

Offering homemade cookies, funnel cakes, lemonade and coffee. Come create your own ice cream sandwich or funnel cake sundae!

GEORGES GREEK CAFÉ (PINE AVE)

Traditional Greek dishes in a family atmosphere. Authentic, homemade Greek food prepared on premises from Mama’s recipes. Open daily, now offering a variety of American breakfast items such as pancakes, French toast…

GLADSTONE’S

We like to party... Our favorite part of our business is celebrating special moments with our guests. Whether you are getting married, having a baby shower, marking another great birthday, retiring, having…

HAMBURGER MARY’S

The original Hamburger Mary’s was a funky, friendly dive put together on a shoe-string budget. With humble beginnings as an eclectic late-night beer and burger joint, Hamburger Mary’s quickly established itself as…

ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT ON THE BOARDWALK

Choose from 16 flavors of ice cream and 6 flavors of fat-free frozen yogurt. Offering fresh baked waffle cones, smoothies and sundaes.

KING’S FISH HOUSE — PINE AVENUE

King's Fish House, a unique Southern California find as the quintessential American fish house, is quickly becoming a Southland fixture, establishing new locations from Calabasas to Orange County. With the familiarity, simple…

L’OPERA RISTORANTE

Celebrating Over 23 Years of Award Winning Classic & Modern Italian Cuisine! L'Opera was established in 1990 in a historical clock tower building on the corner of First Street & Pine Ave…

LA TRAVIATA

Located in the historic french-revival Willmore Building, La Traviata is one of the best kept secrets in Long Beach! La Trav serves an award winning Nuevo Italian menu in our Dining Room…

THE LAUGH FACTORY

The World Famous Laugh Factory and Stand-Up Comedy Hall of Fame comes to Long Beach. The Laugh Factory Long Beach features today’s top stand-up comedy stars three nights a week (Thursday -…

MICHAEL’S DOWNTOWN

A Long Beach favorite since 2013, Michael's Downtown transforms the freshest locally sourced ingredients into crave-worthy Italian food for our guests to enjoy. Our menu ranges from hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizza…

We are a family owned business that has been located on the ground floor of the Historic Cooper Arms building in downtown Long Beach, California since 1996. Modica's commitment is to provide…

NAREE THAI RESTAURANT

Naree Thai is a top-notch Thai restaurant located in downtown Long Beach. Large windows let in natural sunlight that make the atmosphere bright and welcoming. The food tastes even better than the…

NAVY PROOF FOOD & SPIRITS

Navy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach, is their newly debuted destination restaurant. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant offers locals and travelers alike…

OBSERVATION BAR AT THE QUEEN MARY

Once the original First Class Lounge, the chic Art Deco Observation Bar is the perfect place to relax, meet friends or simply enjoy the sunset and panoramic views. The Observation Bar is…

THE ORDINARIE

The terms Ordinarie, Tavern and Inn remained synonymous throughout most of the eighteenth century; these institutions were licensed to provide entertainment “for all persons” including “Strangers and their horses.” While your…

PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE

Parkers’ Lighthouse serves up inspired seafood, steak, chicken and pasta dishes . The Queensview Steakhouse located on the third floor of Parkers' Lighthouse, is proud to offer prime steaks, fine seafood, &amp…

THE PIE BAR

Meet your new obsession, The Pie Bar! Pie is the ultimate comfort food bringing back delicious memories of time spent with family. Enjoy a slice of our famous Key Lime Pie with…

PROMENADE CAFE

The Promenade Cafe is located in the Promenade Lobby of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, just off the Pine Avenue Entrance. Open everyday during conventions, consumer and trade shows -…

QUEENSVIEW STEAKHOUSE

The Queensview Steakhouse, located on the third floor of Parkers’ Lighthouse, has a warm and inviting ambiance like no other dining establishment in Long Beach. Take in the “supper club” dining experience…

THE REEF ON THE WATER

A landmark since 1958, The Reef has a fresh new look and feel . The restaurant features beautiful waterfront patios and decks overlooking the downtown Long Beach skyline. The menu specializes in…

ROSE PARK ROASTERS

Rose Park Roasters on Ocean Blvd is the third and newest coffee shop from Rose Park, a popular local coffee roaster and bakery. The space is bright and airy with a beautiful…

SHANNON’S CORNER

Only true sports bar downtown. Always friendly locals. All ages. Busy nightlife until 2am every day of the year. Long bar, Big Screens, All games shown. Great food. Breakfast served all day…

SHENANIGANS IRISH PUB & GRILLE

For decades, the Irish public house has been a social and community hub for the people of Ireland. It functions as both a place to consume alcohol at leisure as well as…

SIP LOUNGE — TEMP CLOSED

SIP is a modern, upscale, upbeat cozy lounge that serves signature cocktails, hand crafted beers, fine wines by the glass and perfectly paired food items. The decor featuers intimate seating areas with…

SOLITA TACOS & MARGARITAS

Founded on centuries-old rituals of turning agave into sacred tequila nectar, Solita Tacos & Margaritas invites guests to gather around to celebrate great food and hand-crafted margaritas. Conceptualized by the visionaries behind…

THE STAVE BAR

Classic Style Full Bar Noon - 2am Daily 90+ Scotches, Whiskeys, Bourbons & Ryes, 20+ “Signature Cocktails” Old Fashioned, Aviation, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Mules & more! 50+ Wines 20+ Draft Beers direct…

TEQUILA JACK’S

Tequila Jack's has something for everyone, from tacos and tostadas to tequila-glazed babyback ribs! The menu is a mouth-watering collection of innovative, Baja-style Mexican dishes, and the refreshments are unmatched. At Tequila…

THAI DISTRICT

Modern Thai Kitchen Yet very authentic in taste and ingredients – We hope to welcome you!

WATERCRAFT LOUNGE

Pick up a signature blend of our locally roasted artisan coffee and espresso while you explore the city. Watercraft Market also offers a farm-to-table menu from which you can order craft breakfast…

Overlooking Rainbow Harbor, Yard House offers American fusion cuisine along with the world’s largest selection of draft beer. Whether you’re in the mood for a grilled burger and a pint of your…

Things to Do

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Our animals welcome you back! In the Southern California/Baja Gallery, you can meet giant sea bass, leopard sharks, eels, seals, sea lions, white abalone, and other species found locally or in Baja…

LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

The Long Beach Museum of Art is located on a magnificent bluff overlooking the Long Beach Harbor, Catalina Island, the Queen Mary and the Pacific Ocean. The campus includes the historic Elizabeth…

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) was founded in 1996 in Long Beach, California and serves the greater Los Angeles area. It is the pioneering museum in the United States dedicated…

THE PIKE OUTLETS

Are The Pike Outlets open?Certain stores and restaurants are open. Check out their website for up-to-date openings.Located next to the Convention Center and Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike Outlets is a…

SHORELINE VILLAGE

Is Shoreline Village open?The Boardwalk is currently open, as well as Wheel Fun Rentals, Long Beach Parasailing, and Marina Sailing. Shoreline Village restaurants are open for pickup.Wander, Adventure & Explore! Shoreline Village…

What to do in Long Beach pre- or post-cruise?

If you have a day or two pre- or post-cruise, then you'll find plenty to do and see in Long Beach. The Aquarium of The Pacific , Long Beach Museum of Art and Museum of Latin American Art are must-sees for visitors. Shoppers will find all their favorite brand names at a discount at the Pike Outlets , right in downtown Long Beach. For more unique boutiques in pedestrian-friendly settings, check out Retro Row on 4th Street , the East Village Arts District , or visit the Belmont Shore or Bixby Knolls neighborhoods.

Check out these crafted itineraries and things to do in Long Beach!

What time does Carnival Cruise depart from Long Beach?

For more information including times of arrival and departure visit Carnival's website or download their mobile app .

Do you need a passport for a cruise?

For domestic cruises (cruises that begin and end in a U.S port) a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older is required. For European and Transatlantic cruises, U.S citizens are required to carry a passport, valid for six months beyond the date of their visit. Learn more here .

To book your cruise or for questions about your reservation call Carnival Cruise Line at (800) 764-7419

Here's how to get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the cruise terminal:

Here's driving directions from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to the cruise terminal:

Driving directions from the San Diego (south) to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal:

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Whether you’re visiting Long Beach, California for business, fun or both, you’ll always find something unconventional to do.

Events in Long Beach

Special events in Long Beach invite visitors to experience a variety of festivals, sporting events, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year.

It’s a scientific fact that Moms are the best (trust us, we’ve crunched the numbers). So it only follows–logically–that you want to get her the best for Mother’s Day. Fortunately

We may not live by bread alone, but it certainly lends more flavor to life. Long Beach is recognized as a haven for those practicing that most ancient and fundamental

Nothing builds bonds inside an office like getting together outside of it. Long Beach offers so many fun ways to strengthen your team, from swinging clubs to throwing axes to

If the term “antiques” conjures up images of grandma’s attic and dusty, somewhat creepy objects and ephemera, imagine this: boutiques, stores and swap meets chock full of fun furnishings, funky

If you find yourself at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach–the weekend of April 19-21–consider yourself not only in a wonderful situation but wonderfully situated to enjoy food and

As it has for nearly half a century, the 49th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach returns to rock the International City as the world’s fastest cars power down Shoreline

Long Beach’s cannabis dispensaries are alive and growing, providing products for those with physical and emotional needs as well as those looking to refocus or relax. Distinguished by clean environs

While Long Beach is one of California’s largest cities, its urban setting is offset by its proximity to and incorporation of nature. Its location along the coast and ample green

The single block stretch of First Street, between Elm and Linden Avenues, in Long Beach’s East Village Arts District, presents an amazing amalgam of places to eat, shop, drink, grow

Get your bridal party together and have some creative fun for your bachelor or bachelorette party in Long Beach! Whether your crew loves to get pampered or go on adventures

Filipino baked goods are becoming increasingly popular and there is a growing number of bakeries in Long Beach serving them up. From longtime fixtures like Gemmae Bake Shop to newcomers

Record stores are magical places where music lovers build community around a shared appreciation (or compulsion): searching for their favorite sounds while discovering new ones. Long Beach is fortunate to

Actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will serve as the grand marshal for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach IndyCar series race on Sunday, Apr. 21.

Katherine Legge and Takuma Sato, drivers with a legacy of winning races, breaking barriers and setting milestones, will be honored at this year’s Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame ceremony

Los Angeles cruise port

West coast usa and canada.

• Coordinates 33.752, -118.188
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• Local Time 2024-04-29 19:58

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Long Beach Port Transportation

Last updated on January 21st, 2024 at 10:47 pm

Long Beach offers various transportation options for cruise passengers, including shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services. The Long Beach Transit Passport shuttle provides easy access to downtown attractions, while the nearby Long Beach Airport and Los Angeles International Airport offer convenient air travel connections.

What airport is closest to Long Beach Cruise Terminal?

Car rentals in long beach ca, long beach taxis, long beach airport & cruiseport shuttles, lax airport & cruiseport shuttles, cruise planning at this port.

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New Orleans is the city of jazz and jambalaya, Mardi Gras and masked celebrations. There’s a reason why more and more passengers choose to launch their cruise vacations from this unique city. And our cruise terminals and parking facilities are conveniently located in the heart of the city, steps from the amenities and cultural offerings you can only find in the Crescent City.

New Orleans is the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States, and demand for cruising from the Big Easy is growing for both Caribbean and river itineraries. Discover why cruising from New Orleans is like taking two vacations in one!

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Los Angeles & Long Beach Cruise Parking (Where to Park)

With roughly 20 million residents in the Los Angeles area, it’s no surprise that many people end up driving to the cruise port and parking.

The good news is that in a city famous for its automobile lifestyle (and the traffic and congestion that comes with that) the cruise ports have made it easy and relatively inexpensive to park. 

Below, we’ve outlined your options for both LA area ports, including where to park for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach cruise terminal.

Cruise Parking at the World Cruise Center (Port of Los Angeles)

When sailing for the Port of Los Angeles, your options are somewhat limited for parking. With a major working port on one side and residential neighborhoods on the other, there isn’t a lot of space for independent parking lots like at other ports around the country.

That said, the port offers parking right on site that’s extremely convenient. From here you can simply walk to the ship when departing and be back to your car within minutes when your cruise returns.

Official Port of Los Angeles Parking The official parking for the Port of Los Angeles is operating by Parking Concepts, Inc. They offer parking with more than 2,500 spots right near the cruise berths.

There are plenty of spots and reservations are not required.  Rates are $20 per day for regular vehicles , $40 for oversized vehicles. So for a week-long cruise, expect to pay about $140 for parking.

That may seem expensive, but it’s relatively affordable for parking compared to other major cruise ports around the country. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted, and you pay after your trip.

• Cost: $20 per day
• Payment: Cash, credit, and debit accepted
• Phone: 310-547-4357
• Website: https://www.portoflosangeles.org

Los Angeles Hotels with Cruise Parking While there aren’t abundant options for independent parking lots, there is one place that will offer cheap parking for cruisers — hotels. Many hotels in the area cater to cruise passengers. They will offer discounted parking if you stay with them for at least one night.  We have a list of LA hotels with cruise parking here .

In general, if you plan to stay in the LA area for an extra night or two anyway, we highly recommend using this tip to save some cash on your parking.

A number of hotels in the area such as the ones below have parking packages. See the link above for a full list:

• DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro — Port of LA
• Crowne Plaza LA Harbor Hotel
• Vagabond Inn San Pedro

Cruise Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Like the Port of Los Angeles, you won’t have many options for parking other than the official port parking at the terminal. Still, it’s hard to complain when parking is a mere steps away from the terminal, meaning you don’t have to deal with long walks or wait on shuttles to take you back and forth from your ship.

Official Port of Long Beach Parking A parking garage is offer right at the ship for you to park while you cruise. As you can see in the map, the parking garage is extremely close to the terminal.

Parking rates are $23 per day . So if you have a week-long cruise, expect to pay about $160.

Cash and credit cards are accepted. The lot doesn’t require reservations — there should be plenty of parking come cruise day as it is a multi-story garage. If you have an oversized vehicle, then know that the port says “oversized vehicles (those utilizing more than one parking space) cannot park in the cruise terminal garage and guests must make alternate/offsite parking arrangements.”

• Cost: $23 per day
• Payment: Cash, credit, and debit cards
• Phone: 305-599-2600
• Website: https://www.visitlongbeach.com/

Long Beach Hotels with Cruise Parking Again, if you plan to stay in the area and want to save on parking, be sure to check out  our list of hotels offering cruise parking packages .

We’ve found many offering that are within a short ride to the terminal that will also let you park your car at a rate much cheaper than parking at the cruise port. In Long Beach, the following hotels (and many more) offer parking deals for their guests:

• Courtyard Long Beach Downtown
• Hilton Long Beach
• Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to park at Los Angeles and Long Beach? The two ports that are about 10 minutes from each other charge different rates. If you are sailing from the World Cruise Center (Port of Los Angeles), then the price is $20 per day. If you are sailing from the Port of Long Beach, then you’ll pay $23 per day. 

Both ports will accept cash or credit card.

Do I need a reservation to park? No. Each port has ample space for parking. For example, the Port of Los Angeles has more than 2,500 individual parking spaces. Instead of making a reservation, you simply show up on cruise day and you’ll be directed to a spot.

Are there cheaper places to park than at the port? Due to the location of the ports, there aren’t many independent lots nearby. Your best bet is to simply park at the cruise port using their official port parking.

That said, if you are planning to stay the night in the area, there are a number of hotels that offer park and cruise packages. With a night’s stay you can get discounted parking while you cruise. See our list of  Los Angeles and Long Beach “park and cruise” hotels .

More on Cruising From Los Angeles & Long Beach

Getting to the Port of Los Angeles & Long Beach  — Directions, maps, and information on taxis and shuttles. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Dropping Off at the Port  — Dropping off passengers for their cruise? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal.

Los Angeles & Long Beach Cruise Hotels  — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 12+ convenient los angeles & long beach hotels with cruise parking, using uber & lyft to get to the los angeles & long beach cruise ports, which airport you should fly into for a los angeles cruise, 5 easy ways to get to the los angeles and long beach cruise ports, 12 highly rated los angeles & long beach cruise hotels close to the ports, complete guide to cruising from the ports of los angeles and long beach.

I have called half a dozen phone numbers and no one knows how to pay for the parking once you leave the garage. Please answer Your app gives me the phone # of the Convention Center. And they know nothing about your parking garage.

The parking ticket at 231 Windsor Way says” no cars will be released without this claim check.” We drove out of the parking garage and there was no place to pay for our parking on the morning of May 5th. Is it free?

Did you ever get an answer? I am planning to use there parking as well. Thank you, Willie

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47 Major Crimes Were Alleged on U.S. Cruise Ships in the First Three Months of 2024. Here’s What to Know

The best gift ever for people that love cruises this might be it…, nearly 100 passengers fall ill with stomach virus on princess cruise, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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La Romana (Dominican Republic) Cruise Port Guide (2023)

Basic guide to La Romana cruise port (in the Dominican Republic): discover where cruise ships dock and what's at the cruise terminal, how to explore La Romana, the best things to do, shore excursions, and all you must know.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 28, 2023

The port of La Romana (in the Dominican Republic) has many highlights, such as the stunning islands of Saona and Catalina; the top attractions in Altos de Chavón, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo; and the numerous beach resorts in Bayahibe and Dominicus.

• Where is La Romana and cruise ships dock
• The Cruise Terminal
• How to explore La Romana
• Top 15 Things to do
• Shore excursions (Shorex)

La Romana is a regularly visited cruise port of call in the Caribbean itineraries during the Fall-Winter season, with as many as 395,000 passengers and close to 140 cruise ship visits in the 2018-2019 season.

The cruise port of La Romana has a very appealing character: the area is neat and immaculately kept. On the whole, La Romana is safe. Locals tend to be very friendly but not pushy and speak English reasonably well.

For those cruising with families, there is a lot to do. Cruise passengers with walking difficulties will find it easy to wander around on their own in the La Romana cruise terminal.

Where is La Romana and the cruise terminal

La Romana (a small port city with a population of around 130,400) is in the eponymous southern province of the Dominican Republic. The port city is on the southeast coast of the island, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The cruise port in La Romana is around 200 miles (340 km) west of San Juan and 421 miles (678 km) north of Aruba .

Thanks to its location, La Romana is a regular port of call in itineraries sailing east and west Caribbean cruises. Cruises to La Romana usually call at popular ports such as Amber Cove , Curaçao , Bonaire , and Grand Turk . Cruise lines like Regent and NCL also call at top ports in the Eastern Caribbean like Antigua , Barbados , St. Lucia , and St. Maarten . Royal Caribbean cruise ships usually include a call at Labadee in their itineraries.

Homeport, embarking and disembarking in La Romana

La Romana is also a turnaround port (or homeport) for many years. The cruise terminal in La Romana is reasonably close to two international airports (La Romana International Airport and Punta Cana Airport), both with excellent worldwide connections. La Romana airport is 5 miles northeast of the cruise terminal and has daily direct flights to and from Miami.

German cruise lines AIDA and TUI use the port to embark and disembark passengers for a few years, and so does Marella (British). Although Carnival Cruise ships regularly visit La Romana, they never used the port as a homeport.

Where cruise ships dock

Cruise ships dock on the mouth of Rio Dulce (known in English as La Romana River). Two large cruise ships can berth simultaneously on two quays (one on each riverbank). The eastern quay has a pier for cruise ships up to 1148 ft (350 m) long, while cruise ships up to 820 ft (250 m) long can dock the western quay.

Cruise ships docked at La Romana cruise port

Photo: Public Domain

The western quay is a mixed industrial and cruise pier with very basic services and amenities. By contrast, the eastern dock is for the exclusive use of cruise ships and has an excellent open-air cruise terminal.

What's at La Romana Cruise Terminal

The cruise terminal in La Romana is also known as Sugar Breeze Cruise Terminal. The open-air terminal has a few buildings with services and amenities just yards away from your cruise ship gangway, not more than a 5-minute walk.

Here are the services and amenities you will find at the Sugar Breeze Cruise Terminal :

• Information desk
• Shopping area
• Bar and Coffe Shop
• Local handicraft stalls
• Independent shorex meeting point
• Chu-Chu train to downtown
• Suttle bus to Altos de Chavón

The exit of the cruise terminal is on the eastern end. By the exit gates, there is an excellent Information Desk . We advise cruise passengers wishing to explore La Romana on their own to check this desk for updated information such as taxi fares and to pick up a map of the area. Bear in mind that you will have to show your shipboard card when re-entering the cruise terminal.

How to explore La Romana on a cruise

Cruise passengers wondering what to do on a cruise to La Romana will find that some attractions are better to enjoy with cruise excursions. That's the case if you wish to explore the highlights of Santo Domingo , enjoy a beach break in Catalina Island , or kayak in the C havón River . But there are experiences that cruise visitors can easily enjoy independently or on their own.

You can easily visit the village of Altos de Chavón , take a beach break in the resorts of Bayahibe and Dominicus , or a walk around downtown La Romana at your leisure. Here are the four possible ways to discover La Romana:

• Book a Shore Excursion
• Shuttle bus and Chu-Chu train
• Taxi and Uber

Things to do in La Romana cruise port

Besides famous top sites like the village of Altos de Chavón (Casa del Campo), cruise passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy many activities and explore unusual attractions on a cruise to La Romana. Here are the top 15 things to do in La Romana cruise port:

• Swim with Dolphins Enjoy a show, have face-to-face encounters, or swim with dolphins in one of the two top-rated dolphin parks in the Caribbean.
• Visit the village of Altos de Chavón Altos the Chavón is a replica of a sixteenth-century Mediterranean village, surrounded by lush vegetation, and unique views over the river Chavón.
• Tour the city of Santo Domingo The capital of the Dominican Republic (965,000 population) is one of the most vibrant cities in the Caribbean with a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy a Zipline Adventure Cruise lines offer zipline adventures in two different places relatively close to La Romana port: the Cumayasa Sky Adventure and the Scape Park.
• Sail on a catamaran and snorkel in Punta Cana Sailing the coastline of Punta Cana and snorkeling at the Underwater Museum is a rare experience.
• Discover the Dominican countryside Cruise passengers interested in sightseeing and cultural experiences will find shore excursions touring the Dominican countryside.
• Drive a four-wheel buggy Ride in a two-person all-terrain vehicle through rural landscapes and the dramatic scenery of the Cumayasa River.
• Relax on a Beach resort Cruise passengers that like to spend the day in port on a all-inclusive beach resort will find excelent day-pass and shore excursions.
• Go to a public beach on your own Cruise passengers that like to spend a day on the beach without paying for a shore excursion or a resort day-pass can get a taxi to public beaches close to the port in La Romana.
• Saona Island Escape Saona island is known for its paradisiacal beaches, excellent snorkeling, and scuba diving. Columbus named the heavenly island after the Italian city of Savona.
• Discover Taino Caves and tour San Pedro The Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) has excellently preserved pictographs and petroglyphs by the Taino.
• Go horseback riding The equestrian center at the Casa de Campo Resort is one of the best in the Caribbean to enjoy horseback riding.
• Enjoy a beach break in Catalina Island Despite its small size, Isla Catalina is a popular destination to visit on a cruise to La Romana port.
• Chavón River kayaking and sightseeing The River Chavón was the setting of blockbuster movies such as Apocalypse Now, Rambo, and Jurassic Park.
• Scuba for certified divers Scuba diving in popular sites right off Catalina island is spectacular.

Cruise shore excursions and tours

All cruise lines calling at La Romana offer many and diverse shore excursions in La Romana. These include many different combos, and you may enjoy distinct experiences and attractions on the same cruise excursion. It is advisable to look into the excursions cruise lines offer before deciding what to do on a cruise to La Romana.

Royal Caribbean offers 10 shore excursions , and Carnival lists 26 cruise excursions . Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent lists 10 excursions .

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals

Language : Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. English is reasonably well-spoken in all major touristic areas and sites.

Currency : The Domican Peso is the legal tender in the Dominican Republic but the US$ and the Euro (€) are widely accepted in most tourist areas.

Nearest US Consulate to La Romana

Consular Agency Bavaro/Punta Cana The consulate angency is 55.8 miles east of La Romana, around 1-hour drive. Address: Palma Real Shopping Village, Business Center, Second Floor, Suite 1, Bávaro. Open: Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 12:30pm, and from 2:00pm to 5:00pm Website: do.usembassy.gov

Travel advise

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to the Dominican Republic see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Coronavirus advice for La Romana cruises

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to the Dominican Republic and La Romana visit the U.S. Embassy on the Dominican Republic website . For a more comprehensive Traveler's Health advice to the Dominican Republic see the CDC Website .

La Romana Basic Info at a Glance

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursion of La Romana Cruise Port. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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Carnival Cruise Line sets its sights on new Bahamas port of call

Carnival to open grand bahama celebration key in summer of 2025.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will welcome ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville, as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals. Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove. (“Lokono” means “the people” in the native Lucayan language.)

The name was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove — a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Duffy said. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing, mile-long beachfront expanse and a massive freshwater inland lagoon that the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities, including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026.

Calypso Lagoon, just to the west, is home to the sport court, the freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. The adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals, including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling Carnival’s largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class.

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Carnival Freedom's next two cruises from Port Canaveral canceled after exhaust funnel fire

A fire in the exhaust funnel of the Carnival Freedom this weekend has disrupted a cruise of the Port Canaveral-based ship for the second time in less than two years — and will mean that the ship's next two cruises are canceled.

Damage to the funnel will require the cancellation of Carnival's next two cruises out of Port Canaveral, which were scheduled to depart Monday and Friday.

Thousands of passengers with scheduled cruises will be affected by the canceled cruises during a busy spring break period for Carnival and other cruise lines.

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Carnival initially had said it expected no changes in its upcoming cruises, but on Sunday afternoon said the cancellations would be required.

"Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought, and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," according to a statement issued by Matt Lupoli, Carnival Cruise Line's senior manager of public relations. "The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs."

Carnival said it made the decision after "our technical team completed a thorough assessment" during the ship’s visit Sunday to Freeport in the Bahamas.

In the statement, Carnival said: "We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests, as we know they have been looking forward to their spring break vacation. We are providing all guests on both canceled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit, so they can come back and enjoy a future cruise with us. We also greatly appreciate the terrific guests who are currently sailing with us, for their outstanding cooperation and support."

In a Facebook post, Carnival's widely followed brand ambassador, John Heald, conceded that many people who booked one of the canceled cruises are "feeling very disappointed," and he apologized for the turn of events.

But, Heald added that he wanted to assure affected passengers that, "when you rebook, using your full refund and your 100% future cruise credit, that the crew will be standing by to give you all the fun you deserve."

More than 500 people responded to the post, with many saying they thought Carnival was generous with the compensation offer. But some people who said they were on the cruise that experienced the fire said they thought Carnival should have done more for the people who were on the ship.

Carnival said the fire was confined to the funnel area. The cruise line said there are no reports of injuries to passengers. Two firefighting crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Carnival said that, at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, the Carnival Freedom reported a fire on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, heading to Freeport after a canceled call to the Carnival private island of Princess Cay due to adverse weather.

Details of previous fire: Fire breaks out on Carnival Freedom while Port Canaveral-based ship was in Grand Turk

"The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames," an earlier Carnival statement said. "Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike, and that is being investigated, but cannot yet be confirmed."

By 5:20 p.m. Saturday, the fire was extinguished. 

Carnival said the ship's captain made multiple announcements to passengers and crew, and advised all but essential safety personnel to stay away from balconies and all open decks. 

The port-side portion of the funnel had fallen onto Deck 10, and the firefighting response put out any flames. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has been notified of the fire, and Carnival activated its incident response team to support the ship’s crew. 

Carnival said there were no other operational issues with the ship’s systems, and the ship, which was on a four-night cruise, was visiting Freeport on Sunday.

The Freedom sailed into the channel at Port Canaveral around 7:30 a.m. Monday, and docked at Cruise Terminal 6, letting off the passengers who were on the cruise. Carnival then awaited a Coast Guard inspection of the ship before it could be cleared to leave Port Canaveral for the Freeport shipyard for repairs. The ship left the port about 6:20 p.m.

A cruise ship funnel generally serves as a smokestack to lift emissions above the deck, thus away from passengers and crew.

On Saturday evening, "Carnival Freedom guests enjoyed the Elegant Night dinner as planned, and, with the exception of the open decks, all areas of the ship are fully functioning," Carnival said in its statement. 

The sailing had about 3,700 passengers onboard. And the two upcoming sailings that were canceled each likely would have had a similar passenger count, because this is a busy time for the cruise industry.

The Carnival Freedom's next voyage was scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Monday afternoon on a five-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. That cruise had port-of-call stops scheduled at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and at Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But that sailing and a Friday sailing both have been canceled. Friday's five-night sailing also was scheduled to stop at those two ports of call, but in reverse order.

In May 2022, a fire broke out in the funnel area of the Carnival Freedom while it was docked in Grand Turk. Carnival then canceled three scheduled sailings of the Carnival Freedom out of Port Canaveral because of the need to repair the ship's fire damage at a shipyard in Grand Bahama.

More recently, in October 2023, the Carnival Freedom debuted a new iconic winged funnel after returning from a 16-day dry-dock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Carnival Freedom's next two cruises from Port Canaveral canceled after exhaust funnel fire

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Cruises Make Great Birthday Weekend Getaways

Throw your kid a party they won't forget.

By Heidi Sarna | Published on April 29, 2024

Birthdays are the best time of year to celebrate your loved ones, especially your children. As your child's birthday approaches this year, consider making a bigger splash than a routine visit to your local arcade or trampoline park. Go for the ultimate wow factor and get away with your family for a celebration on a cruise ship — your go-to for the best birthday weekend getaways.

Cruises make the best weekend trips for birthdays because they offer immersive fun for all ages. Trade planning birthday parties for seamless celebrations everyone in your crew can enjoy. And let the ship, which caters to the younger set with nonstop bow-to-stern fun, serve as their playground. I can't think of a more perfect setting for the best birthday trips.

As a mom who has delighted in celebrating my twin sons' birthdays on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, I'm thrilled to offer my top tips for planning the best birthday cruises, ensuring your kid's next birthday is one they'll never forget.

How To Choose The Right Ship And Itinerary

Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is a potentially great choice for weekend birthday trips. The stage is set the minute you board, with the engaging crew on the gangway — your very own birthday weekend welcome wagon. The buzz is palpable, and a festive vibe permeates the air.

While the ship and its amenities provide the ultimate birthday backdrop, the destinations you visit will also be great opportunities to make memories. Which itineraries promise the best birthday weekend getaways? Well, that's easy, in my opinion. The best birthday cruises are Royal Caribbean's weekend cruises to The Bahamas.

Three-night cruises depart Fridays from three Florida ports — Orlando (Port Canaveral), Ft. Lauderdale and Miami . All of these sailings feature the best way to spend a birthday in paradise: a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

The Party Starts In Your Stateroom

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of birthday trip celebratory gifts that you can pre-order in advance (or once you're onboard — a win for my fellow procrastinators out there). Classic Royal Caribbean packages include a magnetic "Happy Birthday" sign for your door, while your stateroom is adorned with a birthday garland and festive decor.

Tap into your inner creativity and stash a few extra decorations from home in your suitcase (don't forget some magnets if you want to put more birthday decor on the cabin door). I've found that photos or cutouts of my kids' favorite film characters, superheroes or animals work great.

I packed a few rolls of colorful crepe streamers to celebrate my twin sons' eighth birthdays on a birthday weekend getaway, looping nautical-themed blue and white streamers around their cabin bunk beds as they slept so they'd wake up to festive vibes. I also went to the onboard shop and purchased cute inflatable ships to place around the stateroom and captain's hats for our family to wear. Signifying we were on a birthday trip brought many welcome cheers from the ship's excellent crew as well as guests.

No perfect birthday weekend getaway is complete without cake. Royal Caribbean can help by delivering your sweets , too. Choose a vanilla or chocolate birthday cake, a box of mini vanilla or red-velvet cupcakes or request chocolate-chunk brownies, which can arrive at your stateroom to kick off your celebrations. I fondly recall a birthday cruise with Grandpa and Grandma in tow. We started the all-day birthday celebrations for my boys nice and early with ice-cream sundaes at Ben & Jerry's® for breakfast!

The Best Birthday Activities Onboard

If you were celebrating on land, you might rent a party space or take the kids to an amusement park for their birthday. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the stage is already set with countless included activities for all ages.

A day onboard quickly fills with fun for all ages, from mini golf to rock climbing, zip lines and water slides, not to mention my kids' favorite, the FlowRider® surf simulator. Much of the fun is included in your cruise fare, with a few options offered at an additional charge, like the RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator on Quantum Class ships. It's totally worth it, by the way.

I can't forget to mention the fun for kids joining the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. A highlight of my sons' weekend birthday cruise was making new friends, dabbling in some arts and crafts and participating in wacky science experiments in their age-appropriate grouping.

You can always put on your thinking cap (or birthday hat) and design a little treasure hunt for your wee ones. I did this once, drawing a simple treasure map for my sons' birthday that led them around the ship to find six special birthday surprises — a slice of pizza, an ice cream cone, the toy section of the gift shop, roller-skating tag with mom, etc. Royal Caribbean ships are ready-made for special event cruises, so make the most of it.

Perfect Port Days

The best birthday weekend getaways include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. When it's time to take the party from the ship to the shore, Perfect Day at CocoCay is ready for you.

Almost all of Royal Caribbean's weekend cruises out of Florida call on the cruise line's private island. It's an island paradise that truly caters to the whole family, especially kids. Eat as many burgers, hot dogs and fries as you want at the island's five complimentary dining spots when you're not jumping for joy in the giant Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Birthday kids can live it up splashing around Captain Jill's Galleon℠, a shipwreck complete with geysers, slides and drench buckets, and the Splashaway Bay℠ water park for the smallest swashbucklers with fountains, pools, mini waterslides and more.

When you need a break from the party pace, unwind on the powdery sands of Chill Island® and South Beach — family-friendly spots with beach chairs and umbrellas lined up and waiting.

And since you've got a birthday to celebrate, why not spring for Thrill Waterpark® ? With a floating trampoline, wave pool and 13 waterslides, it's a great place to let little ones have a blast and earn bragging rights. Did I mention one of the attractions is the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet?

Your kid's special day wouldn't be complete without a ride on Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon that takes guests soaring 450 feet up for out-of-this-world views from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas.

Customizing Birthday Cruises: Top Tips

Whenever you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, you'll see many groups celebrating. It's fun to see many families and groups kitted out in matching T-shirts, baseball caps and accessories designed with the birthday kid's name. Consider planning ahead with your own custom-designed clothing to make your weekend party cruise that much more fun.

Of course, in the dining room at any given time, you can hear the sound of "Happy Birthday" being sung by the servers and fellow guests eager to join in the revelry. Make sure you mention to your waiter that there's a birthday kid in your party.

Think outside of the birthday box and see how you can customize your weekend birthday cruise to suit your preferences and requirements. With some planning, sometimes private spaces onboard the ship can be reserved, and special food and music arranged — especially if you're traveling with the extended family or a group of friends. Contact the Royal Gifts department (or Groups Department , if you're traveling with a large group of friends and family) to see what can be put together.

Capturing The Birthday Fun

The ship's professional photographers will be happy to capture precious moments of your sailing, including a weekend birthday cruise bash. Get the family dressed in their finest — or maybe in the matching T-shirts you brought along or the captains' hats you bought in the gift shop — and make some seriously fun memories to cherish forever.

If you have special thoughts about where you want your photos taken, talk to the photography team. They're a friendly crew with lots of ideas. When your photo shoot is over, you can purchase your favorite pictures in digital form or as prints — it's up to you.

The icing on the birthday cake? Royal Caribbean's family- and birthday-friendly weekend cruises often include frequent offers for families like complimentary sailing for kids if they stay in the same stateroom as their parents. Now that's a birthday present for the adults, too!

Written By HEIDI SARNA

Heidi Sarna, a freelance writer who specializes in cruising, is a contributor to Frommer's, Travel Weekly, CNBC.com and The Points Guy, among others. Heidi has taken more than 125 cruises and has visited 78 countries and counting.

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