Long Beach Cruise Terminal: Where to Stay Before or After Your Cruise

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Long Beach Cruise Terminal: Where to Stay Before or After Your Cruise

Photo: Matthew Davis on Unsplash

If you've booked a Carnival cruise "from Los Angeles," there's a good chance you're actually sailing from Long Beach. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal sits right next to the historic Queen Mary, and it's one of the busiest cruise ports on the West Coast — home to Carnival ships sailing to Catalina Island, Ensenada, and the Mexican Riviera.

The smartest thing you can do for a stress-free embarkation day? Arrive the night before. Flights get delayed, freeway traffic in Southern California is unpredictable, and nobody wants to watch their ship leave from the 405. Here's everything you need to know about the terminal, plus why Alamitos Beach is one of the best places to stay before or after your cruise.

Where Is the Long Beach Cruise Terminal?

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, on the waterfront beside the Queen Mary. You can't miss it — the terminal is housed inside the giant white dome that once held Howard Hughes's famous "Spruce Goose" airplane.

The terminal is owned and operated by Carnival, so it serves Carnival Cruise Line sailings only. If you're sailing with another cruise line, double-check your ticket — most other lines leave from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, about 20–30 minutes away.

Which Ships Sail From Long Beach?

Carnival keeps several ships based in Long Beach year-round. As of 2026, these include:

  • Carnival Panorama — 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises (Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta), plus some 6- and 8-day sailings
  • Carnival Radiance — short 3- and 4-night getaways to Catalina Island and Ensenada
  • Carnival Firenze — Carnival's Italian-themed "Fun Italian Style" ship, sailing Mexico itineraries from Long Beach (Carnival has announced plans to move it to the East Coast in 2027)

Ship deployments change, so always confirm your itinerary on your Carnival booking.

Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Carnival runs a parking structure right at the terminal:

  • Cost: about $23 per day (subject to change), paid when you exit
  • Capacity: roughly 1,450 spaces — and no advance reservations
  • Height limit: 7 feet, so RVs and oversized vehicles need to park offsite
  • Short-term parking for drop-offs and pick-ups is free for the first 30 minutes

One important heads-up: with multiple ships sailing from Long Beach, the garage has hit capacity on busy sailing days, and Carnival has warned guests about very limited parking during peak periods. If you're driving in, arriving early — or skipping the car altogether — takes a lot of stress out of the morning.

Getting to the Terminal: Airports and Transportation

Flying in? You have two main options:

  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) — about 8 miles from the terminal. Smaller, easier, and usually far less hectic than LAX.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — roughly 22–26 miles away. Depending on traffic, that drive can take anywhere from 35 minutes to well over an hour.

Without a car: A rideshare or taxi is the simplest way to reach the terminal with luggage. Long Beach Transit also runs the free Passport shuttle, which loops between Downtown Long Beach, Rainbow Harbor, and the Queen Mary/Cruise Terminal — handy for exploring the waterfront the day before you sail.

Why Arrive the Day Before Your Cruise?

Cruise veterans almost always recommend flying or driving in at least one day early, and for good reason:

  • Flight delays and cancellations won't cost you your vacation. If you miss the ship, it won't wait.
  • LA traffic is unpredictable. A morning drive to the port can double in length with one accident.
  • You start your trip relaxed. Instead of rushing to boarding, you get a beach sunset, a good dinner, and a full night's sleep.
  • Easy morning logistics. From a nearby stay, the terminal is a short rideshare away, so you can arrive right at your check-in window.

Why Stay in Alamitos Beach Before Your Cruise

You could book a generic airport hotel — or you could turn the night before your cruise into a mini beach getaway. Alamitos Beach is just about 3 miles east of the cruise terminal (roughly a 10-minute drive), and it's one of the most walkable, laid-back neighborhoods in Long Beach.

From here you can:

  • Watch the sunset from Bluff Park, the palm-lined park overlooking the ocean along Ocean Boulevard
  • Walk the beach path, which runs for miles along the sand toward Belmont Shore and Downtown
  • Grab dinner on 4th Street (Retro Row) or Broadway, both known for local restaurants, coffee shops, and vintage stores
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary in Downtown Long Beach, just minutes away
  • Head down to the beach for an early morning walk before heading to the port

It's the difference between "pre-cruise hotel night" and "the first day of your vacation."

Where to Stay After Your Cruise

Disembarkation happens early in the morning, but many flights home don't leave until afternoon or evening. Instead of spending hours in an airport terminal, consider adding a night or two in Long Beach after your cruise. You get a slower re-entry into real life — beach time, a relaxed brunch, a stroll along the bluff — and a chance to see a side of Southern California most cruise passengers skip.

If you're planning to stay after your cruise, reach out to your host ahead of time about check-in timing and luggage — it helps to plan for the gap between getting off the ship in the morning and checking in later in the day.

Stay With Cozy Vibe Stay

Cozy Vibe Stay offers fully furnished vacation rentals in the Alamitos Beach area — a short ride from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal and steps from the beach, Bluff Park, and the restaurants along 4th Street and Broadway.

Compared to a hotel room, you get more space to spread out (and repack your suitcase), a full kitchen, and a real neighborhood to explore before you board. It's an especially good fit for families and groups traveling together on the same cruise. Browse available dates and find the unit that fits your trip on the Cozy Vibe Stay properties page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal? 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 — next to the Queen Mary.

Which cruise lines use the Long Beach Cruise Terminal? Only Carnival Cruise Line. Other lines typically sail from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.

How much is parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal? About $23 per day at the on-site garage (subject to change). Reservations aren't available, and the garage can fill up on busy sailing days.

Which airport is closest to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal? Long Beach Airport (LGB), about 8 miles away. LAX is roughly 22–26 miles away.

Should I arrive the day before my cruise? Yes — it's strongly recommended. Arriving a day early protects you from flight delays and traffic, and makes embarkation morning far less stressful.

How far is Alamitos Beach from the cruise terminal? About 3 miles, or roughly a 10-minute drive or rideshare, depending on traffic.



Sailing from Long Beach soon? Start your vacation a day early with a beachside stay in Alamitos Beach. See what's available at Cozy Vibe Stay.