Baltimore’s Cruise Maryland Terminal sits on the Patapsco River just minutes from the lively Inner Harbor. The drive‑up port is prized by Mid‑Atlantic cruisers for easy highway access, on‑site parking, and short hops to BWI Airport. Within a 30‑minute radius guests can tour Fort McHenry, marvel at the National Aquarium, stroll cobblestone lanes in Fells Point, and feast on steaming Chesapeake blue crabs. Major lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean run year‑round sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda, drawing more than 440,000 passengers in 2023. With rich maritime history, family‑friendly museums, and plenty of Old Bay‑dusted seafood, Baltimore offers a charming send‑off before every voyage.
Port Overview
Official name & address: Cruise Maryland Terminal, 2001 East McComas St., Baltimore, MD 21230 (Royal Caribbean)
Cruise terminals: 1 dedicated terminal (South Locust Point)
Major cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (seasonal)
Stay in well‑lit Inner Harbor and Federal Hill areas after dark; avoid isolated blocks.
Use crosswalks—traffic around Key Highway moves quickly.
Carry a light jacket even in summer; Bay breezes can feel cool on the pier.
Blue crab seasoning is salty; request “light Old Bay” if sensitive.
Ballpark events may spike traffic—check Orioles/Ravens schedules before driving.
Cruise Day Logistics
Parking garage is credit‑card‑only; rate $20 per day (cash not accepted).
Checked luggage drops curbside; keep meds & documents in carry‑on.
Terminal opens 3 hours before embarkation; arrive in assigned window to avoid lines.
Post‑cruise rideshare pick‑up zone is just beyond the security gate—look for striped awning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early can passengers park on embarkation day? A: The lot opens at 9 a.m., three hours before most boarding times. Q: What’s the daily parking cost? A: $20 per vehicle; oversized RVs pay double. Q: Are passports required on Bahamas cruises? A: A passport book is strongly recommended, but a birth certificate and photo ID are accepted on closed‑loop U.S. sailings. Q: Is the terminal fully wheelchair‑accessible? A: Yes—ADA ramps, elevators, and reserved parking are provided. Q: Can luggage be dropped off before parking? A: Yes—follow the porter lane, unload, then park. Q: Are there lockers inside the terminal? A: No—carry‑on items stay with guests until staterooms open. Q: What happens if a sailing is diverted (e.g., bridge closure)? A: Lines may bus guests to an alternate port like Norfolk and return them to Baltimore post‑cruise at no charge.
Prices and hours subject to change; confirm before visiting.