Monday 18 March 2024

Cruise Port - Copenhagen, Denmark



Introduction

Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is located on the island of Sealand 42 km west of Sweden and 260 km east of the Danish mainland. The city is home to over 1 million citizens, and is the biggest city in the whole of Scandinavia.

The city was founded in the years 1160-67 by Bishop Absalon (1128-1201) an advisor of the renowned King Valdemar the Great of Denmark. In 1416 King Erik VII moved the royal residence to to the city, so promoting it to the country's capital.

Copenhagen's signature buildings were erected in the period spanning the 15th and 16th centuries during the monarchy of King Christian IV. Foremost examples include Rosenborg Castle, the Old Citadel and the Old Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's beautiful canals were also dug during this time.

The 18th century was to be a further important era in the development of the city. The impressive Frederiksstaden district, a beautiful series of stylish palaces, was constructed during the reign of Frederick V.

Today Copenhagen is the most popular city in Scandinavia with many places and attractions to delight the visitor, from interesting museums to historic buildings. The city is also one of the region's most important cruise ship ports, typically handling over 340 cruise ship movements each year.

You Choose The Cruise

Copenhagen's cold winter restricts the cruise ship season to the summer and fall.

Sail around the Baltic and wonder at the quaint medieval streets of Tallinn, Peter the Great's architectural wonders in St Petersburg, the impressive Suomenlinna fortress in Helsiniki and the majestic Royal Palaces of Stockholm. Alternatively voyage to the legendary Fjords of Norway to witness the Art Nouveau town of Alesund, Bryggen harbor in Bergen, the Old Town of Stavanger and the picture-perfect landscape at Geiranger. Or head even further north to the Arctic to visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens at Tromso and the North Cape at Honningsvag.

Cruises from Copenhagen provides a comprehensive calendar of cruise ship sailings out of the city.

Cruise Terminals

Copenhagen is the largest home port in the Baltic region and can cater for 10 cruise vessels at the same time.

There are 4 separate quays in Copenhagen for cruise ships, Nordre Toldbod, 1 mile from the center of the city, Langeline, 2 miles and Ocean Quay, 4 miles.


Nordre Tolbod
The Nordre Tolbod quay is just southwards from Langeline. Just one small cruise ship can moor at this single berth facility, which is rarely used.


Langeline
Langeline Quay is used by cruise vessels making a day visit (turnaround ships use Ocean Quay). The long warehouse behind the pier has been renovated to accommodate a number of small shops which sell items such as amber, porcelain, jewelry and clothing.  The quay is very conveniently placed only a short stroll from the Little Mermaid statue.



Ocean Quay
Ocean Quay (or OceanKaj in Danish), located at Nordhavn, has 3 cruise terminals which are used for homeporting cruise ships. Parking facilities are managed by a independent business at the port entrance.

The port website is at Copenhagen-Malmo port.



Sightseeing In Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid
Art lover Carl Jacobsen asked the sculptor Edvard Eriksento to create a 'Little Mermaid', taking inspiration from the heroine of H.C. Andersen's fairy tale with the same name. The bronze statue was inaugurated in 1913 at the Langelinie waterfront promenade, a stone's throw from the Langelinie cruise ship pier.

Rosenborg Castle
In the early 17th century Christian IV authorized the construction of the impressive Rosenborg Palace to serve as a royal summer palace. Following the reign of Frederik IV, Rosenborg was only employed as a royal official residence on two occasions, consequent to the fire at Christiansborg in 1794, and during the time of the English offensive against Copenhagen in 1801. Four flights of opulent rooms are available for the tourist to see giving you a perspective of the life of the early Danish royal family.

Nyhavn
Nyhavn, meaning New Harbor, was in the 17th century a hard working port where ships hailing from all around the world would dock. Hans Christian Andersen even lived here for 18 years. Nowadays throughout the summer months hoards of tourists visit to enjoy the atmosphere while dining and drinking at the multitude of bars and cafes.

Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is made up of four similar rococo palaces centered around a large square. In 1794 the palaces were acquired by the Danish royal family, and have ever since been used as a royal winter retreat. Housed in Christian VIII's palace, the extensive Amalienborg Museum offers you a way to see a series of state rooms and learn about the life of the royal family.

Strøget
Copenhagen's largest shopping district is centered around Stroget in the city center. The street runs between the city's City Hall Square near Tivoli and King's New Square near Nyhavn.

Traveling to the Terminals from the Airport

By cab
A taxi is the hassle-free way to travel to Ocean Quay from the city's airport.

By bus/train
A cheaper alternative is to make the journey by train/bus.  For OceanKaj catch the train from the airport to Osterport, then bus no 27 to OceanKaj.

Thursday 18 January 2024

Cruise Port - Bridgetown, Barbados



Introduction

The island of Barbados has a surfeit of nature's beauty, interesting places to visit, and seemingly endless ribbons of white sand beaches, surely amongst the finest in the Caribbean Sea. The countryside ranges from the hills and rough waves on the Atlantic east coast, to the flatter lands and beautiful picture-perfect beaches on the west Caribbean coast.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries Barbados was operated essentially as a large sugar farm under British management, and today there are still a few original sugar plantations reborn as museums chronicling the hardships of the slaves toiling in the fields.

Today the inhabitants of Barbados are termed Bajans, and the ancestors of the old plantation economy live in relative harmony in a democratic society.

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and nomally avoids the terrible effects of the region's tropical hurricanes due to the fact that the island is situated outside the major storm path. Records show that a hurricane only hits the island around once every 35 years.

All these plus points make the island a very popular cruise ship port, and in recent years, mainly due to the very convenient Grantley Adams airport, it has also become a busy starting port for cruises.

You Choose The Cruise

Due to its ideal position at the center of the Southern Caribbean, Barbados makes a good choice as s departure port.

Itineraries include the Greater Antilles (Jamaica), the Windward Isles (Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent), the Leeward Isles(St Barts, St Martin, St Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Tobago), the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire) or even as far south as the Brazilian Amazon.

For a list of cruises from Barbados, see cruises from Barbados.

Bridgetown Cruise Port



Bridgetown Port is positioned in Carlisle Bay on the Western coast of the island of Barbados. The Port handles all of the country's cargo ships, together with a large number of cruise ships. Constructed in 1961, the Deep Water Harbour was formed by a manmade breakwater added to a natural bay. In 2002 the main channel and the inner harbor were deepened to facilitate large ships to call. Since the dredging project the port has experienced an increase both in goods and cruise ship volumes.

The port consists of four docks totaling 1531 meters in length, and can handle 5-6 large cruiseships.
The official port website is Port of Bridgetown.

Beside the quays sits the cruise terminal, opened in January 1994. It acts as the center for services for cruise passengers and crew members arriving at the island. The cruise terminal houses the normal departments to manage cruise passengers, like Immigration, Customs, Health Center, Animal Quarantine, Barbados Tourist Center and Post Office. There are other useful facilities, including restaurants and bars, a business center, a large shopping area, and an internet cafe.

Cab services and rental cars are available for passengers just outside the cruise terminal main entrance. As an alternative the adventurous can make their way to Bridgetown's main bus station, the Fairchild Street Terminal, around a twenty minute walk, to take advantage of the island's cheap bus system.

Sightseeing Around Bridgetown



Broad Street
The main street of Bridgetown. The street is lined with duty free shops, banks, larger department stores, and bars. A good detour is Swan Street which features many discount clothing stores.

Harrison's Cave
Barbabos's number one visitor attraction. Get on an electrically powered tram and ride through a beautiful subterranean world.

Welchman Hall Gully
The lush tropical gardens set among natural caves are filled with tropical specimens, here long before the British arrived in 1627. Chattering monkeys fill the treetops.

Sunbury Plantation House
A Plantation Great House whose rooms is open to the public. The 300 year house is rich in history, with old paintings, fascinating plantation inventory lists, characterful antique funiture and a small museum of of horse carriages.

Beaches
The island's beaches are open to the public. Easiest to get to are the beaches of the Gold Coast. Payne's bay is good for swimming. Nearby is Fresh Water Bay, which boasts a lovely trio of beaches, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery and Banks Beer Tour
If you like your alcohol go on a guided tour and sampling at the island's main rum distillery, next head over to Banks Brewery to enjoy the island's favorite beer.

Getting To The Cruise Port

Grantley Adams International Airport is 13 miles from Bridgetown Port. The airport is served by aeroplanes from Europe, North America and other islands in the Caribbean. The journey from airport to the cruise terminal is easiest by taxi, and takes around thirty minutes. The charge is around 60 Barbadian dollars.

Tuesday 21 March 2023

Cruise Port - Miami, USA



Introduction

Miami is situated on the Florida mainland. Offshore, due east in the Atlantic, there are a series of islands. The most southerly of the islands is Key Biscayne. Moving north the next is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and finally Miami Beach. The bay between the islands and the Florida mainland is named Biscayne Bay.

Miami started as a small orange farming settlement. Then when a railroad was constructed to the settlement, its hot temperatures and coastal location proved attractive to newcomers, and as a consequence the town grew quickly.

In the early part of the 20th century hotel companies looked to the Atlantic beaches of Miami Beach, and so began the construction of the fashionable Art Deco hotels at South Beach. The storms of 1929 caused huge damage to the island, but proved just a hitch as new properties sprung up as speedily as before.

The 1960s saw a large migration into Miami of refugees from Cuba, fleeing the government of Fidel Castro. As a result Miami assumed the feel of a Latin America city, with much liveliness mixing with a relaxed approach.

Today Miami is a major city for industry, entertainment, tourism and the arts. The city’s cruise port is a large center and Miami is often named the Cruise Capital of the World. The cruise port hosts several major cruiselines, with itineraries to the beautiful Caribbean or further.

You Choose the Cruise

Cruises on offer are the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, Tortola, St Maarten and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Cozumel, Belize and Grand Cayman), the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau), or the Southern Caribbean (St Kitts, St Johns and Barbados). Longer voyages are offered, examples would be South America, the Amazon and trans Panama canal to Florida. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Miami.



Miami Cruise Terminals

The Port of Miami is situated on Dodge Island, an area of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the merging of 3 islands, Lummus, Dodge and Sam’s.

Dodge Island is a mere two miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, joins the city to the port.

Eight cruise terminals are in operation at the port.

Terminals B/C, D, E , F , G are on the north side of Dodge island, terminal J on the south coast, and terminal H on the west. The container ship facility is along the south coast of Dodge island. Cruise terminals D and E, which began operating in 2007, are the most newly built. These are capable of berthing large ships. The overall distance end-to-end of the cruise ship piers is about one and half miles, and eight cruiseliners can be berthed simultaneously. Each terminal has the basic services, including cab ranks, shopping, cafes, check in and bars. Additional services at terminals E and D include airline style check-in desks, conveyor-belt like luggage handling, and an all-in-one Federal Multi-Agency Facility, with US Department of Agriculture, United States Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Services.

For the port’s official website see Port of Miami.






Sightseeing In Miami

South Beach (or SoBe)
This fabulous Art Deco designed seafront neighborhood has everything, beautiful historic buildings, funky shops, laid-back cafes, a huge sandy beach, up-market boutiques, fine eateries and wonderful people-watching. The art deco district is about 25 minutes from the port by cab.


Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, built in the 1870s, is Miami’s oldest area. It's an area of galleries, restaurants, lively bars and stylish shops. Venture into Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th century estate constructed by a Chicago businessman with the intention of reconstructing a European like 16th century estate.

Fairchild Tropical Garden
Garden enthusiasts should make for the Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a group of attractive ponds are overhung by beautiful plants and trees.


Little Havana
For a taste of current Cuban living, venture into Little Havana, the place where thousands of migrant Cubans came to after getting away from Cuba. Saunter the length of Calle Ocho, watch cigars being produced at the Credito Cigar factory, make a trip to the Cuban Museum and visit a bar for a cup of traditional Cuban coffee.

Coral Gables
The Coral Gables area was founded in the 1920’s, and has a mixture of fine eateries, fashionable boutiques, cool bars and modern galleries. Bring swimming gear and call in at Venetian Pool, the unique public pool hewn from a quarry.


Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida is situated on the southernmost point of Key Biscayne barrier island. Here you’ll find the very old lighthouse originally constructed in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846.
Visit the park to swim, hike, sunbathe, picnic and surf along over one mile of beautiful Atlantic beachfront.


Bayside Marketplace
It’s an easy walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, a busy shopping mall. It's an open air mall, and can be oppressively hot in the summer months. It has a lot of fashion stores, souvenir shops, bars and eateries.

Getting To The Port

By Road
From the North
Take Interstate-95 southwards and exit at 3B Bayside. Head south and make a left at 5th Street. 5th Street crosses Port Boulevard bridge. Keep going over the bridge and follow signage to the correct terminal.

From the South
Follow Interstate-95 north and turn off at NW 2nd Street. Carry on to NW 5th Street and make a right. 5th Street will lead onto Port Boulevard bridge. Continue across the bridge and follow the signs to the correct cruise terminal.

It’s a good idea to reserve by internet long term parking required.

There is a free bus to ferry you from your car to your cruise terminal.

By Air
The cruise port of Miami is just a few miles eastwards from Miami International Airport. To travel from airport to cruise port, take a cab or jump on the supershuttle bus.

For transport options from airport to port see http://www.miami-airport.com

Monday 30 January 2023

Cruise Port - Dubai, UAE



Introduction

The City of Dubai is a member of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The city is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Arabia. As recently as the 1950's Dubai was a small fishing and trading town. Today a towering metropolis has risen. All around is bigger, taller, and more spectacular. Steel and glass towers spring out of the sterile desert and dreamlike islands have been built in the Arabian sea, formed as palm trees or unbelievably a map of the globe.

Dubai is today a huge trading zone and has become a key commercial center in the vicinity. It is called the 'City of Merchants', due to the huge amount of business, and also 'City of Gold', thanks to its vast taxfree Gold markets. Dubai's most unique feature is its wonderfully furnished hotels and its gigantic shopping malls, certain to amaze even the most travel weary.

The air is hot making it necessary that all indoor areas are air-conditioned. In winter, Dubai is perfect, warm and dry, perfect beach weather. Later on temperatures can easily hit 40°C and it is tiringly sticky.

You Choose The Cruise

The most popular cruise is a tour of the Arabian Gulf calling at interesting ports such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat and Fujairah. More extended sailings to Far East and India are also available. A further option is a sailing to the Mediterranean sea. Cruises From Dubai shows all cruise ship departures from Dubai.



Cruise Terminals

Port Rashid

2010 marked the unveiling of a brand new cruise ship facility, cruise terminal 2, forming part of an extensive reworking of the ageing Rashid area. The new building spans 3,450 square metres and is intended to handle four cruise ships simultaneously so enabling a rising number of visiting ships. Traditional domes, arches and carvings are the foremost architectural features of the building’s exterior. This appearance is of up-to-date Arabic architecture, and reflects Dubai's long history as a trading center.

4 years later, next to cruise terminal 3, cruise terminal 3 was built.

Both cruise terminals boast a full range of facilities like souvenir shops, currency exchanges, post offices, duty free shops, business centers and ATM machines.

Dubai Harbour

Late in 2021, two new cruise ship terminals at Dubai Harbour (adjacent to Palm Jumeirah) were opened. The terminals also boast the full range of modern amenities.






Sightseeing in Dubai

Dubai Museum
Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the nineteenth century, houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of cultural, artistic and military artifacts. The fort, Dubai's oldest standing building, was constructed to protect the town from warlike tribes. These days tourists can see pearl diving tools, traditional musical instruments, alabaster statues, copper jewelry and clay pots. Situated on the southern side of Dubai Creek.

Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Dubai Creek, which separates the city's Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods, is a seawater inlet which is hectic all the time with ships voyaging between Dubai and India, Arabia and East Africa. Catch a abra for a trip up the Creek and back. Next saunter along the creekside path, which extends from seafront and attractive Creekside Park. Where the visitor will find mini-golf, fishing piers, a cafe and gardens.

Gold Souk
Though you may not be considering to buy something, a stroll through the glittering Gold Souk is enjoyable. The shops sell incredible quantities of silver, platinum, diamonds, gold and precious gems. Be sure to negotiate. Both sides of the lanes of the gold souk, each shop front is full with gold necklaces, watches, rings, earrings and bangles. The prices are amongst the lowest anywhere. Situated on the north waterfront of Dubai Creek.

Spice Souk
At the narrow alleyways of the spice market, the visitor can smell the feeling and the aromas of years of history. Large bags of flower petals, medicinal herbs, spices, incense, fragrances and aromatic oils are presented at each stall. Next to the Gold Souk.

Burj Khalifa
At 2625ft and 160 stories Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. You can go to the observation deck on story 124 or the restaurant at story 122. Access is by the lower basement level of the Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab hotel
The amazing Burj Al Arab is the star of the Dubai skyline. It’s seven star rating may or may not be outrageous, however everyone agrees upon its amazing design.
One way to get inside the hotel without paying for a room is to book a meal at one of the hotel's classy restaurants.

Bastakia Quarter
The traditional Bastakia Quarter is a memory of the era when the city was a little fishing port. Walk along the maze of streets and witness the attractive homes with their distinctive wind towers that directed any breeze down to the house so providing cooling. The Quarter is situated on the north bank of Dubai creek.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach boasts fine soft sand and crystal seas. It is occasionally very busy. You’ll find picnic areas, lifeguards, showers, playground, toilets and food kiosks.
On Mondays the beach park is reserved for children and women.
The park is sited one mile in a southerly direction from the cruise port.

The Desert
Experience the sands around the city in a 4x4 expedition. After the ride stop at a Bedouin encampment and enjoy a feast with a performance from a belly dancer.

Getting To The Cruise Port From The Airport

Dubai Airport is sited about 3 miles to the northeast of the city’s center. The new airport is at Jebel Ali twenty miles south of the city center. The easiest way to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal is by cab.

Monday 5 December 2022

Cruise Port - Baltimore, Maryland





Introduction

Baltimore is sited in central Maryland, on the Patapsco river, an inlet of Chesapeake Bay. In the first part of the 18th century the region was a hub of tobacco growing, and a port was built on the bay to allow the trade of tobacco to Europe. Baltimore began as a small town by the port, providing for the requirements of the thriving docks. The town expanded as new products like corn from the adjoining region, and sugar from the Caribbean, went through the port.

During the American War of Independence Baltimore acted as the US’s capital in the short term, because congress was forced to abandon Philadelphia. The war increased shipbuilding in Baltimore, and the Fell’s Point yards produced both trade and privateer ships. In 1812 the British attempted to negate the threat by attacking the city, but were eventually repulsed in the heroic Battle of Baltimore.

Constructed in the years 1828 to 1853 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad allowed the movement of grain from western states to the port and led to a large increase to business in the city. In 1904 a great fire swept through the center of Baltimore, leading to the destruction of more than 1500 buildings. The burnt-out buildings were replaced during a busy decade of reconstruction.

Another period of redevelopment happened in the 1980s, with an ambitious project to redesign the Inner Harbor area. This waterfront area is today a big draw for tourists, and attractions are the Maryland Science Center, the Historic Ships Museum, the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Harborplace shopping center and the American Visionary Art Museum.

Baltimore has become the United States’ eighth largest port, stretching over 22 miles of shoreline. As well as trade, the port has traditionally welcomed passengers. The city was the 2nd biggest landfall for immigrants in the early 20th century. Local steamship cruises were all the rage in the middle of the 19th century. Today there’s a sunnier pick of cruises available, though, as cruise ships travel to the fantastic Bahamas and Caribbean.

You Choose The Cruise

Favorite all year long cruises include the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These destinations offer warmer weather even in winter, with sunshine-filled days and balmy evenings.

During the summer, sailings to Bermuda generally include a one-night stopover, so passengers can experience the nightlife. Also available in the summer months are cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Canada, visiting charming and historic ports-of-call.

For a calendar of cruises departing from Baltimore, see cruises from Baltimore.



Baltimore Cruise Terminal

The Maryland Cruise Terminal, a former paper-shed building was inaugurated in 2006 on the South Locust Point shoreline. The terminal building provides the basic services like vending machines, pay phones, check-in desks, an ATM and restrooms. Beside the terminal stands a parking lot, with capacity of more than 1500 vehicles.

The cruise ship berth is 1139ft long and is dredged to 35ft, which limits the cruise port to just one ship.

For the port website see Maryland Department of Transportation Port Administration
.


Sightseeing in Baltimore

National Aquarium
Discover to the ocean world at the National Aquarium. The best exhibits include a massive shark tank, acrobatic dolphins, a stingray zone and animal planet Australia.

Harborplace shopping center
A shoppers’ heaven with more than 100 shops and 15 restaurants. The open square is nearly always host to street musicians.

Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum
The collection of ships at the Historic Ships Museum are the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, USCGC Taney, the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk and the Lightship Chesapeake.

Federal Hill
Federal Hill got its name after a day of partying instigated by Maryland’s inclusion into the US constitution. Revelers launched a mock ship, named the ‘Federalist’ from atop the hill into the harbor. It’s now a small park, offering spectacular views over the bay. To its south you’ll find the pretty neighborhood of Federal Hill, with elegant streets and townhouses. It makes a good spot for a stroll with a break at a welcoming snack bar.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
The museum presents the history of industry and commerce in the Baltimore area from the last two hundred years, with a set of exhibits featuring early era machines.

Fort McHenry
Just half-a-mile to the west of the cruise port lies historic Fort McHenry overlooking the bay. In the 1812 War, United States forces based at Fort McHenry succeeded in defending the city from attack by the British in a fierce fight. The Battle of Baltimore was witnessed by Francis Scott Key from a boat at anchor in the bay, and he was stirred into composing the words of the Star Spangled Banner.

Getting to the Port

From The Airport
Baltimore Washington International Airport airport offers frequent services from lots of places around the US, and internationally.

The cruise terminal is about 5 miles from the airport, a ten minute ride by the cruise shuttle express or taxi.

By Car
From both Annapolis and Washington it takes under an hour to the Maryland cruise terminal.

From the North
Follow I-95 southwards under the Ft McHenry tunnel. Keep in the right side lane as you exit the tunnel. Turn off at Exit 55, signed Key Highway and Ft McHenry. Pass under the interstate. Turn left at the lights to join East McComas street. Follow the signs to the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

From the South
Head along I-95 northwards to Exit 55, signed Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight ahead on East McComas Street. The Maryland Terminal is to the right.

Tuesday 18 October 2022

Cruise Port - Los Angeles, California



Introduction

Los Angeles, also called LA, is the foremost city in the state of California, and the second most populated city in the whole of US. Sited on a broad flat area in South California, LA is surrounded by massive mountain peaks, parched plains, the Ocean and widespread forests.

Beginning as a insignificant settlement in the eighteenth century, LA began to grow when the railroad came, and enlargened rapidly until the present. These days the urban area has as its hub LA County, but extends into Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Orange County.

The city is home to eighteen million people who originate from all parts of the globe. LA has people of many backgrounds, including a big Hispanic population, a large Asian community, and big communities from other national backgrounds.

Los Angeles is an important center of global trade, business, retail and culture, but is most famous as the home of the world's movie industry. The glamour of Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Bel Air has enhanced the city’s attraction as an accessible dream further pushing the area's massive enlargement.

The popularity of Los Angeles’s cruise ports has increased dramatically recently, and today nearly 300 cruises start from the port every year. Routes available include the Hawaiian islands and the Mexican Riviera. A cruise from Los Angeles makes an unforgettable vacation.

You Choose the Cruise

The best liked itinerary from LA cruise port is a trip down the western coastline of Mexico. Baja California cruises typically call at Ensenada and Catalina island. Mexican Riviera cruises stop at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Longer cruises available are roundtrips to the Hawaiian islands, and non-return trans Panama canal trips to the eastern US. In early summer there's also a variety of itineraries to Vancouver, as ships prepare for the Alaska cruising season. For a list of cruises from Los Angeles, see cruises from Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

There are 2 cruise ports in San Pedro bay, the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles (often called simply San Pedro), and four miles to the east Long Beach Cruise Terminal adjacent to the Port of Long Beach. Cruise ships dock at the World Cruise Center, except most (but not all) Carnival-affiliated cruise ships which leave from Long Beach.




World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals
There are two cruise terminals at the World Cruise Center, Terminal 91-92 for access to berths 91-92 (total length of pier 1550') and Terminal 93 for boarding at berth 93 (span of dock 1200'). Capacity is two to three large ships.
Each terminal has the basic facilities, including shopping, cafes, cab ranks, check in, parking areas and bars. For the port website see Port of Los Angeles Website





Long Beach Cruise Terminal
In 2003 Carnival Cruiseline deserted San Pedro cruise port and commissioned the Long Beach Cruise Port five miles away.
The cruise terminal is situated inside the white dome that used to house Spruce Goose, today located in Evergreen Aviation museum, McMinnville Oregon.
Long Beach cruise center possesses a single 1110-foot sized berth able to accommodate one massive cruise liner.
The cruise terminal has all the basic services, like cab ranks, parking areas, check in, eateries, bars and shops.
Next to the terminal lies the Queen Mary ocean liner.


Sightseeing In San Pedro

Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Be introduced to the history of Los Angeles harbor at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, sited at the Municipal Ferry Terminal. Check out hundreds of displays such as models, old documents, machines and photographs from famous vessels and boats. Sited near Harbor and 6th around half mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Ports O' Call
Designed like a New England coast town, Ports O' Call is a great place to visit. There's several shops, bars, galleries and restaurants, connected by charming cobblestone paths. There is a quayside for boat sailings around the bay, day trips to Catalina Island and whale watching cruises. Ports O’Call is around a mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Red Car Trolley Ride
The Waterfront Red Car Line is a one and a half mile long vintage trolley service running between the World Cruise Center and the Marina. The car stops by Ports O' Call and the LA Maritime Museum. The Red Cars are entirely refurbished to their previous glory, with upholstered wooden seats, ornate polished fittings and hardwood paneling.

Abalone Cove
Abalone Cove is an attractive beach, with a gorgeous coastal setting, radiant sunsets and superb views over Catalina island. Nextdoor Sacred Cove gives excellent rock pooling. Four miles west from San Pedro port.

Sightseeing in Long Beach

Queen Mary
In 1936 Queen Mary was launched for the historic Cunard Cruise Line and the liner sailed the seas for over thirty years, with a time of military service during WWII. The ship crossed the Atlantic over a thousand times, and set speed records on several occasions. In the late 1960s Queen Mary came to Long Beach and became a notable resident.
Sited adjacent to the cruise port.

Shoreline Aquatic Park and Aquarium of The Pacific
Be introduced to the colorful reefs of the Tropics, the frigid environment of the Arctic and the sunny seas of Southern California at this brilliant aquarium. Observe the ocean’s fearsome predators in the big Shark Lagoon. Subsequent to your tour to the aquarium amble around neighboring Shoreline Aquatic Park, a large area of parkland overlooking the sea. Located just across from the cruise terminal, taking five minutes by cab.

See Naples’ canals from a Gondola
Naples island possesses nearly a mile of canals, consisting of the straight Naples Canal and the large Rivo Alto Canal. A singing gondolier dressed in stripes makes a wonderful guide.
Rental gondolas are on offer near to the Bayshore Aquatic Playground Park. Or you can rent a kayak at the park, for a much lower price. Located around 2 miles east of the Long Beach cruise terminal.

Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch
Built in the mid 1800s, the house and grounds of Rancho Los Cerrotos Ranch are rich with the history of a mix of Spanish, Mexican and American California beginnings. Furnishings in the exhibit rooms show the work and leisure of both the owners and the workers of old-style ranch. Located around 5 miles northwards of Long Beach cruise terminal.

Alternative Ideas
Other attractions include Getty Center, Disneyland, Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros Studios, Universal Studios, Walk Of Fame, Farmers' Markets, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Venice Beach.

Getting to the Cruise Ports

San Pedro
By Car
Join the Harbor freeway (I-110) in a southerly direction. Leave at CA47 and proceed through the Harbor Boulevard junction. Make a right to enter the World Cruise Center.

From the Airport
Join the supershuttle minibus to the Word Cruise Center cruise terminal. Around a 45 minute ride.

Long Beach
By Car
Join the Long Beach freeway (I710)southwards. Follow the signage leading to the Queen Mary. On arriving, watch for signs for the cruise terminal drop-off and passenger parking.
From the Airport
Board the supershuttle service to Long Beach cruise terminal. Allow for an hour’s ride.

By Train
The closest train station to the cruise terminals is in central LA, about twenty-five miles away. When you book your ticket, choose San Pedro-Catalina Terminal Bus Stop (SPD) or Long Beach Queen Mary (LBQ) as the termination. A thruway coach will transfer you onward from the train station to the arranged bus station. The bus stations are within a short walking distance of the cruise ports.

Blog mentioned at BlogCatalog.

Sunday 14 August 2022

Cruise Port - Sydney, Australia


Introduction

Sydney, which has a population of over 4 million, is the biggest urban district in the country of Australia. The city is located in a coastal plain, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury River.

Sydney was founded in the late eighteenth century when a convict fleet from England arrived in Australia. The transportation of convicts to Australia was the brainwave of the British Secretary of State, Lord Sydney. Consequently the new settlement’s name. The original colonist had a hard existence, living in wood hovels, eking out poor rations, and undergoing cruel punishment at the hands of the wardens. The natives, however, were to fare even more baldy, as the new diseases wiped out vast Aborigines. The mild climate, and the multitude of opportunities proved a draw, and the first free colonists came in 1793.

Unconstrained by bureaucracy, the settlement developed quickly through the next hundred years, as the migrants established hundred of mines, farms, businesses, factories and shops. Throughout the twentieth century, growth carried on as immigrants came from both Europe and Asia. Nowadays Sydney is a multicultural, large and modern city, with inhabitants hailing from all over the globe.

Today Sydney has become a very popular destination with tourists. Well-known attractions include Bondi Beach, The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. The city’s sightseeing attractions and coastal location have made it a top cruise ship port. More than 150 cruiseliners utilize the port every year.


You Choose The Cruise

There’s a fantastic range of cruises departing from Sydney to pick from. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Sydney, see Cruises From Sydney.

First time cruisers will enjoy the short cruises to nowhere, which give a great feel for cruising. Cruises to mysterious Tasmania or sun kissed Queensland are popular 7 day itineraries. Longer (9-10 night) cruises journey to the beautiful beaches of the Pacific islands Vanuatu and New Caledonia. 14 day routes include a circumnavigation of New Zealand, or a sailing to the lovely Pacific islands of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Cruise aficionados will appreciate longer sailings to the oriental wonders of Japan and China, or the ambitious circumnavigation of the Australian continent.

Cruise Terminals Map






Sydney Cruise Terminals

Sydney’s cruise services are split between 2 places, Wharf 5 and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Overseas Passenger Terminal
The OPT has access to an eight hundred foot quayside, with a capacity of just one large cruise ship. The terminal is a modern building with the usual variety of facilities for cruise passengers. It has restaurants, an hotel and outside eateries. The OPT is situated at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House within walking distance from Sydney’s sights.

White Bay
In 2013 Sydney Ports refurbished a roll-on/roll-off terminal at White Bay into a cruise ship terminal. The new terminal is about 4 miles from Sydney.

For the port authority website see Sydney Ports.




Sightseeing in Sydney

If you’ve a day or so to spare at either end of your cruise holiday, Sydney is a great place to visit.
The Rocks
The original colonists landed at The Rocks, and lots of of the buildings here are well preserved, for instance the Merchants House, Susannah Place, Campbells Storehouse and Cadman’s Cottage. Integrated into this historical area, the visitor will see shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. The Rocks area is very near to Circular Quay.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath giving easy access to the sightseer. Call at the Pylon Lookout on the south side of the bridge to see a fascinating display on how the bridge was constructed. If heights don’t frighten you join the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a 3 ½ hour expedition to the very top of the bridge. The climb leads you up catwalks, girders and ladders at day or night.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, located on Bennelong Point on Syney Cove, is thought by many to be amongst the archictectural wonders of the world. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed with much controversy, the landmark building was opened in October 1973. Try to watch an opera, a concert or a ballet, if your vacation timetable enables you to. The Opera house is a quick walk along the coastline from Circular Quay.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery sited between the ocean and the urban center of the city. A path leads around the sea front, giving lovely views over Sydney Harbour and Farm Cove.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is known the world over as a home of surfing. During summer Bondi beach is the place for surf, fun and sun. The beach looks out on a large moon shaped bay of blue ocean. Bus 380 from Circular Quay will get you there in about forty minutes.


Getting To The Port

From Sydney Airport
Overseas Passenger Terminal - Catch the train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Circular Quay (green line). The OPT is a short walk from Circular Quay Station.
White Bay - the easiest option is a taxi.

From Central Train Station
Main line train services terminate at the Central Rail Station.
The Inner West and South lines connect Central station to the city center. Get off the train at Circular Quay or Wynyard. A further option is a taxi.

By Car
Neither cruise terminal has integrated parking lots, however long stay parking is available nearby.