The Cruise Maryland Cruise Port: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to the Cruise Maryland, a mid-Atlantic homeport located in Baltimore. Catering to both Carnival and Royal Caribbean, this port provides a seamless and convenient experience for passengers. As a recent traveler in April 2022 on the Carnival Legend, I can attest to the smooth navigation of the port and its facilities.
Arriving at the Cruise Maryland Terminal
If your GPS leads you to Exit 55 on Interstate 95 in Baltimore, then you’re heading in the right direction. While approaching the terminal, expect to see ample signage guiding you to the entrance. Be prepared to show your boarding pass and a government-issued photo ID to a Cruise Maryland employee. Hold these documents readily available to avoid any hiccup at the entrance checkpoint.
The Luggage Drop-off and Parking Process
Immediately after your credentials are verified, you’ll be directed towards areas designated for parking and passenger drop-off. At this point, having cruise line-issued luggage tags attached to your bags will be extremely helpful for a seamless drop-off and will speed up the process significantly.
The outdoor parking lots are within walking distance of the terminal building and the ship. You can pre-pay for parking which is $15 per day. Keep in mind that only credit card payments are accepted and reservations aren’t a prerequisite. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby for any urgent requirements.
Exploring the Local Area
In case you happen to arrive too soon for your scheduled embarkation, there are a couple of local attractions that could make the wait stimulating. The McHenry Row neighborhood, located directly across the Interstate, is easy to access via an underpass.
The locality offers a variety of amenities such as a grocery store for your last-minute needs, a hotel, coffee shops, and restaurants. The grocery store even houses a wine shop that opens seven days a week! Customers are granted complimentary parking in a nearby garage, making it an even more feasible pit stop before your cruise.
Experiencing the Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort McHenry, a renowned Revolutionary War Era fort, is another local attraction one may engage with prior to your cruise. The fort is best known for its role in the War of 1812, specifically during the Battle of Baltimore, when it was successfully defended against the British Navy. This inspiring defense led Francis Scott Key to pen a poem that later evolved into “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Journeying from Baltimore to the Atlantic Ocean
Your journey from Baltimore to the Atlantic Ocean will expose you to two aesthetically pleasing bridges. The low clearance of these bridges makes it seemingly tricky for ships to cross underneath, which is an unmissable sight for passengers. The first bridge is the Francis Scott Key Bridge, encountered about 5 miles from the terminal. The second bridge, the William Preston Lane Junior Memorial Bay Bridge, is a duo-span bridge observed an hour and a half after the first one.
Prepare for Your Cruise with the Maryland Port Administration Website
The official Maryland Port Administration website is an invaluable asset to consult before your visit. It provides a wealth of information including directions to the terminal, parking rates, embarkation and disembarkation details, as well as a list of hotels that offer discount codes to cruise passengers. This resource offers an excellent foundation to make your trip through the Cruise Maryland port as hassle-free as possible.
The Final Wrap-up
From preparation to the journey itself, the Cruise Maryland experience is one that has been designed for convenience and enjoyment. Your experience, from the time you arrive at the terminal until you’re sailing under the iconic Fort McHenry and the Maryland Bay Bridges, will truly make a mark on your memory. Whether it’s the efficient luggage and parking management at the terminal or the local attractions of McHenry Row and Fort McHenry, the Cruise Maryland port in Baltimore is a comprehensive start to your cruise journey.