Quick Pick
Don't want to scroll? Here are our top picks for Port of Baltimore.
Want more options? Browse all restaurants and activities below.
1Where to Stay
Hotels near Port of Baltimore for the night before
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Steps from the National Aquarium and Inner Harbor — walkable family headquarters
$$-$$$
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
Connected to the convention center with an indoor pool and on-site dining — hassle-free family base
$$-$$$
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
Free hot breakfast and a pool — solid value for families who want to keep costs reasonable
$$
Staybridge Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
Suite-style rooms with kitchenettes and park-and-cruise packages — built for families
$$
Homewood Suites by Hilton Baltimore
Two-room suites with full kitchens and free breakfast — more space for less stress
$$
Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row
Closest hotel to the cruise terminal — minimize the morning madness
$$
Pendry Baltimore
Fell's Point luxury in a restored 1914 recreation pier — waterfront elegance with serious character
$$$
Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
Classic waterfront luxury overlooking the Inner Harbor — the traditional power pick
$$$
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor
Connected to the convention center with skyway access to the Inner Harbor — reliable upscale choice
$$-$$$
Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown
Boutique hotel in the Mount Vernon neighborhood — artsy character away from the tourist crowds
$$
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
Between the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards — solid Marriott quality in a perfect location
$$-$$$2Where to Eat
Every restaurant worth eating at near Port of Baltimore
Miss Shirley's Cafe
Baltimore's favorite brunch spot — oversized plates, creative twists, and a kids' menu that actually tries
American Breakfast
Phillips Seafood
Inner Harbor institution — reliable seafood with waterfront views and a kids' menu kids actually eat
Seafood
Nick's Fish House
Casual waterfront crab house with a huge outdoor deck — kids can run while you eat
Seafood
Matthew's Pizza
Baltimore's oldest pizzeria since 1943 — square crab pizza is a local legend
Pizza
Chaps Pit Beef
Baltimore's signature pit beef sandwich — a roadside legend since the 80s
BBQ
The Food Market
Creative comfort food in Hampden — brunch is the star and portions are family-sized
New American
Abbey Burger Bistro
Build-your-own gourmet burgers in Fell's Point — 20+ proteins including bison, duck, and classic beef
Burgers
Rusty Scupper
Inner Harbor classic with panoramic water views — reliable seafood and a Sunday brunch buffet
Seafood
Thames Street Oyster House
The crab cake that put Fell's Point back on the map — James Beard-nominated and worth every bite
Seafood
LP Steamers
No-frills crab house on the waterfront — steamed crabs with Old Bay the way Baltimore does it
Seafood
The Rec Pier Chop House
Upscale chop house inside the Sagamore Pendry — waterfront elegance in Fell's Point
Steakhouse
Ampersea
Modern Maryland cuisine with panoramic harbor views at the Harbor Point waterfront
New American
The Black Olive
Greek fish tavern in a Fell's Point row house — whole grilled fish flown in daily
Greek Seafood
Attman's Delicatessen
Baltimore's legendary deli since 1915 — corned beef piled high on Corned Beef Row
Deli
Blue Moon Cafe
Fell's Point breakfast legend — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for the Captain Crunch French toast
Breakfast3Things to Do
Things to do near Port of Baltimore before you board
National Aquarium
Sharks, puffins, dolphins, and touch tanks — the one Baltimore stop every kid remembers
Families with kids of all ages — the crown jewel of Baltimore
Port Discovery Children's Museum
Three floors of interactive exhibits including a giant indoor treehouse — built for kids to run wild
Families with kids ages 2-10
Maryland Science Center
Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and a dinosaur gallery — education disguised as fun
Families with curious kids who like to touch everything
Urban Pirates
Pirate adventure cruise around the harbor — treasure hunts, water cannons, and face paint
Families with kids ages 3-10 who love pirates (so basically all of them)
Inner Harbor Paddleboats
Dragon-shaped paddleboats in the harbor — kids steer while you pedal
Families wanting a quick, fun, on-the-water activity
Fort McHenry National Monument
Cannons, ramparts, and a Junior Ranger badge — history brought to life for kids
Families with school-age kids interested in history or who love running around outdoors
Rash Field Park
Brand-new waterfront playground with climbing structures, splash pad, and harbor views
Families with toddlers and young kids who need to burn off energy
Baltimore Water Taxi
Hop-on hop-off harbor boat — kids love riding between stops and watching the ships
Families wanting to cover ground without exhausting little legs
Fell's Point Exploration
Cobblestone streets, vintage shops, and waterfront hangouts — Instagram-worthy neighborhood
Teens who like exploring, shopping, and good food spots
Topgolf Baltimore
Multi-level driving range with games, food, and music — fun even if you can't golf
Groups, teens who want something active and social
Federal Hill Park
Climb the hill for the best panoramic view of the city — free and takes 10 minutes
Anyone who wants a quick activity with a great view
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Iconic baseball stadium — even when the O's aren't playing, the ballpark tour is worth it
Sports fans, baseball lovers, anyone interested in architecture
Fell's Point Waterfront
Cobblestone streets, craft cocktail bars, and waterfront views — Baltimore's most walkable neighborhood
Couples, foodies, history buffs, anyone who likes a good bar
American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM)
The wildest, most original museum you've never heard of — outsider art that defies description
Art lovers, anyone who appreciates quirky and unconventional
Cross Street Market
Renovated food hall in Federal Hill — oysters, coffee, tacos, and craft beer under one roof
Foodies, couples, anyone wanting a quick bite with variety
Inner Harbor Promenade
Seven miles of waterfront walkway — pass historic ships, museums, and street performers
Anyone wanting a scenic walk before boarding
USS Constellation
Last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy — climb below decks for a taste of 1850s naval life
History and maritime enthusiasts, couples looking for a quick activity4Getting to Your Ship
Cruise Maryland Terminal (Royal Caribbean & Carnival)
Passport & Documents
Closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) technically only require a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, we strongly recommend bringing a valid passport — if there's a medical emergency or you miss the ship at a foreign port, you'll need one to fly home.
Last-Minute Stops
Pick up anything you forgot before heading to the port.
Harris Teeter — McHenry Row
Full grocery store steps from the cruise terminal — snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and last-minute essentials
1801 Whetstone Way, Baltimore, MD 21230
DirectionsJames Pharmacy — Federal Hill
Local pharmacy for Dramamine, toiletries, prescriptions, and last-minute health essentials
1119 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
DirectionsTarget — Canton Crossing
Clothes, snacks, electronics, toiletries — one-stop shop 10 minutes from port
3559 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224
DirectionsUSPS — South Station
Post office — drop your mail before you sail
1200 S Hanover St Ste 100, Baltimore, MD 21230
Directions5Getting There & Parking
How to get to Port of Baltimore — from the airport and beyond
From Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Most cruisers flying in
From Washington Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA)
Cruisers combining a Washington D.C. trip
Driving & Port Parking
Cruisers driving from the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, or Southeast
Hotel Shuttle Services
Cruisers who want to explore Baltimore the night before
Uber/Lyft from Anywhere
Flexibility and door-to-door service from any location
Taxi
Cruisers who prefer fixed pricing
6What to Pack
The essentials you'll actually need — plus a few things most people forget
Carry-On Day Bag
Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm
- Swimsuit and flip-flops — Head straight to the pool after boarding
- Phone charger and portable battery — You'll drain your battery exploring and taking photos on Day 1Amazon
- Medications — Both prescription and OTC — don't risk them being in delayed luggage
- Government-issued photo ID — Required for boarding — keep it accessible, not buried in a suitcase
- Snacks and water bottles — Kids get hungry in the boarding line. Sealed snacks are allowed through security
- Change of clothes for each kid — Pool splashes, spilled drinks, cruise ship excitement — be ready
Cruise Essentials
Things that make the whole trip better
- Magnetic hooks (for cabin walls) — Cabin walls are metal — these give you hanging space for hats, lanyards, wet swimsuitsAmazon
- Power strip (non-surge, cruise-approved) — Cabins have 1-2 outlets. A cruise-approved strip lets you charge everything overnightAmazon
- Insulated tumbler — Fill it at the buffet drink station — stays cold by the pool all afternoonAmazon
- Lanyard for cruise card — Your cruise card is your room key, ID, and payment method — keep it around your neckAmazon
Easy to Forget
The things people buy overpriced at the port gift shop
- Wrinkle release spray — Irons aren't allowed on cruise ships — this saves your formal night outfitAmazon
- Highlighter or pen — For marking up the daily activity schedule — old school but effective
- Small whiteboard for cabin door — Leave messages for teens: 'We're at the pool deck' — most cabins don't have cell serviceAmazon
7Boarding Tips
1. Download the Royal Caribbean app and complete online check-in
You'll get your boarding group assignment and can set up your on-board spending account ahead of time. This alone can save you 30+ minutes at the terminal. Upload your photo for facial recognition boarding — it makes the security line faster.
2. Arrive at your assigned boarding time — not earlier
They've gotten strict about this. Showing up early means waiting in the terminal with no access to the ship. Your assigned time gets you on the ship fastest. If you have Crown & Anchor status, you may have priority boarding — check the app.
3. Pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, meds, and essentials
Your checked luggage won't reach your cabin until 3-4pm. Pack a day bag with swimsuits, medications, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and your phone charger so you can start enjoying the ship immediately.
4. Head straight to the pool deck or Windjammer for lunch
The main dining room is packed right after boarding. The Windjammer buffet and the pool deck grill have shorter lines, and you'll snag a good lounge chair while everyone else is still exploring.
5. Book specialty dining and shows on Day 1
Popular restaurants and shows fill up fast. Open the app as soon as you board and reserve your top picks. The chef's table and specialty dinner shows sell out first.