CruiseDayGuide

Carnival Firenze Near Port of Long Beach

Everything you need for boarding Carnival Firenze (Carnival) at Port of Long Beach. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.

Upcoming Sail Dates

DateBoarding Time
Mon, Feb 23, 202611:30
Mon, Mar 9, 202611:30
Mon, Mar 23, 202611:30
Mon, Apr 6, 202611:30
Mon, Apr 20, 202611:30

Your Terminal

World Cruise Center (Carnival)

Drop-off: Take I-710 South to Exit 1A onto Harbor Scenic Drive and follow it to the very end. At the Queen Mary entrance, stay to the far right lane — that's the cruise terminal entrance, not the Queen Mary parking. Drop luggage curbside with porters (tip $2-3 per bag), then loop around to the parking garage.

Parking: The terminal parking garage is $23/day with a 7-foot clearance limit — no oversized vehicles. You'll need to make alternate arrangements for anything taller. Short-term rates start at $4 for 31-59 minutes if you're just dropping off. Credit cards and cash accepted. The garage fills up on busy sail days, so arrive by 11 AM if you want a spot close to the terminal walkway.

Check-in tips:

  • Complete online check-in through the Carnival HUB app before arrival — this speeds things up dramatically
  • Bring government-issued photo ID and your passport if visiting Mexico
  • The terminal is inside the former Spruce Goose dome — a massive aluminum geodesic dome you can't miss
  • Boarding groups are assigned through the app. Earlier groups board first, so check in as soon as it opens

Getting to the Port

From Long Beach Airport (LGB)

LGB is only about 5 miles from the cruise terminal — roughly 10-15 minutes by car. It's a tiny, stress-free airport with one terminal, and you'll be at the port before you know it. Limited airline options (JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, American) but if your route works, it's the obvious choice.

Uber/Lyft: $12-20. Taxi: ~$20-25.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is about 25 miles north of the cruise terminal. Without traffic, that's 30-40 minutes. With LA traffic (and there's always traffic), budget 45-75 minutes. The 405 and 710 freeways are your route, and both are notorious for congestion.

Uber/Lyft: $40-65 depending on traffic and surge. Taxi: ~$70. Shared shuttle: $30/person (Carnival shuttle).

Driving & Port Parking

The terminal is at 231 Windsor Way, right next to the Queen Mary. Take I-710 South, exit at Harbor Scenic Drive (Exit 1A), and follow it all the way to the end. At the Queen Mary entrance, stay far right for the cruise terminal lane. The parking garage is $23/day.

$23/day in the terminal garage. No reservations needed — first-come, first-served.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Several Long Beach hotels offer Park & Cruise packages that include one night, parking for the duration of your cruise, and a shuttle to the terminal. The Cove Hotel and Residence Inn Downtown are the most popular options.

Park & Cruise packages typically run $150-250 total for one night + 7 days parking + shuttle

See all parking & transport options →

Nearby Restaurants

Shenanigan's Irish Pub & Grille

Waterfront Irish pub at Shoreline Village — burgers, fish and chips, and harbor views the kids will love

$$

Tequila Jack's

Casual waterfront Mexican at Shoreline Village — tacos, tostadas, and a colorful vibe

$$

Naples Rib Company

Long Beach's premier BBQ spot since 1980 — baby back ribs and cozy booths the whole family will love

$$

Domenico's Italian Restaurant

Old-school Italian since 1954 — one of the first pizza joints in California, and it still delivers

$$

See all restaurants →

Nearby Hotels

Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown

All-suite hotel with kitchens and a Stay, Park & Sail package — the family cruise hotel in Long Beach

10 min drive to port$$

The Cove Hotel

Long Beach's original Park & Cruise hotel — free shuttle, extended parking, and a pool the kids will love

10 min drive to port$$

Hotel Maya — a DoubleTree by Hilton

Waterfront resort with heated pool, fire pits, and Queen Mary views — the fun option for families

3 min drive to port$$-$$$

Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport

Budget-friendly airport hotel with free breakfast and parking — practical choice for early flights in

15 min drive to port$-$$

See all hotels →

Local Tip

Carnival Firenze boards at the World Cruise Center at the end of Harbor Scenic Drive. Get the Carnival HUB app set up and check in online before you arrive -- boarding groups are assigned through the app and earlier groups board first. The terminal garage is $23/day and accepts both credit cards and cash, but it fills up on busy sail days so aim to arrive by 11 AM for a spot close to the walkway. There's almost nothing to buy at the terminal, so stop at CVS on Long Beach Blvd or Vons on Ocean Ave in Belmont Shore for any last-minute needs.

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