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San Diego USA Cruise Port Guide
Location:
The San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal is located at 1140 North Harbor Drive on the B Street Pier. It is conveniently located in downtown San Diego a short walking distance from countless attractions.
For those arriving to San Diego by air, the terminal is a 10-minute ride from San Diego International Airport. An area devoted for taxicab pick-up is located just outside of the baggage claim areas of the airport's two main terminals and commuter terminal.
A new service for passengers of select cruise lines allows them to skip baggage claim at the airport. Cruise line representatives will pick up guests' checked items and deliver them directly to the ship. Please check with your cruise line or travel agent to arrange for this service.
Hotels near the Cruise Terminal
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Check here for festivals and events in San Diego when you are in port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for San Diego USA
Sightseeing:
The San Diego Historical Society connects the past to the future so all generations will understand and appreciate the richness of San Diego's regional history.
The Gaslamp Quarter is Southern California's premier dining, shopping and entertainment district, where you'll find a truly eclectic blend of food, fun and culture all within one of San Diego's most historic areas.
At the world-famous San Diego Zoo, you will see some of the world's rarest wildlife.
A visit to the San Diego Wild Animal Park is like a safari to many of the world's most exotic places.
World-renowned Balboa Park is home to fifteen museums, various arts and international culture associations, as well as the San Diego Zoo, making it one of the nation's largest cultural and entertainment complexes.
SeaWorld San Diego: To entertain, amaze and educate, creating memories that last a lifetime. SeaWorld has hosted more than 100 million guests since opening in 1964.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
The downtown area is very compact and walkable.
The Online Transit Information System lets you find out how to get around San Diego using the Metropolitan Transit System's buses, trolleys, or trains.
It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.
https://www.getyourguide.com/san-diego-l263/?partner_id=C2A6BNearby Places:
San Diego Bay - Coronado to San Diego Ferry:
The ferry departs the Broadway Pier (next to the cruise terminal) daily for Coronado, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and crossings continue every hour on the hour until 9:00 p.m. Departures from Coronado begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue every hour on the half hour until 9:30 p.m.
Shopping and Food
You can find boutiques and restaurants in Seaport Village south of the cruise terminal walking along the harbor and in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Currency:
The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.
Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.
Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.
Tipping in America is widely used and expected. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted standard rates are:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (Often this is the only income of the wait(ress). Tips are either left in cash or you can add it to the credit card slip) Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill!
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%
- Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless)
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab
- Shuttle bus drivers: $2-5 (optional)
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%
- Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional)
- Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders
Communication:
As a courtesy to cruise ship passengers, the Port has activated Wi-Fi Internet service within the B Street Pier Cruise Ship terminal to lead them to local businesses and attractions.
Emergency 911
Opening Hours and Holidays:
In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays - generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open (with the exception of the most important holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day where stores are generally closed)
Holidays in the USA
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