Carnival Radiance Near Port of Long Beach
Everything you need for boarding Carnival Radiance (Carnival) at Port of Long Beach. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.
Upcoming Sail Dates
| Date | Boarding Time |
|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 21, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Mon, Mar 2, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Mar 21, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Mon, Mar 30, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Mon, Apr 13, 2026 | 11:30 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
$$Domenico's Italian Restaurant
Old-school Italian since 1954 — one of the first pizza joints in California, and it still delivers
$$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
The Cove Hotel
Long Beach's original Park & Cruise hotel — free shuttle, extended parking, and a pool the kids will love
Hotel Maya — a DoubleTree by Hilton
Waterfront resort with heated pool, fire pits, and Queen Mary views — the fun option for families
Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport
Budget-friendly airport hotel with free breakfast and parking — practical choice for early flights in
Local Tip
Carnival Radiance sails from the World Cruise Center, which is housed inside the former Spruce Goose dome -- a massive aluminum geodesic structure you can't miss from the road. Follow Harbor Scenic Drive to the end and stay in the far right lane past the Queen Mary entrance to reach the cruise terminal drop-off. Parking in the terminal garage is $23/day, but there's a strict 7-foot clearance limit so leave the roof rack at home. If you have time before boarding, Fuego at Hotel Maya is just 3 minutes away with excellent fish tacos and harbor views.
Want the complete Port of Long Beach cruise guide?
Restaurants, activities, hotels, terminal tips, parking, packing lists, and boarding advice — all in one page.
View Full GuideMore Port of Long Beach Guides