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The Port of Baltimore has become the premier East Coast hub for short cruise vacations, offering more three-day cruise options than any other port north of Florida. According to data from the Maryland Port Administration, Baltimore's cruise terminal welcomed over 250,000 passengers in 2024, with 38% opting for the convenient 3-day itineraries that perfectly fit a long weekend schedule.
Baltimore's strategic location and world-class cruise terminal make it ideal for quick getaways:
• New ships: Carnival Legend joining Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas
• Extended season: March through December departures
• Theme cruises: 12 special holiday and music-themed weekends
• Enhanced terminal: $5 million in upgrades completed January 2025
The most popular 3-day route features:
| Day | Port | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Baltimore (Depart 4PM) | Sailaway party, dinner, shows |
| Saturday | Nassau, Bahamas (8AM-6PM) | Atlantis Resort, snorkeling, shopping |
| Sunday | At Sea | Pool day, spa, casino, entertainment |
| Monday | Baltimore (Arrive 7AM) | Disembark by 10AM |
Royal Caribbean's exclusive private island experience:
For those preferring cooler climates:
• Friday: Depart Baltimore
• Saturday: Newport, RI
• Sunday: At sea
• Monday: Return
• Friday: Depart Baltimore
• Saturday: Norfolk, VA
• Sunday: At sea
• Monday: Return
| Feature | Royal Caribbean | Carnival | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Name | Enchantment of the Seas | Carnival Legend | Celebrity Summit |
| Passenger Capacity | 2,252 | 2,124 | 2,158 |
| 3-Day Departures (2025) | 26 | 18 | 8 |
| Starting Price | $329 | $299 | $499 |
| Best For | Adventure seekers | Families | Luxury travelers |
The dominant player in Baltimore's 3-day cruise market offers:
Known for its "Fun Ships" with features like:
• Low season: $249-$349
• High season: $399-$549
• Per person based on double occupancy
• Low season: $349-$449
• High season: $499-$649
• Window or porthole view
• Low season: $499-$599
• High season: $699-$899
• Private outdoor space
| Booking Period | Savings Potential | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 9-12 months early | Early bird discounts (15-25%) | Best cabin selection |
| 3-6 months early | Standard rates | Good selection |
| Last minute (2-4 weeks) | Potential for deep discounts | Limited options |
While the base fare seems affordable, budget for these additional expenses:
Address: 2001 E McComas St, Baltimore, MD 21230
• Take exit 55 to MD-395N
• Follow signs to Cruise Maryland
• Terminal on right past Ravens Stadium
• 15 minute drive via I-195E
• Uber/Lyft approx $25-35
• Taxi flat rate $38
| Option | Distance | 3-Day Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Cruise Parking | On-site | $45 | Secure, covered, shuttle |
| Park N Fly | 1 mile | $36 | Shuttle every 15 min |
| Hilton Hotel | 0.5 mile | $40 | Indoor garage |
Typical schedule for smooth boarding:
• Boarding pass
• Photo ID
• Birth certificate or passport
• Credit card
• Health insurance card
• 2 swimsuits
• Cover-up
• 3 casual outfits
• 1 elegant night outfit
• Workout clothes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Small backpack
• Waterproof phone case
• Lanyard for key card
Maximize your small suitcase space:
These items will be confiscated:
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Iron/steamer | Fire hazard |
| Extension cords | Surge risk |
| Alcohol | Must purchase onboard |
| Drones | Security restriction |
| Time | Day 1 (Departure) | Day 2 (Port) | Day 3 (At Sea) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive at terminal | Shore excursions | Poolside relaxation |
| Afternoon | Ship exploration | Local shopping | Spa treatments |
| Evening | Welcome show | Formal dinner | Farewell party |
| Night | Casino/clubs | Comedy show | Packing |
Top-rated eateries on Baltimore-based ships:
• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Buffet
• Park Café
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Café Promenade
• Chops Grille ($55)
• Giovanni's Table ($45)
• Izumi Hibachi ($35)
• Chef's Table ($95)
Don't miss these signature shows:
• $159 adult/$99 child
• Full waterpark access
• 5 hours duration
• Includes lunch
• $89 per person
• 30-min boat ride
• Includes lunch
• Water toys available
• $75 per person
• 3-hour walking tour
• 6 tasting locations
• Cultural insights
Royal Caribbean's private island offers:
How to experience ports without overspending:
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Book independently | 20-40% vs cruise line |
| Walk to nearby beaches | Free beach days |
| Share cabanas | Split $500 cost 8 ways |
| Pre-book online | 10-15% discounts |
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean
• Splash zones for toddlers
• Family comedy shows
• Accessible cabins
• Quiet solarium areas
• Morning bridge games
• Early dining options
• Spa packages
• Romantic dining
• Adults-only retreats
• Sunset verandas
Special 3-day themed voyages in 2025:
| Theme | Date | Cruise Line | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80s Music | May 16-19 | Carnival | Live bands, costume contests |
| Halloween | Oct 31-Nov 3 | Royal Caribbean | Costume parade, haunted house |
| Holiday | Dec 19-22 | Both | Tree lighting, Santa visits |
Baltimore terminal and ships offer:
As of January 2025, Baltimore departures require:
| Cruise Line | Vaccination | Testing | Mask Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Recommended | Not required | Optional |
| Carnival | Recommended | Not required | Optional |
All ships feature:
• Cruise-specific policies: Cover COVID-related cancellations
• Medical evacuation: $50,000+ minimum coverage
• Trip interruption: 150% of trip cost recommended
• Pre-existing conditions: Must buy within 14 days of deposit
The recommended arrival window is between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM for 4:00 PM departures. Earlier arrival (10:30-11:30 AM) typically means shorter lines, while arriving after 12:30 PM may mean your cabin is ready immediately.
Most cruise lines allow one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+) in carry-on luggage only. Beer, spirits, and additional bottles will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Corkage fees apply if consumed in dining rooms.
The ideal months are May-June and September-October when temperatures are mild (70s-80s) and hurricane risk is lower. July-August offers warm beach weather but higher prices and humidity. November-April can be cooler with rougher seas.
For a 3-day cruise, budget $200-$500 per person beyond the cruise fare: $100-$200 for gratuities, $50-$150 for drinks, $50-$200 for excursions, and optional spending on souvenirs, specialty dining, or spa services.
Cruise ships will alter itineraries to avoid storms, potentially changing ports or adding sea days. In extreme cases, departures may be delayed. Travel insurance is recommended to cover weather-related disruptions.
Compare prices across all major cruise lines for the best 2025 deals
