Located inland, on an arm of the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is a unique port-of-call offering something for everyone. Founded in 1729 and named for Lord Baltimore, the City played a major role in American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It is home to Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key penned the National Anthem and, at one point, it was the second leading port of entry for immigrants into the country. As a result, many of Baltimore's neighborhoods retain an ethnic feel.

The Inner Harbor, with it's many attractions, shopping and restaurants is a great place to begin exploring the city. Often called "Charm City", each visit to an attraction or neighborhood is like collecting charms for a bracelet. It's easy to explore the parts of the city that radiate out from the harbor's basin. From the top Federal Hill to the south, to Mount Vernon to the north, and Harbor East, Little Italy, Fells Point and Canton to the east, visitors can experience the many flavors of this exciting city.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have ships that berth at the Baltimore Cruise Terminal. The Carnival Pride visits Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos on sailings from Port of Baltimore. The Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas visits Bermuda, the Bahamas, and most all of the Caribbean on sailings from Port of Baltimore. American Cruise Line, a popular river cruise company, also has three ships (American Glory, American Star, Independance) that operate out of the Port of Baltimore

Facts

Where is the cruise port?

The Port of Baltimore has its Cruise Terminal located at South Locust Point, 2001 East McComas Street, Baltimore, MD 21230(see map).

What language is spoken in Baltimore? Do they speak English?

English is the official language.

What is the time zone in Baltimore?

Baltimore is on Eastern Standard Time (-5 GMT).

Current Time - Baltimore, MD, USA

Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Thurgood Marshall Airport located 11 miles southwest of the Baltimore Cruise Terminal (see map), and some downtown hotels are the most accessible locations to the Port of Baltimore.

• Banks closest to Port: 

  There are a variety of banks located within a mile of the port. East Bay Street, Broad Street, and Meeting Street offer accessible options, below are a few:

  • M&T Bank, located at 857 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230-5117, is little more than a mile northwest of the port (see map).
  • Bank of America, located at 1440 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, little more than a mile northwest of the port (see map).
  • Wells Fargo Bank, located at 879 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, is a mile and a half northwest of the port (see map.)
• ATMs closest to Port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city, at the banks mentioned above and in the cruise terminal.

Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If the U.S. is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald’s locations in the area. There are also several hotels in Baltimore that offer a small business center or couple of computers with Internet access for hotel guests in case you did not bring your own computer.

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

Weather

The appeal of Baltimore's weather is the change of seasons. A popular expression in the mid-Atlantic city is, "If you don't like the weather, stick around, it will change soon." Hot and humid summers give way to cool days and glorious autumn hues; and while the chilly winters usually include a few brilliant snowstorms, residents welcome the warmth of spring as the city comes alive with a colorful pallet of flowers and new life.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall

Getting Around Baltimore

Walking

Baltimore is a walkable city, but residents and visitors alike also take advantage of the efficient Water Taxi and the Charm City Circulator.

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout the city and will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Taxi metered rates are pretty much consistent with most major metro areas. Flat rates exist for transportation from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and the Baltimore Cruise Terminal, as well as, between BWI and Downtown Baltimore ($30 each).

Water Taxis

Operating year-round in the Inner Harbor and beyond, the Water Taxi offers affordable transportation to more than 15 sights around the Baltimore Harbor as well as great views of the city. A one-day pass allows riders to hop on and off the taxi for only $10.

Public Transportation

The free, frequent and friendly Charm City Circulator buses are a great transportation option by land, around the Inner Harbor and into the charming downtown and midtown neighborhoods that put the charm in "Charm City". Buses operating on the three color-coded routes run until 8 p.m. during the week and midnight on weekends.

Car Rentals

All major rental car companies are represented in Baltimore. Best bet is to reserve your vehicle before you leave home. You will get better rates online and a shuttle will be able to take you to your car from the airport.

Cruise Port to Airport

What is the best way to travel between the Baltimore cruise port and the airport?

Passengers have several options for reaching the Inner Harbor from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport. Choose an 11-mile taxi ride ($30 flat fee) to the Inner Harbor or opt for the Light Rail, which delivers passengers to the city for under $2. The BWI Light Rail stop is on the Lower Level of the Terminal building adjacent to Concourse E. From the Light Rail stop at the Convention Center it’s only a two-block walk to the Inner Harbor

If you are traveling directly from BWI to the Baltimore Cruise Terminal look for the GO Airport Shuttle; and for door-to-door transportation between the Cruise Terminal and the Inner Harbor, passengers should plan on taking a quick 3.5-mile taxi ride, as there is no public transportation.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the cruise port?

There are several hotels in the Downtown Baltimore, Baltimore International Airport and near the Port of Baltimore area that are more than adequate for one, two or several night's stay before and/or after your cruise. Below are a few different options depending on your needs:

• If you are driving from out of town to Baltimore for your cruise:

  Harbor Magic Hotels include the Admiral Fell Inn, located at 888 South Broadway, Baltimore MD 21231, a 4 mile drive north of the cruise terminal (see map), offers the "Stay and Cruise" package. This package offers valet parking for up to 8 days while you are on your cruise, transportation to and from the Port of Baltimore, a $25 Dining Certificate good at more than 6 different area restaurants and deluxe overnight accommodations at The Admiral Fell Inn.

• If you are flying to Baltimore for your cruise:

  

  Best Western Plus Hotel & Conference Center, located at 5625 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD 21224-4630, just 4.6 miles northwest of the cruise terminal (see map), offers a similar package. The Best Western also offers free WiFi and a 24/7 business center, and is generally priced lower than The Admiral Fell Inn.

• For a hotel close to Baltimore attractions:

  The Hyatt Regency, one of more than 15 brand name and boutique hotels in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area, is one of the original businesses responsible for the city's renaissance. Located at 300 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, less than 4 miles northwest of the cruise terminal (see map) The Hyatt Regency offers striking views of the harbor and only steps away from shopping, restaurants, historic sights, the Science Center and Aquarium and two professional sports stadiums.

Food & Drink

What are the must-eats in Baltimore?

When it comes to cuisine, nothing says Baltimore like crabs. Blue crabs steamed in Old Bay seasoning are a Baltimore tradition. Many restaurants offer crab cakes and bubbly hot crab dip, but for a truly authentic experience, visit Phillips Seafood in the Power Plant on the Inner Harbor or Bo Brooks on the water in Canton where adventurous diners can be found picking the sweet meat from a pile of crustaceans sitting in the center of the table.

What are the must-drinks in Baltimore?

Baltimore, a blue-collar town, likes its beer. The original home of National Bohemian Beer, otherwise known as "Natty Boh", beer drinkers now enjoy a variety of locally brewed beers served around town. The most popular is the Belgian-style Resurrection Ale. Crafted at The Brewers Art, a midtown restaurant and brewpub, it is also available in area pubs.

For those who enjoy something a little stronger, consider the Black-Eyed Susan. Named for the state flower, this concoction of vodka, whiskey, sweet and sour mix, and orange juice, is the official drink of the Preakness, the second jewel of horseracing's Triple Crown.

Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Baltimore? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Baltimore souvenirs under $25 usually come two categories, those that are crab-related and those reminiscent of the "Hon" culture (pronounced like short for Honey) of the city. Shops in the Harborplace pavilions that line the Inner Harbor promenade are well-stocked with everything from crab shaped magnets and "Don't Bother Me, I'm Crabby" t-shirts, to cat-eyed sun glasses favored by the beehive hair-doed "hons" of yesteryear.

$25-$75

Football fans can find a variety of purple and black attire and collectables promoting the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The fierce looking mascot is homage to hometown hero Edgar Allen Poe, famous for his poem The Raven.

Over $75

Brassworks, a Baltimore institution located in historic Fells Point, is filled with fine marine, nautical and weather instruments reminiscent of Baltimore's seafaring history. An authentic hand turned brass ship's bell with a hand knotted lanyard is available for around $100.

Attractions

What are the must-sees in Baltimore? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Baltimore's Inner Harbor is an attraction unto itself. Along the brick waterfront promenade that runs around the harbor basin you will find plenty of ways to be entertained. Catch a volleyball game on Rash Field at the foot of Federal Hill, visit the Science Center, become mesmerized by the playful dancing fountain, take a tour on a sight seeing boat, watch street performers in the amphitheatre or rent a paddle boat and head out on the water.
• Maritime history buffs will be attracted to Historic Ships in Baltimore. Considered one of the most impressive collections of military vessels in the world, the group of boats located on Piers 1-5 in the Inner Harbor includes the USS Frigate Constellation, a submarine from World War II, a US Coast Guard Cutter, and a lightship. Tour just one or all of these authentic ships for a peek into what life was like aboard these vessels when they were in their prime.
• 

  One of the city's most popular harbor side attractions is the National Aquarium in Baltimore. With a mission of inspiring people to enjoy, respect, and protect the aquatic world, the Aquarium's exhibits and collection of marine life is both exciting and entertaining. From the scary shark tank and the thrilling dolphin show to a display on the invasion of jellyfish, visitors will gain an understanding of the role these creatures play in our waters.

• 

  Further out in the Baltimore Harbor on a point jutting into the Patapsco River is Fort McHenry. Now a National Park and Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry played a key role in protecting the city from the British attack during the War of 1812 and served as the inspiration for Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner." Make your first stop the visitor's center for a short presentation on the history of the Fort. Accessible by bus or the Water Taxi, the park grounds are a great place for a picnic.

Beaches

Despite Baltimore's maritime history and reputation as a key East Coast port, you will not find this is a beach town. There are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing and enjoying life on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, but sand and surf are not among them.

Shopping

Serving as an anchor in the Inner Harbor basin, the two Harborplace pavilions have the feel of a marketplace filled with both nationally known stores and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. It's sister shopping center The Gallery at Harborplace is home to more upscale shops.

The Harbor East is one of Baltimore's hottest new shopping areas. Restaurants and boutiques line the streets along the harbor offering shoppers a variety of options. Venture several blocks east along the water to reach Fells Point. Visitors to this neighborhood can easily spend the day in the shops along the cobblestone Thames Street as well as in the Broadway Market, the heart of the neighborhood.

Golf

There are several notable public golf courses in Baltimore City. The Mount Pleasant Golf Course offers a rolling terrain and is tournament tested. Clifton Park Golf Course, Baltimore's first public golf courses, built on the grounds of Johns Hopkins' summer home, is best known for it's putting surfaces. Carroll Park, the closest course to Baltimore's Inner Harbor offers golfers 9 holes and a replay option. Just 10 minutes from downtown it's an easy escape.

Tours

Visitors to the City can relax and learn about Baltimore on a 75 minute Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on this narrated tour highlighting the waterfront attractions. More adventurous visitors may like to try the 2-hour Fells Point Inner City Segway Tour. The Segway safari will take you back in time aboard modern transportation. For a unique taste of Baltimore, consider the Charm City Food Tours it's a great way to visit the neighborhoods and enjoy the cuisine that has put Baltimore on the map.

Other

First-time visitors to Baltimore are usually pleasantly surprised at the variety of things to see and do in the Inner Harbor and beyond. The city is easy to navigate and explore, and like any other major metropolitan area, it is recommended that people travel in groups after dark. While most attractions include a fee, it's possible to simply enjoy the waterfront scenery. During peak travel times, consider making reservations for attractions to avoid waiting in line.