Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Travel Agent Guide to the Port of San Diego
By Nancy Norris

Port Overview:

The Port of San Diego welcomes over 190 cruise ships throughout the year at San Diego's B Street Cruise Ship Terminal at 1140 North Harbor Drive.  The B Street Cruise Ship Terminal is conveniently located in the very heart of thriving, vibrant downtown San Diego, a short distance from countless attractions and is less than 3 miles away from the San Diego International Airport. Taxi service from the airport is about $10, depending on traffic conditions.

Little Italy

Transportation:

For clients that are coming from Los Angeles or North County San Diego, Amtrak is a very efficient and affordable way to get to the port. The downtown San Diego train station is 2 city blocks away from the pier and about a 10 minute walk via a wide sidewalk. If they are carrying a lot of luggage, or just prefer not to walk, they can negotiate for a pedicab or take a short taxi ride from the train station to the cruise terminal.

Parking:

Long term parking is conveniently located for those who choose to drive. There is no parking at the cruise port itself, but Five Star Parking at Lane Field is located directly across the street from the terminal and rates are presently $15 per day. However, for a more affordable option, cruise passengers can park at the Park and Go (2535 Pacific Highway) or Mission Brewery (1765 Hancock Street) for $10 a day. Both locations provide shuttle service to the port and frequently offer internet discount coupons cutting the cost even further.

Downtown San Diego

Pre and Post-Cruise Hotels:

There are countless hotels within a 2 mile radius of the port, many of which are located on the San Diego Bay. From posh resorts to budget conscious and family-oriented to chic and trendy, there is a hotel to fit the needs and financial resources of your clients. With so many properties to choose from, I am providing some information on those “cruise-friendly” hotels that are nearest the San Diego Port. While this is not intended as an endorsement of these hotels, they are properties that have been recommended by cruise passengers and travel agents that have utilized these accommodations.

Holiday Inn on the Bay (1355 North Harbor Drive) is the closest hotel to the cruise ship terminal. Located directly across the street from the cruise port, they provide a complimentary shuttle from the airport and also offer a Park ‘N’ Cruise package allowing guests to park for free. Tip: Request a harbor view room for your clients, and they can watch the cruise ships pull into port from their balcony.

Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown* (1531 Pacific Highway) is only two blocks from the cruise terminal and overlooks the harbor and Star of India. The hotel provides complimentary airport and cruise port shuttle service, as well as transportation to the zoo. The hotel also offers free high-speed internet access and full American buffet breakfast. There is a fee for parking.

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown* (1747 Pacific Highway) is an all suite property located three blocks from the cruise ship terminal overlooking the San Diego Harbor and one block from the Star of India. The hotel offers cruise guests complimentary American buffet breakfast daily, complimentary airport shuttle and cruise shuttle, and free high speed Internet access.

Embassy Suites San Diego Bay* (601 Pacific Highway) is located on the corner of Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive across from Seaport Village and within walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter. They provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and cruise terminal.

*Insiders Tip: Note the above hotels with an asterisk are located on a stretch of Pacific Highway that is very close to the train tracks. At any of these properties, request a room for your clients in the front (bay view) of the hotel to avoid the noise of the trains.

In addition to the above mentioned hotels which are in closest proximity to the port, there are also “cruise-friendly” hotels in the nearby Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town of San Diego. In the Gaslamp Quarter, the Hotel Solamar (a Kimpton boutique hotel) and the Marriott Gaslamp are just two of the properties that come highly recommended by cruisers and travel agents alike. Depending on your clients’ plans for extending their stay and visiting such attractions as Sea World, there are also many hotels a bit further from the port in Mission Bay, Shelter Island and Mission Valley that provide various cruise packages including complimentary parking and shuttle services.

Attractions and Activities:

Known for its 70 miles of beaches and near perfect climate, San Diego is an ideal place to extend a cruise vacation. Whether your clients plan to spend a day or a week exploring this vacation paradise, there are countless activities from which to choose. In fact, there are many sightseeing opportunities within walking distance of the port.

The Star of India on the Embarkadero

Cruise guests can stroll along the bayfront Embarcadero to the Navy Pier for a glimpse of military history at the USS Midway Museum; visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego, including the Star of India (the world’s oldest active sailing ship); admire the fanciful sculpture trees of the Urban Trees exhibit that line the North Embarcadero; walk (or take a pedicab) to Seaport Village, a Victorian-style collection of 60 shops and restaurants and also home to a 19^th century restored carousel; dine at one the signature seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Beyond the sights along the Embarcadero, shoppers can visit Horton Plaza, a 10 minute walk from the cruise terminal. This outdoor shopping experience covers seven city blocks and features more than 140 stores. For a different view, visitors can take a one or two hour harbor tour from one of the excursion companies found north of the cruise terminal on Harbor Drive, or catch the 30 minute ferry ride to Coronado and visit the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Of course, a great way for cruisers to get an overview of San Diego’s top tourist spots is the Old Town Trolley Tour. Cruise ship passengers can conveniently hop aboard at the stop in front the cruise ship terminal and tour at their leisure, getting on and off the trolley as many times as they wish while making one complete loop of the city. One of the highlights of the tour includes a visit to the various neighborhoods within the city, such as Little Italy and Old Town.

For those who plan to spend more than a day in San Diego, Balboa Park is a “must-see” attraction. Just minutes away from downtown San Diego, the nation’s largest urban cultural park is home to 15 major museums, impressive gardens, performing arts venues, numerous restaurants and the world famous San Diego Zoo.  In addition, Balboa Park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as other recreational opportunities. SeaWorld, another popular attraction, is just outside the downtown area in Mission Bay. Occupying 189 acres on Mission Bay Park, visitors can catch a glimpse of Shamu, enjoy amazing animal shows and participate in the many interactive experiences.

For nightlife, visitors can head to the Gaslamp Quarter and choose from a myriad of restaurants and entertainment venues. Of course, it goes without saying that spending some time at one of the beaches that line this magnificent coast is a “must do”. They may even be lucky enough to witness one of the local surfers catch that perfect wave.

Additional Resource:

The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau ( http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Travel ) provides many helpful services and offers support to the travel agent community. They provide complimentary promotional materials, offer FAM tour assistance and travel professional discounts to all legitimate agents. From their portal agents can also take the San Diego Specialist quiz and earn valuable perks and recognition.