Cruises from Los Angeles depart from the Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center, located south of Los Angeles. The cruise port is roughly a 30-minute drive away from the city center, though travel time fluctuates depending on traffic. Overnight parking and passenger shuttles are available at the terminal.

In 2026, cruise ships primarily sail from the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, located about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. This facility (Berths 91–93) is the busiest cruise hub on the U.S. West Coast and serves major lines like Princess, Norwegian, and Holland America. However, there is a second major location nearby: the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, situated right next to the historic Queen Mary. This terminal is used exclusively by Carnival Cruise Line. Additionally, by 2026, the Port of Los Angeles has begun utilizing the Outer Harbor (Berths 45–50) for larger "mega-ships" that require deeper berths and more expansive staging areas. If you are sailing from "LA," it is crucial to check your boarding pass to see if you are in San Pedro or Long Beach, as the two ports are about 15 minutes apart and serve different cruise brands. Most 2026 travelers use the "LA Waterfront" shuttle or ride-share services to navigate between these industrial port zones.